Intellectual property (“IP”) is a complex and dynamic subject that encompasses patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. IP laws provide those who create new IP, such as technological advances and works of art, with the right to prevent others from using their work without permission. IP law firms help IP creators identify, protect, and enforce their rights. To be a competent IP practitioner, particularly in the area of patent law, requires understanding new technologies across many disciplines, analyzing the technology within a complex framework of laws, and communicating the results of the analysis lucidly. These are the skills of a physicist. In this presentation, I will provide more details about IP law, the career paths it offers, and how someone with a physics background could explore these options.

Kolitch Bio: Shawn Kolitch is one of the founding partners of Kolitch Romano Dascenzo Gates LLC, an IP law firm based in Portland. Shawn received a BS in applied math and an MS in applied physics from Columbia University, and a PhD in physics from UCSB, where he studied gravitational theory and semi-classical quantum gravity. After stints as a professor at Cal Poly SLO, the University of Oregon, and Lewis & Clark College, Shawn developed an interest in IP law, and graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2006. His focus now is on high-level IP protection and enforcement strategies. He has been lead counsel in around 80 federal court IP enforcement actions.

Peterfeso Bio: Jake Peterfeso graduated from Lewis & Clark College in 2021 with an undergraduate degree in physics and a minor in mathematics. Shortly after graduating in 2021, Jake started working at Kolitch Romano Dascenzo Gates LLC as a technology specialist. As a technology specialist, Jake primarily drafts patent applications and USPTO Office action responses. Jake is studying for the patent bar exam in order to become a registered patent agent.