IE Podcast Episode #15 with Special Guest, David Spears
Watch the episode on YouTube here.
Summary:
In this conversation, David Spears, an IP attorney with a background in mechanical engineering, discusses the importance of intellectual property (IP) for inventors. He explains the different types of IP, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and emphasizes the significance of protecting these assets. David shares insights on navigating the patent process, common mistakes inventors make, and the value of design patents. He also highlights current trends in patent law, particularly the impact of AI, and provides resources for inventors looking to protect their ideas. The discussion concludes with David's future endeavors, including a children's book series on IP.
Key Takeaways:
- Intellectual property is crucial for monetizing inventions.
- Understanding different types of IP is essential for inventors.
- Provisional applications must be detailed to be effective.
- Trade secrets can provide long-term protection if kept confidential.
- Design patents can be a cost-effective way to protect products.
- Time constraints are critical in the patent process.
- Common mistakes include missing deadlines and not understanding IP types.
- AI is influencing current trends in patent law.
- Resources like the USPTO can assist small inventors.
- Building a relationship with a good attorney can save money and time.
Learn about our guest, David Spears:
David knows that a strong offense is the best defense when it comes to protecting his clients’ valuable intellectual property rights. As an Intellectual Property Attorney with Burris Law, David has built considerable experience across a range of practice areas and industries. He regularly prepares and prosecutes patents for clients internationally and domestically in the robotics, automotive, refrigeration, sports and fitness, and SMART appliance industries, and has a record of providing sound business strategies for clients and colleagues alike. He also has necessary skills to negotiate with the USPTO and advocate for the strongest protections possible for his clients.
David’s background in mechanical engineering is a key strength in his legal practice. While earning his engineering degree from Michigan State, David interned with a Big Three automaker and a major energy supplier. Although the industries were different, he had the same goals for each position: test the equipment, improve efficiency and increase profits for the company. He brings this same mindset to his career in intellectual property law, where he dedicates himself to finding the best, most effective avenues of success for his clients.
While in law school, David interned in the tech transfer department at Michigan State where he performed patentability searches and market analysis on technologies to be protected. As an attorney, David worked with the tech transfer department to patent various technologies giving him a full circle understanding of translating research discoveries and scientific findings into new products, technologies and other services that benefit the public and university.
As an undergraduate, David was a member of the Michigan State football team where he played as a running back for three seasons. Many of the lessons that he learned under Coach Dantonio — such as commitment, team work and a constant drive for improvement — inspired him to bring the same level of focus to his new path in intellectual property law. From his two engineering internships to his time in law school to his clerkship with Harness Dickey, David brings a passion to accomplishing his goals and leading his clients to success.
Connect with David here:
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