Charles H. Humkey

An important aspect of the patent process is developing a plan for what to protect and where to protect it. Chip’s experience in all aspects of patent prosecution gives him the foresight to help clients choose the most appropriate and efficient strategy to maximize patent protection. He has prepared and prosecuted utility and design patents in many countries, giving him knowledge of the different rules and nuances of each jurisdiction’s patent system. He has also strategically filed and prosecuted applications using various methods for expediting examination to obtain patent protection quickly. In the U.S. in particular, Chip has become well-versed in efficiently navigating the patent process by working with examiners to move applications to allowance while protecting inventions from multiple angles. Chip has also argued appeals before Patent Trial and Appeal Board and worked as a clerk at the International Trade Commission’s Office of Unfair Import Investigations. All of this practical experience allows Chip to tailor an approach for each client’s expectations.

Chip has extensive experience conducting patentability studies, providing clients an early understanding of the scope and availability of patent protection for their inventions. These studies dovetail with freedom-to-operate opinions in which Chip provides legal assessments concerning the client's right to use its developed technology. Together with his experience in the patent process, this expertise has proven invaluable to clients in developing strategies to protect their intellectual property while also avoiding costly litigation.

Chip’s background in mechanical engineering and mathematics, and his years of experience working for different clients in different technologies gives him a head start in diving in to all kinds of mechanical arts. Working in an array of fields including medical devices, batteries, semiconductors, and aircraft components gives him the ability to quickly understand even new fields of study so that he can get to the heart of the relevant issues quickly.