I am a registered patent attorney that helps businesses–ranging from fortune 50 companies to small startups and also independent inventors–gain market advantage by identifying and protecting their intellectual property. That intellectual property ranges widely and includes inventions, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and business processes with an emphasis on Internet, computer science, and electronic technologies. I have experience with advanced topics including algorithm theory, semiconductor design, digital logic design, object-oriented programming, operating systems, database systems, and computer networks.

Upon graduation, I took up employment at Caterpillar Inc. as a SAP Basis Administrator. There, I engaged in all aspects of SAP R/3 release 4.6B and 4.6C Basis administration on Windows and Unix operating systems. This included estimating hardware resource requirements, installing new instances, swapping servers while maintaining system availability, analyzing system performance, implementing performance adjustments, and designing a network-wide computer security architecture.

While I tend to focus on software and electronic arts, I also have practical knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems. My father is an automotive technology instructor. For as far back as I can remember I’ve been working on cars. This covers much more than just simple tinkering. I restored a 1979 Pontiac Firebird with a 400 cubic inch V8 engine. I have rebuilt most of the major components of an automobile, and I’ve worked on virtually every system including the suspension, braking, fuel, powertrain, drivetrain, computer, and electrical systems.

However, technical interests and interpersonal skills are not mutually exclusive. I always seek engagement with the community. As an undergraduate I was active in the student government, and as a result, received the Most Outstanding Senator Award. In law school, I was elected Vice President of the Graduate and Professional Student Council. I was also an Academic Support Tutor for two classes, Tort Law and Legislative & Administrative Process. As a tutor, I prepared weekly lectures and gained an appreciation for the amount of work involved in teaching. Recently, I was appointed to the Intellectual Property Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association where I will continue my commitment to service.

After law school, I worked as a staff attorney at the Eighteenth Circuit Court of Illinois. At the court, I conducted legal research and advised judges on assigned cases. These cases involved any issue coming before the circuit court including civil, equity, criminal, domestic relations, and juvenile law. There I learned effective trial advocacy including successful methods of explaining technical issues to non-technical audiences by observing a broad range of litigators.

I currently work as an intellectual property attorney handling all matters of intellectual property including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and licensing. I work in conjunction with Randall T. Erickson, who has over 17 years of intellectual property law experience.

My LinkedIn profile contains more information about my education and experience.

Contact me at: blog {at} waltmire /dot/ com or 630.388.7053.