Fitch Even is unmatched in developing Intellectual Property (IP) strategies that protect unique materials science innovations at every stage of product or packaging development.
Whether the technology involves polymers, sealants, ceramics, composites, adhesives, or other material usages, we know the right questions to ask in order to prepare strong patent applications that have a high likelihood of being allowed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Offering Legal, Scientific and Engineering Acumen
A materials science innovation may start out as little more than a formula, a list of materials, or a single property such as improved adhesion. In such instances, we help you articulate and shape the product’s characteristics, properties, and advantages that tell a compelling story on why the invention is unique and patentable. Our ability to understand what truly differentiates your inventions comes not only from our strong legal experience but also from our diverse scientific and engineering backgrounds which include:
- chemistry
- molecular biology
- physics
- mechanical engineering
- chemical engineering
This interdisciplinary approach enables us to help clients protect their materials science-related innovations – from the simplest to the most complex.
At the Forefront of Global Nanotechnology Innovations
We bring particular expertise in helping clients engaged in the development, protection, and commercialization of nanotechnology-related inventions. Our team has technical strengths in complex nanotech-related fields, such as optics, microbiology, chemistry, and electrical engineering, and we understand the intricacies of materials manufactured to nanoscale. Fitch Even has played a role in protecting important nanotechnology advances such as for the synthesis of ultra-nanocrystalline diamond film and related applications in:
- industrial seals
- chemical electrodes
- micro-electrical mechanical systems (MEMS)
- flat-panel displays
- medical devices
- cutting tools
- digital circuits
The firm has also handled significant litigation involving an international portfolio of ultra-nanocrystalline diamond film patents, which involved assembling an international panel of experts to address complex issues of patent law, licensing, and economic modeling in numerous countries.
Fitch Even has also defended plasma-polymerized nanocoating patents in inter partes review trial proceedings at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), including successful defense of a judgment of patentability of all claims in a competitor’s appeal to the Federal Circuit.
Case Studies
Client: One of the world’s largest seal companies
Problem: The client’s product development staff developed a seal laminate having a small tab that would make it easier to open the safety seal on sealed containers, but our lawyers recognized that the uniqueness of the tab was subtle.
Solution: We worked with the client’s technical experts to develop an in-depth description of the tab’s layers: what materials were chosen, how and in what order combined, what thickness each layer required, and what chemical properties defined the function of each layer.
Result: This unique innovation in laminate technology secured a patent, thanks to the narrative that Fitch Even developed together with the inventors, giving our client a valuable packaging advantage in both consumer and commercial uses.
