Christopher A. Rothe

Chris has practiced intellectual property law since 2000, devoting his practice to patent prosecution, IP risk management, trademark/trade dress protection and copyright protection.  In the course of his career, Chris has advised fortune 500 companies, startup companies, and universities on issues involving IP strategic planning, IP licensing, IP portfolio management and risk avoidance.  On the patent side, Chris has prepared and prosecuted patent applications in the United States and internationally in the mechanical, electromechanical and biomedical arts, with emphasis in following technology and produce spaces:

• Surgical / Electrosurgical Instruments
• Spinal / Orthopedic Implants
• Safety Needles / Sharps Disposal
• Sterilization Containers and Trays
• Catheter Insertion Aids
• Dialysis Machines
• Infusion Pumps
• Healthcare Products
• Bulk Storage and Transport Products
• Latches, Hinges and Security Locks

Regardless of a client’s circumstances, Chris follows the same approach in his practice. This approach includes understanding the client’s business objectives, discussing the client’s expectations, and selecting the best strategy to satisfy those expectations. Chris is accustomed to breaking down complex intellectual property issues to individuals with various backgrounds, including company presidents, general counsels, R&D directors, marketing directors, engineers, scientists, medical doctors, entrepreneurs and students.

Selected Presentations & Publications

• Speaker, Seminar on European and U.S. Intellectual Property Issues, hosted by the law firm of Winter Brandl Fürniss Hübner Röss Kaiser Polte Partnerschaft mbB, Munich, Germany – September 28, 2018.
• Panelist, “Partnering in Patents – Mechanical Practice Technology”, United States Patent and Trademark Office – July 13, 2016
• Panelist, Post-Conference Master Class, “Obviousness Issues in Medical Device Litigation and Patent Prosecution”, American Conference Institute’s 4th Advanced Summit on Medical Device Patents, Chicago, IL – March 24-26, 2014
• Co-presenter, “Practical Patent Prosecution Training for New Lawyers”,   American Intellectual Property Law Association Seminar, Alexandria, VA – August 25, 2011.
• Author, “The Federal Anti-Kickback Statute: What it is and what it could mean for consulting agreements involving intellectual property” MassDevice.com – May 19, 2011.
• Panelist, “Medical Device Voice-of-MarketTM Forum” moderated by Paragon Development, Inc., discussing business trends and opportunities in medical device industry – November 18, 2010.
• Co-presenter, “Intellectual Property” with Ming-Shih Huang, College of Engineering, at NCIAA Invention to Venture Conference, Pennsylvania State University – November 13, 2010.
• Co-presenter, “IP Fundamentals for the Business Lawyer”, Chester County (PA) Bench Bar Conference – April 16, 2010.
• Judge, IdeaPitch Entrepreneur Competition, hosted by Pennsylvania State University’s Smeal College of Business – April, 2010.
• Presenter, “Intellectual Property Issues for the Entrepreneur”, NCIAA Invention to Venture Conference, Pennsylvania State University – October, 2009.
• Judge, IdeaPitch Entrepreneur Competition, hosted by Pennsylvania State University’s Smeal College of Business – May, 2009.
• Author, “Understanding Patent Issues: Offensive and Defensive Approaches” Structure Magazine – January, 2009.
• Author, “Patents in Structural Engineering”, Structure Magazine – November, 2008.
• Author, “Patent Basics for the Innovative Engineer”, Structure Magazine – September, 2008.
• Author, “One for the Patent Owner: District of Columbia Drug Pricing Law Preempted by Federal Patent Laws”, Legal Intelligencer – October, 2007.
• Author, “Using Patents to Advance the Civil Engineering Profession” – Civil Engineering Magazine – June, 2006.
• Author, “Lemelson Patents Ruled Unenforceable under Prosecution Laches”, Legal Intelligencer – November 2005.
• Panelist, “Intellectual Property Law”, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) International Mechanical Engineering Congress and RD&D Expo, Anaheim, CA –  November, 2004.