“I have my great-grandfather’s original patent from 1890 and my father’s registration certificate hanging in my office. They help inspire me!”
John’s interest in law began while serving on active duty in the U.S. Army. The Supreme Court had recently issued its Diamond v. Chakrabarty decision regarding patenting man-altered lifeforms.
“I thought working in patent law would be a good chance to marry my background in biology with my interest in law. I was also influenced by the fact that my great-grandfather and grandfather were inventors, and my father was a patent attorney,” explains John.
John still possesses his great-grandfather’s original patent from 1890, as well as his father’s U.S. Patent Office attorney registration certificate from 1953, which are hanging in his office. They help inspire John as he does his work.
Joining the USPTO after a 30-year patent law career
Originally from Staten Island, New York, John now lives in Plano, Texas. He received his education at Lehigh University as well as the Fordham University School of Law. He worked in patent law for over three decades before joining the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as an Administrative Patent Judge.
“I see it as an opportunity to give back and to continue working in the field I love—with more flexibility than exists in either a law firm or corporate setting,” he explains.
Each day, John reviews one or more cases. Each presents different technical and legal issues.
“This [variety] keeps the work interesting and energizes me, as does the opportunity to interact with my peers, all of whom are very talented,” says John, who also discusses the cases with other judges at the Board as an integral part of his role.
Working together to meet the needs of the inventor community
In keeping with his inventive family tradition, John is a member of the PTAB Inventor Outreach team. The team develops resources, like the Inventor Hour webinar series and the Appeal Brief Template, to help inventors be successful before the USPTO and the Board, in particular.
“Working with my fellow judges and independent inventor groups to develop these resources is very rewarding,” notes John.
In fact, interacting with his fellow judges is the best part of John’s job.
“We have an amazing pool of judges at the Board with a wide range of expertise and talents. I leave every discussion with my fellow judges feeling I’ve learned something. It is also a caring group of individuals. We take a genuine interest in the welfare of our fellow judges. There’s also a strong sense of comradeship among the judges. Our interactions are always professional, yet friendly.”
The environment promotes connection and supports stakeholders.
“The Board has a culture that can best be described as collaborative,” John continues. “We all work together to ensure the public’s needs are met."
Finding community and always learning
John has also found community at America’s Innovation Agency. As an Army veteran, he joined the USPTO Military Association. Additionally, he is hearing impaired and opted to become a member of ResponsAbility, the USPTO’s disability advocacy group.
John suggests others considering a similar career path should remain open to expanding their areas of expertise. “We each hold degrees and have experience in a specific area of technology. Be open to learning. Also, keep up with the changes in the law,” he advises.
What’s John’s mantra for success? “Don’t stop learning!” he shares. “There is always something new to learn. That’s what makes this field so fascinating. The technology and the law constantly change, keeping my mind active and affording me opportunities to grow.”