IDENTIFYING
THE INVENTION
To protect an invention, you first need to figure out what was invented. How do you do that? Of course you need to know how the system works, how prior systems worked and then you need to identify the differences. But it’s how the points of distinction are selected, abstracted, and characterized that make the difference between a good patent and a mediocre one.
The team at Invention Mine understands the fundamental aspects of a technology so they can effectively arrive at those meaningful abstractions to capture the invention.
WHERE DOES IT FIT?
How you characterize an invention in a patent claim makes a significant difference as to whether it has any value or not. And knowing where an invention sits within an industry is also critical. At Invention Mine we think strategically about what the inventive aspects are and about where the commercial value resides.
THE TECHNOLOGY
Much of the technology Invention Mine specializes in includes signal processing. We have a deep understanding of the overall characteristics of a communication path and the circuits used to convey data.
GLOBAL REACH
Invention Mine's client base spans the globe. From China to the EU, our staff understands the procedures and laws applied in different regions so your patent remains consistent across multiple jurisdictions. This is critical in minimizing the costs of developing an international portfolio.
THE CULTURE
At Invention Mine we pride ourselves on having an open, collaborative environment. Mentoring younger attorneys and helping them become better patent attorneys and agents is one of our most important goals. This spirit of sharing and collaboration results in far better work for our clients and also equips us to become better problem solvers, learners and innovators in an ever changing, global economy.
STAFF
BOB IRVINE
Founder
Bob is a patent attorney specializing in complex electrical engineering patent prosecution. He is experienced in patent portfolio development via mining existing applications, and drafting new patent
applications. Bob led the internal patent prosecution team at a multi-billion dollar wireless telecom technology development company. He was also a partner at a large Chicago-based IP boutique. Prior to law school, he worked as a research engineer in the Motorola Corporate Research Labs, and served in the signal corps in the US Army.
Education
Bob attended the University of Illinois where he obtained a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering, and Northwestern University School of Law.
LEGAL TEAM
JEFF STECK
Jeff is a patent attorney specializing on patents relating to semiconductors, telecommunications, and business methods. Prior to joining Invention Mine, Jeff was a partner at a large IP boutique.
Education
Jeff attended the University of Chicago where he received a BA in Physics, and University of California Berkeley School of Law.
CHRIS AGNEW
Chris is a patent attorney with 15 years of experience as in-house counsel and in private law firm practice. He has been Chief IP Counsel for two international companies, managing patent litigation, patent prosecution, IP licensing, and all aspects of IP. Chris has led an electrical engineering and software patent prosecution group as a Partner at a general practice firm.
Education
Chris has a J.D. from Stanford University Law School and has four degrees from the University of Rochester, including an M.S. and B.S. in Electrical Engineering.
CHARLIE GREEN
Charlie is a patent attorney specializing in software, electrical engineering, and telecommunications patent prosecution. Prior to Invention Mine, Charlie was an engineer writing firmware/embedded software and designing hardware for Motorola and General Dynamics.
Education
Charlie has a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan and a law degree from John Marshall Law School.
JOANNA SKYLES
Joanna is a patent attorney with a focus on patent prosecution related to electric, electronic, and telecommunications technologies. Prior to becoming an attorney, Joanna worked as a patent agent in both law firm and in-house settings. Joanna was also a radio frequency (RF) engineer for a major wireless communications company prior to transitioning to the intellectual property field.
Education
Joanna obtained her BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, her MS in Electrical Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology, and her JD from DePaul University College of Law.
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
ANDREA CRUZ
Andrea serves as our operations manager, active in various facets of firm processes, including accounting, human resources, renewal coordination and overseeing our paralegal department.
Education
Andrea has an Administrative Assistant Certificate from Moraine Valley Community College
REBECCA CRUZ
Rebecca serves as a paralegal specializing in U.S. and foreign patent prosecution docketing. She provides support with document processing and preparation, thriving in highly-transactional environments with a keen attention to detail.
Education
Rebecca has nearly completed an A.A. degree from Moraine Valley Community College.
CONTACT
Invention Mine
OUR ADDRESS
115 E. Ogden Ave., Suite 105-348, Naperville, IL 60563
Email: info AT inventionmine.com
Tel: 312.585.7909
For any general inquiries, please use the following contact form:
