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Maria V. Stout

Intellectual property attorney, professor of law, former Naval Officer and mechanical engineer Maria Stout advises on strategic planning and management of IP assets, particularly patents, including licensing and offensive and defensive tactics designed to safeguard and monetize valuable innovation. Maria’s clients range from small, fast-growth companies to international corporations with billions of dollars of market share and extensive IP portfolios.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Maria’s years as a surface warfare officer gave her specialized training and hands-on experience working with teams as both a leader and service provider to get the mission accomplished. Patient, loyal and personally accountable, Maria’s ability to remain calm in stressful situations, unwavering focus, discipline and fearless approach to problem-solving allow her to motivate individuals and groups at all levels and with varied perspectives to realize their full potential and accomplish their goals.

An important focus of Maria’s practice is advising major national and international corporations.  A team builder and creative problem solver, Maria manages the extensive IP portfolios of her clients with an eye to providing value.  She understands the pressures in-house executives face, and works diligently to conserve their resources and legal spend while delivering the superior counsel, extraordinary work product and immediate service they require.

Maria protects valuable innovation in the maritime, aeronautical, and automotive industries.  Maria is fluent in myriad technologies such as molecular diagnostic and microbiology testing platforms, including lab automation, liquid handling, sample processing and optical detection systems, as well as microfluidic chip technologies, including isolating cells for genetic analysis and diagnostic assays. Maria has first-hand experience in lateral flow assays and detection systems, health IT and cloud-based connectivity. She is well-versed in hardware and software for optical detection systems, including spectral imaging and fluorescence detection.  An All-American intercollegiate sailor with decades of maritime experience, Maria has a first-hand understanding of all aspects of ship design, navigation systems, and deck equipment used in small boat, crane, flight deck, and well deck operations.

Fluent in Spanish, dynamic and well-connected, Maria has been named multiple times as a San Diego “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers magazine for her work in intellectual property law. Maria is an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego School of Law where she teaches patent law.

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University of San Diego School of Law (USD), J.D., Order of the Coif
United States Naval Academy, B.S., Ocean Engineering, Minor in Spanish
State Bar of California
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Biotech

Antibodies & Immunology

Diagnostic Tools

Genomics

Research Tools & Reagents

Chemical, Industrial & Materials

Automation & Robotics

Building Construction

Building Products & Materials

Cosmetics & Personal Care Products

Instrumentation

Semiconductors

Consumer Products & Services

Aesthetics & Personal Care Products

Food & Beverage

Sporting Goods & Recreation

Electrical, Semiconductor & Computer Technology

Electronics & Semiconductors

Healthcare Information Technology

Software & IT

Medical Devices & Procedures

Diagnostics

Medical Informatics & Software Systems

Pharmaceuticals

Diagnostic Tools

Transportation & Vehicles

Aerospace & Space Technology

Automotive Transportation & Powersports

Diagnostic Equipment

Engines & Engine Components

Design Patents
Due Diligence
Global Portfolio Management
Infringement Risk 
International Trademarks
IP Strategy
IP Transactions and Agreements
Licensing
Opinions Counseling
Patent Strategy & Prosecution
Patentability 
Tech Transactions
Trademark & Brand Protection
Trademark Registration
U.S. Patent Prosecution

Recognized by The Legal 500 “United States” for Patent Prosecution (2023)

Selected as a winner of Profiles In Diversity Journal’s 2023 “Latino Leadership Awards”

Named amongst Top 50 for Best Performing Attorneys in Biotech in Patexia’s Patent Intelligence 2023 Report

Named among the 2022 “Top 50 Influential Veteran Business Leaders” in the San Diego Business Journal

Named a 2016-2018 “San Diego Rising Star” by Super Lawyers magazine for her work in intellectual property law

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