Now in a suburb of Dallas, Texas, practicing as Elman IP, until recently I was the principal of Elman Technology Law, P.C., near Philadelphia,. Pennsylvania. A registered patent attorney and member of the Bar in New York and Pennsylvania, my practice is devoted to federal intellectual property matters. I subscribe to the motto: "Strategic Lawyering. Cultivating Innovation." I take pride in the personal service I provide to each of my clients.
I grew up on the north side of Chicago and studied physical sciences at the University of Chicago.
When I worked on my master's degree thesis in chemistry at Stanford, digital computers were first starting to be used in that field, and there I was at the dawning of Silicon Valley, using a cardpunch to program a Burroughs mainframe computer in Algol. I've kept in touch with Silicon Valley by serving on the advisory board of the Santa Clara High Technology Law Journal and as webmaster for the local Stanford alumni club in the Philadelphia area.
I've been using online communication since way before the Internet was opened to the public. In 1982 I started with MCI Mail, CompuServe and GEnie, as well as numerous individual online BBS's. On CompuServe, I have been a SysOp of the Ideas, Inventions & Innovations Forum. I was one of the first online faculty members at an emerging academic institution called the University of Phoenix. There I taught a course on Intellectual Property Management.
I have been hired as an expert witness for various cases involving intellectual property issues, and since 1982 I have been the founding editor of Biotechnology Law Report. For even more information about my background, see my profile at www.elman.com.
In one of the photos on this site, you'll see me holding my first grandson, Elijah Suraj, born in Hawaii in February 2008. In June 2011, two more grandsons arrived.
Practice areas
Gerry has prosecuted patent applications for such varied inventions as an astronaut's toilet, antimicrobial wound dressings, exercise devices, a maternity undergarment, genetic sequences for a vaccine, services provided via the Internet, computer multi-drive systems, etc.
55 years
Gerry has served on the editorial board of The Trademark Reporter, a publication of the International Trademark Association.
55 years
Gerry files copyright applications using the new electronic filing system of the U.S. Copyright Office.
40 years
Intellectual property embraces patent, trademark and copyright work. Gerry has been an active practitioner in each of these areas.
55 years
Gerry advises on patent infringement issues and litigates such cases.
Gerry litigates cases of trademark infringement.
Gerry litigates cases of copyright infringement.
Gerry has presented talks on licensing at two meetings of the Licensing Executives Society and at three conferences on Complex Licensing sponsored by Law Seminars International.
40 years
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
PA | Active | 1969 | 03/15/2022 |
NY | Currently registered | 1967 | 02/24/2022 |
Legal answers | 800 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2017 for Technology Law | Best Lawyers® | 2017 |
Stanford Associates | Stanford University Alumni Association | 2013 |
Listed in Pennsylvania SuperLawyers for IP Practice since 2012 | SuperLawyers | 2012 |
Profiled in each edition of Who's Who in America since 1988 | Marquis Who's Who | 1988 |
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 1983 |
National Merit Scholarship | National Merit Scholarship Corporation | 1959 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney at Law and Patent Attorney | Elman Technology Law, P.C. | 1988 - Present |
Attorney at Law and Patent Attorney | Elman Associates | 1982 - 1988 |
Trial Attorney | Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice | 1975 - 1982 |
Deputy Attorney General | Pennsylvania Department of Justice | 1972 - 1976 |
Attorney, Patent Department | Rohm and Haas Company | 1968 - 1972 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Cloud Security Alliance, Delaware Valley Chapter | Board Member | 2017 - Present |
TriState.IoT Meetup Group | Co-Organizer | 2016 - Present |
American Innovators for Patent Reform | Law Firm Member | 2009 - Present |
Stanford Club of Philadelphia | Webmaster and Board Member | 2003 - Present |
World Technology Network | Member/Nominator | 2001 - Present |
Benjamin Franklin American Inn of Court | Member (Master level) - past Webmaster & member Bd. of Governors | 1992 - Present |
Delaware County Bar Association | Active Member | 1989 - Present |
American Bar Association, Science and Technology Law Section | Active Member | 1982 - Present |
American Intellectual Property Law Association, Biotechnology Committee | Active Member | 1982 - Present |
American Intellectual Property Law Association, Electronic and Computer Law Committee | Active Member | 1982 - Present |
Licensing Executives Society | Active Member | 1982 - Present |
American Bar Association, Antitrust Law Section | Active Member | 1972 - Present |
Philadelphia Intellectual Property Law Association (PIPLA) | Member, past member of Board of Governors 7/2011-6/2013 | 1968 - Present |
American Bar Association, Intellectual Property Law Section | Active Member | 1967 - Present |
Vistage Trusted Advisors Roundtable | Active Member | 2006 - 2012 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
LinkedIn Pulse | Don't Let a Defective Provisional Sink Your Patent | 2015 |
Biotechnology Entrepreneurship (C. Shimasaki, ed., Academic Press) | Intellectual Property Protection Strategies for Biotechnology Innovation | 2014 |
Biotechnology Law Report | 30 Years of Biotechnology Law Report: A Personal Reflection | 2012 |
GEN: Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News | Highlighting the Course of Biotech Law | 2011 |
GEN: Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News | Watson, come here ... you're needed at the PTO | 2011 |
GEN: Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News | Watson, the PTO Needs You | 2011 |
GEN: Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News | ACLU lawyers face off against the U.S. patent office and Myriad Genetics | 2010 |
Biotechnology Law Report | Getting Beyond the ACLU and Public Patent Foundation's Anti-Gene-Patent Grandstanding | 2010 |
Biotechnology Law Report | What Subject Matter is Patentable? Reading Myriad Genetics while waiting for Bilski. Why is this molecule different from all other molecules? | 2010 |
Biotechnology Law Report | Automated Patent Examination Support--A Proposal | 2007 |
New York Times | Playing Detective in a Patent Case, by Brent Bowers | 2007 |
Information Week | Microsoft Plots Defense: Antitrust trial reveals Netscape message; judge orders access to sales database, by Stuart J. Johnston | 1998 |
Biotechnology Law Report | Founding Editor since 1982 | 1982 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Columbia University School of Law | Juris Doctor | 1967 |
Stanford University | Master of Science | 1964 |
University of Chicago | Bachelor of Science | 1963 |
Temple University | N/A |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
TriState.IoT December Meeting | Privacy and Security for the Internet of Things | 2016 |
Philly TPNG September Meeting | Cybersecurity Technical and Legal Challenges (You Can’t Just “Check the Box”) | 2016 |
Delaware County Bar Association CLE | Cybersecurity Ethical and Legal Challenges: How to Protect Your Clients and Your Firm | 2016 |
Cyber Security Litigation | Minimizing Your Risk | 2016 |
Intellectual Property Committee Meeting | Cybersecurity for Lawyers and Clients How to keep your firm and your clients safe in a world of digital threats | 2015 |
IT Expert Series - Data Security Summit | Are You Legally Prepared for the Coming Cyber War? | 2011 |
Pennsylvania Intellectual Property Forum | Why is this molecule different from all other molecules? | 2010 |
Enhance Your Business With Links and Friends: Online Social Media and You | Intro to Online Social Media and Using Facebook for Your Business | 2010 |
World Technology Summit 2009 | Where's my Free Legal Advice? | 2009 |
January 2009 Meeting | Upcoming Legislation Affecting the US PTO | 2009 |
2008 Conference on Mastering Complex IP Licensing | Avoiding Problems Arising from Licensing With Troubled Companies | 2008 |
2007 Conference on Mastering Complex IP Licensing | Avoiding Problems Arising from Licensing With Troubled Companies | 2007 |
2006 Conference on Mastering Complex IP Licensing | Avoiding Problems Arising from Licensing With Troubled Companies | 2006 |
The Comprehensive Workshop on Mastering Complex IP Licensing | The Intersection of Antitrust Law and Intellectual Property Protection | 2005 |
Breakfast Meeting on the CREATE Act | Outline of the CREATE Act amendments to patent law | 2005 |
TRANSACT 1999 | The Electronic Handshake: e-Signatures in e-Commerce | 1999 |
Intellectual Property in the Year 2000 | Biotechnology and Computer Software: The Patent System Responds to Exploding Technologies | 1997 |
First Annual Conference on Mammalian Cloning | Mammalian Cloning: Crosscurrents in the Patent System | 1997 |
LES Annual Meeting (San Diego) | Issues in Licensing Technology | 1995 |
LES Eastern Regional Meeting | Issues in Patenting Biotechnology Inventions | 1990 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Symantec v. Computer Associates Int'l and Richard B. Levin | CAFC affirmed district court decision. |
Symantec v. Computer Associates | Dismissed, then appealed to CAFC |
Scogna v. Allen | Settled, by mediation via Kevin Casey, Esq. |
Ed Marco v. Accent Publishing Co., Inc. | Third Circuit decision in favor of our client. |
Coston & Gai v. Dr Pepper/Seven Up Co., Product Movers, et al. | Dismissed on summary judgment. |
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August 6, 2009
Thomas McLain, Licensing Attorney on Oct 21, 2008
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Gerry is a recognized expert in intellectual property matters. He handled the IP issues in an acquistion being done my our mutual client, a company from Belgium. I can state from experience that he takes a practical approach to matters, has a high level of knowledge and skill, and is a pleasure to work with.
Charles Kramer, Licensing Attorney on Jun 6, 2008
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Gerry J. Elman is a well known brilliant attorney who understands how changes in technology affect changes in the law, and visa versa. He provides practical advice for complex times. He is also convivial and a pleasure to work with. I happily endorse his work.
Hubert Pfabe, Intellectual property Attorney on Jul 17, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Attorney Elman. His responses on Avvo have been on target and presented in a helpful fashion.
Walter Tencza, Patent application Attorney on Jun 1, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Hovanes Margarian, Unknown Attorney on Nov 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Christian Lassen, Unknown Attorney on May 21, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.
Gregg Zegarelli, Business Attorney on May 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Gary Brod, Internet Attorney on Apr 26, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer and his office. Jerry is exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced. He takes the time to communicate clearly and concisely on complex issues with a view to a pragmatic resolution and most importantly gets results.
Bruce Burdick, Intellectual property Attorney on Jan 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I am pleased to recommend this outstanding IP lawyer, a well recognized authority in the field with an impeccable record of over 45 years of top notch performance. A brilliant attorney who offers exceptional practical advice.
Joshua Waterston, Intellectual property Attorney on Oct 29, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I've known Gerry Elman for many years and am now Of Counsel to Elman Technology Law (ETL). Gerry spends time and energy to provide clients with not just an answer to a specific question, but advice to guide and protect their businesses in the future. His deep and broad knowledge of Intellectual Property law has enabled him to truly practice ETL's credo: "Strategic Lawyering. Cultivating Innovation."
Mark Malek, Intellectual property Attorney on Sep 21, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Elman's answers on Avvo are very informative. I endorse this lawyer.
Frank Mazzeo, Patent application Attorney on Sep 20, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Norton Townsley, Intellectual property Attorney on Sep 18, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
George Chakmakis, Licensing Attorney on Sep 6, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Christopher Leroi, Trademark application Attorney on Aug 20, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Elman is simply an exceptional attorney who I would recommend to everyone and anyone. I am a former judge, former magistrate, former prosecutor, and an attorney with 24 years of experience. I still learn from his answers on Avvo on a daily basis and I am constantly impressed.
John Rooney, Intellectual property Attorney on Jul 26, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Jennifer Ellis, Internet Attorney on May 24, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known of Gerry for some years. He is a well regarded attorney in the legal community. It is my pleasure to endorse him.
M. Miller, Antitrust and trade law Attorney on May 17, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Philip Marcus, Trademark infringement Attorney on Aug 6, 2012
Relationship: Other
Gerry Elman and I both frequent copyright and trademark questions here on Avvo. He is, frankly, more experienced than I in these areas. When something unusual by way of a question comes in I look to see what he thought were the issues and solutions, often put in the most practical terms.
Clifford Tuttle, Intellectual property Attorney on May 23, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Doland, Intellectual property Attorney on May 2, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have just read a response of Mr. Elman that was so practical, so analytic and so responsive to the client that I had to write this recommendation. Any potential client who might obtain the professional services of an attorney with these qualities should count themselves very fortunate.
Arik Ben-Ari, Intellectual property Attorney on Apr 17, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
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