Experienced advising on IP protection
Brian Dutton advises domestic and international clients on U.S. patent prosecution matters. For almost three decades, he has combined technical insight and legal knowledge with practical experience to help clients develop and implement successful patent acquisition and enforcement strategies. Brian is especially experienced in the areas of:
- Electronic circuit design
- Software development
- Authentication
- Biometrics
- Networking and network infrastructures
- Internet of Things (IoT) devices and networks
- Semiconductor processes, devices and fabrication equipment
Brian’s diverse experience as an electrical design engineer, a software developer and a patent examiner enables him to better understand the needs of his clients and how to help them achieve their business objectives. He started his career in various corporate roles as an electrical, software and systems engineer, with responsibilities that included developing software and designing electronic hardware for mainframe computers. Brian then joined the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as a patent examiner, gaining valuable knowledge of U.S. patent practices and procedures.
Experience in Action
- Prosecutes various patent applications, including utility applications and design applications.
- Prepares numerous appellant’s briefs, appearing before the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (BPAI) and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) at the USPTO to successfully argue the patentability of numerous patent applications on appeal.
- Drafts patent applications, prepares legal opinions for various client-related matters and prepares and files numerous petitions with the USPTO.
Professional & Civic Activities
- Panelist on the BPAI Ex Parte Appeals Rules Roundtable held at the USPTO in 2010 to discuss proposed rules modifications in connection with ex parte appeals.
News & Insights
Education
- George Washington University Law School (J.D., 1995)
- Drexel University (B.S., 1981)
- Electrical Engineering
Bar Admissions
- District of Columbia
- Kansas
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit