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Patrick Duffy Richards

also known as Patrick Richards
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Avvo Rating10
  • Chicago, IL
  • Licensed for 20 years
  • Free consultation
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About Patrick

Patrick started Richards Patent Law after spending over eight years with McDermott Will & Emery LLP, a large general practice firm in Chicago where he concentrated his practice on patent prosecution, counseling, opinion work and litigation.

As a partner at McDermott, Patrick managed international patent portfolios for several major corporations, as well as a number of small and medium sized businesses. Utilizing his strong technical background, Patrick has experience in all phases of utility, design and PCT patent prosecution in many technical fields, including the areas of mechanical, electrical, computer systems, chemical and financial products technologies.

In addition to his extensive patent prosecution experience, Patrick has counseled numerous clients on matters concerning: patent portfolio acquisition and management; patent portfolio licenses, sales and purchases; joint development agreements; freedom to practice opinions; patentability opinions; non-infringement opinions; and employment and non-compete agreements.

Representative technologies:
- wireless mesh networks
- electro-mechanical control systems
- data security systems
- automated electronic advertising systems
- electrolytic compositions and devices
- plastic packaging and injection molding equipment
- medical and dental devices
- automotive racing technology
- financial services and investments
- musical equipment

Patrick earned a bachelors of science in civil engineering, with honors. He is admitted to practice before the courts of Illinois and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and is registered to practice for the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

 

To speak with an experienced patent and intellectual property attorney, call (312) 283-8555.

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Practice areas

Copyright applicationIntellectual propertyTrademark applicationPatent application
  1. Patent application: 50%

  2. Trademark application: 30%

  3. Intellectual property: 15%

  4. Copyright application: 5%

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1131932 1327383313

1131932 1471749077

1131932 1471749111

Contact

Richards Patent Law

233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL, 60606

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
ILActive And Authorized To Practice Law200006/05/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers7
Legal guides3
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Peer Rated AV PreeminentMartindale-Hubbell2016
Client Rated 5.0 PreeminentMartindale-Hubbell2016
Emerging LawyerLeading Lawyers Network2015
Client Rated 5.0 PreeminentMartindale-Hubbell2015
Peer Rated AV PreeminentMartindale-Hubbell2015
Rising StarSuperLawyers2015
Rising StarSuperLawyers2014
Peer Rated AV PreeminentMartindale-Hubbell2014
Client Rated 5.0 PreeminentMartindale-Hubbell2014
Client Rated 5.0 PreeminentMartindale-Hubbell2013
Peer Rated AV PreeminentMartindale-Hubbell2013
Rising StarSuperLawyers2013
Peer Review Rating AV PreeminentMartindale-Hubbell2012
Client Rated 5.0 PreeminentMartindale-Hubbell2012
Rising StarSuperLawyers2012
Client Rated 5.0 PreeminentMartindale-Hubbell2011
Client Rated 5.0 PreeminentMartindale-Hubbell2010
Client Rated 5.0 PreeminentMartindale-Hubbell2009
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Adjunct ProfessorPritzker Northwestern School of Law2014 - Present
Chief Strategy OfficerResonance Medical, LLC2013 - Present
OwnerRichards Patent Law2009 - Present
PartnerMcDermott Will & Emery2000 - 2008
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
American Intellectual Property Law AssociationMember2016 - Present
Intellectual Property Law Association of ChicagoMember2015 - Present
Chicago Business Lawyers NetworkGroup Lead2011 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationMemberN/A
Illinois State Bar AssociationMemberN/A
Chicago Bar AssociationIntellectual Property Law CommitteeN/A
Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyers SectionIntellectual Property CommitteN/A
Chicago Bar AssociationSolo/Small Firm Practitioners CommitteeN/A
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Richards Patent Law WebsiteDesign Patent Examination at the USPTO More Closely Resembles Registration Than Examination2010
Intellectual Property Rights Guide NewsletterWhat's the Value of Intellectual Property2010
Richards Patent Law WebsitePatent Reform 20102010
Lawserver.comWhat Is a PCT Patent Application?2009
Richards Patent Law WebsiteCan I Patent My Invention?2009
Richards Patent Law WebsiteWhat Type of Patent Application Should I File?2009
Richards Patent Law WebsiteWhat are the Stages of the Patent Process?2009
Richards Patent Law WebsiteHow Much Does a Patent Cost?2009
IP UpdateCompliance with License Agreement Obviates Any Reasonable Apprehension of Lawsuit2005
IP UpdatePatents Invalidated By Expansive Literal Claim Scope2005
IP UpdateClaims Are Definite When Understood by One of Ordinary Skill2005
IP UpdateNo Source Code, No Copying2004
IP UpdatePatentee Must Sell At Least One Item to Claim Lost Profits2004
IP UpdateClaim Term’s Plain and Ordinary Meaning Controls Unless Expressly Narrowed by Intrinsic Evidence2003
Mass High Tech: The Journal of New England TechnologyMake Protecting Your Inventions Globally a Priority2003
IP UpdatePatentee Must Offer Factual Support for Equivalents to Survive Summary Judgment2001
2001 Biotech Law and Litigation SummitLegal Implications for Patent Genomics and Proteomics: A Closer Look at the Differences Between the United States and the United Kingdom2001
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of Virginia School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2000
University of Illinois, Urbana-ChampaignBS - Bachelor of Science1997
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Northwestern University - McCormick School of Engineering and Applied ScienceIP Q&A Session2013
Communication Law & Ethics at DePaul UniversityIntellectual Property in Communications2013
CBA Media & Entertainment Committee Meeting3D Printing and Intellectual Property2013
1871Ounces of Prevention: Opportunities to protect your early stage business and create a solid foundation for growth2013
Notre Dame Law SchoolPatent Law after the AIA2012
Northwestern University - McCormick School of Engineering and Applied ScienceIP Q&A Session2012
Entrepreneurs Unplugged Startup Law SummitIP Roundtable Discussion2012
Notre Dame Law SchoolPatent Analysis for Industrial Designs2011
Northwestern University - McCormick School of Engineering and Applied ScienceIP Q&A Session2011
Columbia College ChicagoSports Related Patents2011
ITA Legal Advisory RoundtableIntellectual Property in New Product Development2010
ITA Legal Advisory RoundtableProtecting Intellectual Property: Understanding Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights2010
DePaul’s Kellstadt Graduate School of BusinessPatent Law for Startups2010
McDermott IP PresentationBusiness Method Patents2005
Univeristy of Illinois Chicago Engineering SocietyCareers in Intellectual Property Law2003
Saint Louis University School of LawLife as a Patent Attorney2002
Presentation to the Illinois Paralegal AssociationWhat a Patent Attorney Needs from a Patent Paralegal2001
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
LSI Industries, Inc. v. ImagePoint Inc.
Mahurkar v. C.R. Bard, Inc.
The Chamberlain Group, Inc. v. Interlogix, Inc.

Reviews

(7)
5 Star
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Review Patrick Richards

Patent and Trademarking Services

Posted by

Patrick is one of the most responsive professionals we have ever worked with. His team works around the clock to meet deadlines and their profound knowledge of law greatly helps our team find direction and answers. Patrick was also kind enough to share recommendations of other attorneys in his network when we required services outside of his expertise. We highly recommend reaching out to Richards Patent law for your legal needs.

Use Patrick Richards for all of your IP needs

Posted by

I found Patrick after working with a few large, downtown law firms. When you engage a large firm as a small company on a budget, you usually receive junior advice but still at large firm rates. Patrick, on the other hand, provides senior/partner-level advice at very reasonable rates. But it goes way beyond the dollars. His willingness to help a small business is very apparent from the first time you speak with him. He takes a real interest in your business and project and spends time getting to know your needs and goals. Patrick will look at all angles of a project and always provides sound, practical advice...and always keeps the project's budget in mind. Patrick's accessibility and response time are great. I strongly recommend him for any business's IP needs. His methodical approach to the patent and trademark process, while always keeping budget in mind, are particularly appealing to entrepreneurial ventures and small businesses.

I feel extremely fortunate to have come across Patrick as early as I did

Posted by

I feel extremely fortunate to have come across Patrick as early as I did in my search for a patent attorney. From the initial meeting I received a sense that Patrick had a very personal approach to working with his clients and was not looking at simply obtaining another client from whom he could extract business. Given that style, in addition to his tremendous experience, I felt extremely comfortable listening to Patrick’s thoughts and recommendations w/ respect to my ideas, albeit not all of which I was happy to hear at first. In the end I truly believe his guidance helped me save a substantial amount of time, not to mention money, in helping to refine my overly broad concepts into those which are truly valuable and protectable. In addition, I have been able to lean on Patrick’s expertise in other business/legal areas to help negotiate a lucrative agreement not related to our business together. I will definitely continue to use Patrick for all of my IP related needs and will recommend others to consider him as well.

Knowledgeable, trustworthy, reliable patent lawyer

Posted by

Attempting to put into words the passion, integrity, commitment and knowledge demonstrated by Patrick does not do justice to the superb work and guidance that he has shown me and my partner throughout our journey, from the patent filing process to the steep learning curve of bringing a medical device to market. Patrick is an unending source of support, resources and intellect coupled with a constant enthusiasm and drive to succeed. I feel honored to have Patrick as our patent lawyer and am ever-grateful of his dedication to our goals. From the onset, Patrick makes your journey his own and completes every milestone, both joyous and difficult, with you. His genuine persona fosters mutual trust and respect among all stakeholders, thus driving the success of any project. I would recommend Patrick’s services to any individual searching for a dedicated, resourceful and trustful patent lawyer. And I remain truly thankful that I can depend on Patrick for all of my IP needs.

He's the best

Posted by

Please note that Patrick has not asked me to write this recommendation; nor have I written many at all in total. I am doing so on my own because I am so happy with Patrick and his work. I started working w/ Patrick a year ago, and have been working with him consistently ever since. When you hire Patrick to help you file your patent(s), you end up finding out that you've also got someone who, without asking, helps you develop a strategic long-term plan for your intellectual property portfolio. If you are not a large business, you also find that Patrick provides direction you didn't know you needed to search for. Patrick is capable of deep critical thinking in areas outside of legal, and you will be impressed with how quickly he understands the material you need to protect. Patrick is able to provide creative insights which can serve as inspiration to your future product development. When I have an important question on anything, I know Patrick is a great person to talk to, and if he doesn't have my answer, he knows the person that does. For your legal needs, you can consider Patrick one of the most important contacts you will ever need.

Excellent Patent Attorney

Posted by

When I decided that it was time to file my patent, I chose to consult Patrick first because his website articulated the vision of what I wanted my ideal patent attorney to be. As an outsider to the world of intellectual property, I had no other basis on which to make that decision. To my delight, he was able to assimilate the complex mechanical and anatomic details of my medical device during our initial consultation. Now a year and a half later I can further say that Patrick's drive, integrity, and passion for his craft are evident in every interaction that I have had with him - without exception. I have had the opportunity to network with a number of Patrick's other clients since I filed with him, and whether they are newbie's like myself or seasoned businessmen, we all have the same admiration of Patrick's approach to our unique problems. What makes Patrick special is that he combines creativity and enthusiasm with a knowledge of the world of IP that is as detailed as it is vast. If this is your first time filing a patent, I can assure you that this journey will be both difficult and exhilarating, but Patrick will be there for you every step of the way. If this is your 50th patent, Patrick will suggest practical improvements to your IP strategy that will make you wish that you had hired him earlier. There is simply no better person to take your next big idea to.

Highly recommend

Posted by

As a startup company on a limited budget, we turned to Patrick to help us understand and pursue a complex intellectual property portfolio consisting of over a dozen patent applications that we intended to license from another entity. Patrick helped clarify the purpose of each application and explained the ongoing prosecution of several of the applications. Patrick also advised us on the applicability of several competing pieces of intellectual property. This knowledge strengthened our position and allowed us to successfully negotiate a license agreement that both we as the licensee and the licensor were happy with. Patrick's efficient work kept our costs down and he was always accessible by phone or email. Patrick also made it a point to work with us in person on several occasions to ensure we had the guidance we needed. As our company continues to work with complex intellectual property issues we will continue to seek Patrick’s guidance. We highly recommend Patrick Richards to anyone in need of an intellectual property attorney.

Attorney endorsements

(4)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Jeffrey Moisan, Intellectual property Attorney on Oct 14, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Natalie Remien, Patent application Attorney on Apr 6, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Patrick is an excellent lawyer. Detail-oriented, responsive and friendly, Patrick is the "go-to" resource for high quality patent work. Patrck's high integrity and knowledge and expertise in his field makes him an asset to the profession.

Stephen Scherrer, Intellectual property Attorney on Aug 3, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly endorse Patrick's work. I worked with Patrick for almost ten years when we were both attorneys at McDermott Will & Emery. Patrick has a sharp mind for intellectual property law. He handled many patent application projects with superb technical ability. He is also very personable, and has a great ability to communicate effectively complex intellectual property law matters to clients.

Scott Andresen, Patent application Attorney on Jun 20, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Patrick is an attorney who "gets it." He is the rare combination of professional expertise and pedigree who also understands that "running the clock" on clients is to be avoided in favor of developing long-lasting relationships. When it comes to patent referrals, Patrick is my guy.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates $400-$500/hour
  • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs30 minutes
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  • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.Always
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