John Bednarz, a Kansas City Patent Attorney, is our go-to person for AI patents. You would remember our recent interview with Micah Gunn, a South Carolina Patent Attorney. John is next.

At FRESH, we believe that our top team is everything so now that he has settled down a bit, we met to ask him to share a little bit more about his work, background, professional achievements and also to tell us a bit about John the person.

John, tell us how you got to the patent profession.

As a high school student, I had the opportunity to work on a National History Day project about one of the inventors involved in creating television.

Philo T. Farnsworth made the first successful television transmission in 1927 and filed for a patent application that year. But the company financing Farnsworth’s work notified Radio Corporation of America (RCA). RCA was in the process of creating their own version of television, and sent a man named Vladmir Zworkin to visit Farnsworth, who determined that portions of Farnsworth’s invention were superior to RCA’s technology.

RCA offered Farnsworth a job and $100,000 for his invention – a fortune in those days. Farnsworth rejected the offer. RCA took the rejection badly, and sought to invalidate Farnsworth’s patent at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in litigation. The court cases were lengthy and took a financial, mental, and physical toll on Philo.

As a young boy, I became interested in computers and technology. I loved tinkering with our family’s computer. I also developed a fascination for the history of technology. In 2000, as a high school student in Pennsylvania, I participated in National History Day. I wanted to learn more about Philo’s life and work, and help spread the word about his amazing contributions to the development of television. By then, Philo had passed away, but my high school teacher helped me get in contact with Philo’s widow, Pem Farnsworth, and interview her.

After this interview, I wondered how I could possibly help inventors like Philo and I became very interested in the world of patent law.

Your IP practice is very focused. You handle almost exclusively software-related inventions and recently, AI and machine learning. How did you become a niche practitioner?

Since the start of my career in 2008, I have worked mostly on software and computer implemented inventions.  In particular, I have primarily worked on preparation and prosecution of these types of technologies and have had the opportunity to work for some of the largest tech companies in the world as well as some amazing startups.

I have also developed a large interest in patent eligible subject matter and how it relates to software and computer implemented inventions.  I have had the opportunity to work on white papers related to patentable subject matter and software.

 

What do you like about your work as a Kansas City Patent Attorney?

I enjoy learning about new and different technologies on a daily basis.  It is fun to shift gears constantly.  There is never a chance to get bored.

 

Give an example of an interesting case.

Early in my career I had the opportunity to work on a number of patent applications related to home appliances that included computing devices and embedded software.  It took about ten years for the technology to actually enter the market and be available on consumer products.

I also have worked on a number of patent applications related to autonomous vehicles.  Although they are not readily available yet I know that it is only a matter of time until it is a mainstream technology.

I enjoy getting a glimpse at technologies that are typically far ahead of their time.

 

How do you think that software will change the world in the next 20 years?

As a teenager, I had one very expensive personal computer in my house that my family shared.  Today, my children can pick up a touchscreen device and understand how to use it in five seconds.

Software and computing devices have gradually become ubiquitous in our daily lives.  Our cars are computers.  Our dishwashers are computers.  As I have advanced in my career, I have worked on many different inventions that are technically rooted in different technologies but yet are tied to computing devices and software.  This will only increase.

 

Outside of work, what do you like to do?

My wife and I have four children and they keep us extremely busy.  We are constantly bouncing from one activity to the next.

In my limited free time I enjoy traveling, skiing, golfing, and video games.

 

Why have you joined Fresh?

I have had the opportunity to work for a small patent boutique, a medium-sized IP firm, and a very large law firm.  Until joining Fresh, I had always worked in a traditional law firm in a physical office.  COVID-19 made me realize I could work remotely.  I understood how difficult this was for traditional law firms.  However, Fresh was doing this before everyone else.

After speaking with Cliff and Zeev, I was immediately drawn to Fresh because it was clear that they were so smart and far ahead of the competition.  In addition, Fresh showed genuine interest in me and my career, they were passionate about IP, and truly cared about their clients.  This was so refreshing and energizing.

 

I know you like to listen to Podcasts. Any one you would recommend?

Prior to joining Fresh, I had a commute.  I would listen to podcasts on my commute on the train or in the car.  Although I no longer have to commute to an office, I do enjoy and listen to a number of podcasts.

My favorite podcast app is Castro.  My absolute number one podcast is the Fresh IP Podcast.  Just kidding.  I enjoy and listen to the Harris Football Podcast during the fantasy football season.  On a weekly basis I listen to Player One Podcast because I enjoy video games and I also listen to Accidental Tech Podcast.

Kansas City Patent Attorney John Bednarz’s email is john@freship.com.