Ian Gillies advises on the procurement, management and development of patents, trademarks and copyrights for clients that range from private individuals and start-ups to large corporations. Valued for his meticulous work product and thorough analysis in identifying and resolving complex problems, Ian consistently delivers immediate likability, honed consensus building skill and a seemingly innate talent for adapting to the many audiences and viewpoints for any given matter.
A conscientious communicator and dedicated service provider, Ian protects his clients’ assets across a spectrum of transactional IP areas, and not just a single, specialized point of interest. Clients appreciate Ian’s widespread industry know-how and that he is equally well-versed in advising on patents and trademarks alike.
Ian also advises on due diligence initiatives related to IP searches, availability, acquisitions, and infringement risk. He represents clients before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the corresponding patent and trademark appeal boards. He counsels clients on offensive and defensive IP strategies and trade secret tactics. In addition, Ian advises on the IP aspects of NDAs, material transfer agreements, assignments, and other legal instruments. He has successfully navigated the resolution of challenging IP disputes between his clients and third parties to avoid litigation or other adverse proceedings before patent and trademark boards.
Prior to his legal career, Ian worked as a mechanical engineer, inventor, and professional musician. For many years, Ian was employed as an engineer for Novellus Systems, Kimberly Clark, and General Dynamics, and as a technical salesperson for SMC. Moreover, Ian composed and performed extensively as a musician and opened for recording artists such as Pink, The Psychedelic Furs, The Lemonheads, and Air Supply.
Notably, Ian is an inventor himself and holds U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,869, as well as the author of a series of copyrights stemming from several professionally produced records. Ian’s hands-on business and entertainment experience allow him to bring a unique perspective to advocacy and a more balanced approach to representing similarly-minded creative and inventive entities.
Extern Experience
Extern for the Office of General Counsel at Arizona State University (2007)
Arizona State University – Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, J.D., Certificate in Law, Science, and Technology with Specialization in Intellectual Property, Articles Editor, Jurimetrics: Journal of Law, Science, and Technology, Willard H. Pedrick Scholar
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Pi Tau Sigma, Mechanical Engineering Honor Society
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Graduate Coursework in, Business Administration
State Bar of California
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Biotech
Aesthetic & Cosmetic Biotechnology
AgBio
CBD & Legal Cannabis
Diagnostic Tools
Genomics
Research Tools & Reagents
Therapeutics
Chemical, Industrial & Materials
Automation & Robotics
Building Construction
Building Products & Materials
Construction & Home Improvement
Cosmetics & Personal Care Products
Electrical
Food Chemistry
Fuel Cells & Batteries
HVAC & Passive Ventilation
Semiconductors
Consumer Products & Services
Aesthetics & Personal Care Products
Food & Beverage
Restaurants & Hospitality
Sporting Goods & Recreation
Electrical, Semiconductor & Computer Technology
Electronics & Semiconductors
Energy
Clean Technology
Green Building & Construction
Green Transportation
Solar Power
Wind Power
Fashion & Beauty
Clothing
Footwear
Jewelry
Luggage
Sunglasses
Financial Services & Business Methods
Data Privacy
Media, Advertising & Entertainment
Artists
Film & Television
Literary Works
Mobile Applications
Music
Musical Instruments and Accessories
Publishing
Writers
Medical Devices & Procedures
Cardiac Rhythm Management
Dental Devices
Dermatology & Aesthetics
Gastrointestinal
Imaging
Neuromodulation
Spine
Tissue Engineering
Transportation & Vehicles
Batteries
Advertising
Assignments and Licenses
Brand Portfolio Management
Brand Search
Copyright
Design Patents
Due Diligence
Global Portfolio Management
Infringement Risk
International Trademarks
IP Strategy
IP Transactions and Agreements
Licensing
Opinions and Counseling
Patent Strategy & Prosecution
Patentability
Registration
Tech Transactions
Trade Secret
Trade Secret Protection Advice, Counseling, Employee & Nondisclosure Agreements
Trademark & Brand Protection
Trademark and Brand Protection Litigation
Trademark Enforcement
Trademark Registration
Transactions
TTAB Proceedings
U.S. Patent Prosecution
- Jurimetrics Journal Award for Best Case Comment
- Center Scholar: Center for Law, Science, and Technology
- Corporate and Business Law Society Scholarship
