Team
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WHO IS CLIFF?
Clifford D. Hyra, JD, is an intellectual property attorney with broad experience handling domestic and international patents and trademarks and related matters.
Cliff is a registered Patent Attorney with extensive experience in the fields of computer software and hardware, medical devices, material science, aerospace, and mechanical and electrical devices, as well as industrial designs.
What did he do before?
Cliff graduated magna cum laude from the George Mason University School of Law, where he was a member of the Law Review, and has a B.S. in aerospace engineering from Virginia Tech, also magna cum laude.
What does he do now?
Cliff works with clients large and small around the world to protect their interests in the U.S. and global markets.
How is this unique?
Cliff is an expert in cracking tough patent prosecution cases and extracting maximum claim scope, and in patent strategy and portfolio management. Cliff also thrives in high-stakes contested trademark proceedings.
Something personal
Cliff enjoys running, reading, and teaching his four young children to play poker, and is active in real estate investment and the AI safety community.
ZEEV FISHER
Co-Founder
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Who is Zeev?
Zeev’s career spans the management of IP firms and the use of technology. He is qualified to practice law in Israel and the UK.
What did he do before?
Zeev managed 3 different IP firms before founding a tech startup in the IP space and raising about $2M. His professional expertise is managing complex global IP portfolios.
What does he do now?
Zeev is in charge of the firm’s smooth operation, technology stack and growth in Europe. He works closely with some of the firm’s most ambitious clients on IP strategy.
How is this unique?
Zeev seamlessly moves between the worlds of business and legal, and has expertise in multiple jurisdictions. He can understand how to combine business and IP better than most.
Something personal
Zeev enjoys spending time with his family in Portugal and improving his language abilities.
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Who is John?
John R. Bednarz, JD is an intellectual property attorney and a registered Patent Attorney with a background in computer science. John has extensive patent preparation and prosecution experience and has worked with tiny startups, giant corporations, and everything in between.
What did he do before?
John graduated cum laude from Bucknell University with a B.S. in computer science and later from the Syracuse University College of Law. John has experience from Washington DC intellectual property boutiques and prior to joining Fresh IP was a Shareholder at an AmLaw 100 firm.
What does he do now?
John works with clients to protect intellectual property interests in a variety of technology areas including software and mechanical technologies. In particular, John prepares and prosecutes patent applications related to Internet-based systems, communication systems, graphical user interfaces, mobile computing devices, databases, computer architectures, artificial intelligence, and business methods.
How is this unique?
John is an expert in obtaining patents for software companies and in overcoming patentable subject matter rejections. In addition, John has extensive knowledge of open source software licenses.
Something personal
John enjoys running, traveling, and coaching teams for his four young children. John has developed apps that are available for download in the iOS App Store. In high school, John interviewed the inventor of the television’s widow, Pem Farnsworth, and this experience blossomed into John’s career as a patent attorney.
MICHAEL ANDERSON
PARTNER
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Who is MICHAEL?
Michael H. Anderson, J.D., Ph.D., is an intellectual property attorney and a registered Patent Attorney with a background in the life sciences. Michael provides strategic intellectual property advice, including patent prosecution, and related transactional support for emerging and mature companies in a wide variety of industries, with a particular focus on life sciences and medical technologies. A PhD biochemist, he has extensive patent experience in technologies including chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, genomics, and gene editing technologies.
What did he do before?
Michael earned a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Biochemistry from University of California at Santa Cruz, and a B.S. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics from University of California at Los Angeles.
Michael has gained substantial law firm experience over nine years of practice at reputed intellectual property firms.
What does he do now?
Michael’s life sciences patent prosecution practice includes a wide variety of biologic and biochemical therapeutics, nucleic acid therapeutics, microbial technologies, vaccines, and various other technologies. Michael also maintains an active trademark practice.
HOW IS THIS UNIQUE?
Michael is an expert in obtaining patents for biotechnology and other high-technology companies. Having worked for nearly a decade as a research scientist, Michael has developed a unique breadth of knowledge in the life sciences arena.
SOMETHING PERSONAL
Michael enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with his family in Southern California. Michael’s Ph.D. culminated in publication of what is currently the highest-resolution RNA Enzyme (“ribozyme”) crystal structure in the Protein Data Bank: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3795999/.
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Who is jim?
Jim has been practicing intellectual property law for more than 30 years. His practice encompasses all aspects of trademark and copyright law and IP litigation.
Jim Shlesinger is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and before the U.S. District for the Eastern District of Virginia (1983), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (1987) and the United States Supreme Court (1988). Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Virginia (1977) and Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Dayton (1981).
Jim is AV Preeminent Peer Review rated by Martindale Hubbell, its highest level of peer recognition for legal ability and ethical standards.
Jim is a member of the Virginia State Bar and former member of the IP section of the Virginia Bar and the International Trademark Association (INTA).
What did he do before?
Jim was a partner in an IP boutique for more than three decades.
What does he do now?
Jim handles domestic and international trademark preparation and prosecution, searches and opinions, counseling and portfolio management, and enforcement and contested proceedings, as well as copyright registration and counseling and litigation.
how is this unique?
Jim bring his forty years of legal experience to bear every day on behalf of his clients large and small- avoiding unnecessary legal battles and winning the critical cases that need to be fought.
something personal
Jim is married with four children and five grandchildren. Jim is active in local youth activities and sports events. Jim is Past President of the Northern Virginia Swimming League (NVSL), a youth swimming and diving league with approximately 17,000 children participating in the League’s programs, and Past President of the Fort Hunt Sportsmen’s Association of Alexandria, VA.
Josefino P. de Leon
partner
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WHO IS Jesse?
Josefino “Jesse” P. de Leon is a patent
attorney admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia (inactive) and registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He has held Professional Engineer registrations in Maryland and Virginia.
Jesse holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland, a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from George Washington University, and a Juris Doctor degree from the George Mason University School of Law.
Jesse is a member of the Virginia State Bar and the District of Columbia Bar (inactive), and has been a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
WHAT DID HE DO BEFORE?
Jesse was a partner in an IP boutique for more than three decades. Before becoming a lawyer, he worked as an electrical engineer with the local electric utility company and with the Federal Government.
WHAT DOES HE DO NOW?
Jesse prepares and prosecutes patent applications in a variety of technical fields, especially in electro-mechanical engineering.
HOW IS THIS UNIQUE?
Jesse applies his technical expertise and decades of experience in the service of his clients, large and small, around the world. Jesse is an expert at obtaining broad and strong patent protection for his clients’ innovations.
SOMETHING PERSONAL
Jesse was born in the Philippines and speaks fluent Tagalog. He completed the Marine Corps Marathon twice. He loves working with his hands doing woodworking projects around the house.
terrence l.b. brown
PARTNER
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Who is terrence?
Terrence Brown is a registered patent attorney and former Patent Examiner in Group 330 of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). He has a degree in biological systems engineering from Virginia Tech and extensive experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in mechanical, industrial, and other technical fields.
Terrence is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, District of Columbia Court of Appeals, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. He is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) and International Trademark Association (INTA).
What did he do before?
Terrence was a partner in an IP boutique for three decades. He has had engineering design and testing experience at International Harvester (now Navistar International).
What does he do now?
Most of Terrence’s time is devoted to preparation, filing, and prosecuting patent applications for mid-size businesses, multi-billion dollar corporations, and independent inventors. Terrence has prepared and filed appeals before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). He has written numerous patent infringement and validity opinions, and helped clients design around competitors’ patents, as well as represented clients in patent litigation. Terrence negotiates and prepares agreements for the transfer and licensing of intellectual property rights for clients to suit their particular requirements.
Terrence is currently a member (a Master) of the Giles S. Rich American Inn of Court in Washington, D.C. (the first Inn of Court directed solely to
intellectual property law).
HOW IS THIS UNIQUE?
Terrence bring his decades of experience in industry, the USPTO, and private practice to prepare maximally precise claim language for the benefit of his clients.
SOMETHING PERSONAL
Terrence enjoys traveling, hiking, and swimming, as well as scuba diving. He is proficient in German and Dutch.
Andrew H. Berks
PARTNER
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Who is Andrew?
Andrew H. Berks Ph.D., J.D., is an accomplished patent attorney who holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and a law degree from Fordham University. Andrew’s extensive experience includes obtaining patents and other legal work in life sciences, industrial applications, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and engineering technologies.
What did he do before?
Andrew has previously been with several other law firms and has also been an inhouse lawyer at a generic pharmaceutical company in New Jersey. Prior to law school, Andrew was a scientist at several major pharmaceutical companies.
What does he do now?
Andrew’s practice emphasizes securing patent rights for his clients, including client counseling, drafting, and patent prosecution (getting issued patents at US and foreign patent offices). Andrew also handles patent opinions, patent appeals. and patent enforcement actions including patent litigation. Andrew is also experienced in patent licenses and corporate contract work. Andrew is also active in publishing, speaking, and education on patent-related topics. Andrew is also experienced in Hatch-Waxman law and paragraph IV notice letters.
HOW IS THIS UNIQUE?
Andrew understands that patents are business asset that help his clients meet their goals. He brings significant problem-solving ability and technical and business acumen to his clients’ needs. Andrew always tries to understand what the client is trying to accomplish in order to find the best tools to meet those needs. Andrew is an expert at working with patent examiners to overcome their objections and get issued patents.
SOMETHING PERSONAL
Andrew divides his time between New York City and Iowa, where he and his wife maintain a second home. Andrew enjoys sports, skiing, hiking, and bicycling (without electric assist!).
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Who is Aubrey?
Aubrey Chen, JD, is licensed to practice law in California and as a registered patent attorney before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
What did he do before?
Aubrey graduated magna cum laude from Santa Clara University School of Law, with an honors specialization in intellectual property.
Aubrey’s technical background includes a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology and a Master’s degree in biological sciences. He also studied cancer biology and has performed graduate research on DNA replication and repair processes. Aubrey’s biotechnology industry experience includes developing research instrumentation, bio engineering methods, and consumable products (M.S., Stanford University (Biological Sciences); B.A., University of California, Berkeley (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)).
What does he do now?
Aubrey works on patent applications in a variety of fields, including biotechnology, chemistry, genetics, computer hardware/software, material science, industrial processes, and consumer/retail goods.
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WHO IS MICAH?
Micah Gunn, MS, JD, is a patent and trademark attorney with extensive experience handling domestic and international patent and trademark matters. Micah’s interdisciplinary background and command of both patents and trademarks at the highest level helps him to develop broad strategies for his clients that are aligned with their business objectives.
Micah’s patent practice is primarily concentrated on the innovation that occurs in the intersection between chemistry and other fields. Micah has worked on genetically modified organisms, pharmaceutical products, nutraceuticals, therapeutic methods, chemical dyes, 3D printed and chemical signature anti-counterfeit technology, biochemistry, chemistry and material science, as well as machines with chemical components.
On the trademark side, Micah is both aggressive and practical. He helps domestic and foreign clients develop their trademark portfolios, but also doesn’t shy away from enforcement, including adversarial proceedings in litigation and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
WHAT DID HE DO BEFORE?
Micah has a JD from the University of Denver and served as co-president of the Intellectual Property Law Society. He has a BS in biochemistry and an MS in microbial biotechnology and molecular biology from North Carolina State University.
Before becoming an attorney, he worked in the field of pre-implantation genetics, helping perform cutting-edge genetic screening of embryonic cells prior to in-vitro fertilization. At the time this test was performed in only a handful of laboratories worldwide, allowing him to publish on breakthrough studies and travel throughout China as a consultant.
He also has hands-on experience working at a CRO performing genetic screening assays such as PCR and northern/southern blotting, enzyme stability studies, and microbial identification and purity assays to service many clients including a well known GMO food producer.
WHAT DOES HE DO NOW?
Micah works on patent and trademark matters for domestic and international clients. He is the firm’s go-to attorney for bioengineering, agri-tech, bioinformatics, and technology at the intersection of chemistry and other disciplines.
HOW IS THIS UNIQUE?
Micah has a broad view of intellectual property matters that is both aggressive and pragmatic. He is the ideal counsel for sophisticated IP owners and their local attorneys.
SOMETHING PERSONAL
For fun, Micah loves spending time with his daughter, surfing the hurricane surge in his home of Charleston, SC, playing guitar, and recording music.
Emily Do
PATENT ATTORNEY
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WHO IS EMILY?
Emily Do, JD, PharmD, MBA is a registered patent attorney before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and licensed to practice in California.
WHAT DID SHE DO BEFORE?
Emily graduated from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Subsequently, she graduated from Creighton University with a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.). She also holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Missouri State University.
She received her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Purdue University Global (formerly Concord Law School) while working full-time in a pharmacy leadership role, overseeing medication safety and process improvement.
She is a pharmacist with over 15 years of experience in various settings, including large healthcare systems, regulatory and compliance. Her most current role in healthcare is a pharmacy executive overseeing pharmaceutical services in a large organization.
WHAT DOES SHE DO NOW?
Emily works with independent inventors, healthcare and pharmaceutical companies to protect their intellectual property interests in the United States and abroad.
HOW IS THIS UNIQUE?
Emily has a broad view of intellectual property matters, especially in the healthcare, and pharmaceutical industry. Her combined experience in healthcare, intellectual property, knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry and business allows her to effectively assist and counsel clients on various aspects of intellectual property.
SOMETHING PERSONAL
Emily enjoys hiking, travel, photography, and classical music. She is trying to master several classical piano pieces
J. spencer sanders II
trademark ATTORNEY
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WHO IS Spencer?
Spencer Sanders is a passionate and dedicated attorney with a demonstrated knowledge of trademark, copyright, privacy, and domain name law. He has considerable experience in helping clients identify, protect, and enforce their intellectual property rights, responding to United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Actions, drafting and negotiating licensing agreements, and performing copyright fair use analyses. Spencer truly enjoys helping small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive through understanding and protecting their brand.
WHAT DID HE DO BEFORE?
Prior to joining the firm, Spencer honed his trademark expertise as a Trademark Examining Attorney at the USPTO. He additionally worked as a law clerk with a boutique trademark firm in northern Virginia and as the Trademark Protection Manager for the National Grange.
In law school, as a student attorney in the Glushko-Samuelson Intellectual Property Law Clinic, Attorney Sanders represented individuals, small business owners, and non-profits in trademark, copyright, patent, and privacy matters. He was also the Symposium Editor for volume 8 of the American University Business Law Review and his comment, “The Rumble About the Jungle: The Fight Over Dot Brand gTLDs and Geographic Names” was published in volume 101 of the Journal of the Patent and Trademark Office Society.
WHAT DOES HE DO NOW?
Spencer assists Fresh clients with registering their trademarks and copyrights.
HOW IS THIS UNIQUE?
Spencer utilizes his experience as Examining Attorney at the USPTO to streamline the trademark registration process for Fresh clients.
SOMETHING PERSONAL
Spencer’s passion for Intellectual Property law is second only to his love for Florida State Football and Orlando City SC soccer. He also enjoys video games and is always down to check out a local brewery or win a trivia
night.
AMANDA ELLERMAN
PATENT PARALEGAL
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WHO IS AMANDA?
Amanda Ellerman is a patent paralegal and accounts administrator.
WHAT DID SHE DO BEFORE?
Amanda graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.A. in music.
WHAT DOES HE DO NOW?
Amanda provides administrative support for the patent application process.
SOMETHING PERSONAL
Amanda enjoys reading, video games, and jiu jitsu. Her goals include learning how to play the cello, ride a horse, and hang glide
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WHO IS PATRICIA?
Patricia is a patent paralegal.
WHAT DID SHE DO BEFORE?
Patricia worked as a patent paralegal for other firms for years before she joined Fresh.
WHAT DOES SHE DO NOW?
Patricia assists with patent filing and prosecution, from inception to issuance, for both U.S. and foreign applications; payment of maintenance fees; and client relations.
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WHO IS Nita?
Nita is an IP paralegal with more than 35 years of experience, including carrying out trademark filings and handling patent and trademark docketing and maintenance.
WHAT DID SHE DO BEFORE?
Nita has a Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies from the University of Maryland. Before Fresh, she worked for more than three decades at a D.C.-area IP boutique.
WHAT DOES SHE DO NOW?
Nita supports the firm’s Alexandria office by assisting with trademark filings and patent and trademark docketing and maintenance.
SOMETHING PERSONAL
Nita enjoys traveling to national parks, hiking, and needlework.
Regina Nappo
TRADEMARK paralegal
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WHO IS Regina?
Regina is a trademark paralegal.
WHAT DID sHE DO BEFORE?
Regina graduated summa cum laude from the University of California Irvine in 1.67 years. She double majored in Political Science and International Relations. During her time in college, she gained legal experience assisting her father at her family’s law firm, Nappo Law Offices.
WHAT DOES sHE DO NOW?
Regina supports the FRESH team by assisting with trademark matters.
SOMETHING PERSONAL
Regina can often be found practicing archery, ice skating, and playing the saxophone in her free time.
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Who is Chris?
Chris is an IP paralegal handling trademark and design matters.
What did she do before?
Chris has over 25 years of legal experience, including nearly 15 years in the field of intellectual property. Chris’ IP experience started at an IP boutique firm in Ohio, where she worked closely with the founder and was responsible for patents as well as for managing a sizeable trademark portfolio.
What does She do now?
Chris assists the attorneys managing trademark and design files.
SOMETHING PERSONAL
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Who is Angelina?
Angelina is the newest member of our team and is training to become a patent paralegal under the tutelage of Amanda and Tricia.
What did she do before?
Angelina is a recent graduate of the University of Washington, holding a bachelor’s degree in Comparative History of Ideas.
What does She do now?
Angelina assists Tricia and Amanda with managing patent files while training to become a patent paralegal.
SOMETHING PERSONAL
Angelina is dedicated to giving back to her community, and has volunteered for years at a local foodbank. She also founded the speech and debate team at her high school.
Stephanie Hyra
Executive Assistant
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WHO IS Stephanie?
Stephanie is an executive assistant.
WHAT DID sHE DO BEFORE?
Stephanie graduated summa cum laude from Virginia Tech with a degree in aerospace engineering, and managed programs for the federal government. In that role, she won numerous awards.
WHAT DOES sHE DO NOW?
Stephanie handles a variety of tasks including event planning and coordination, research, and marketing.
SOMETHING PERSONAL
Stephanie enjoys reading, competing in endurance races, and forcing her four children to participate in hikes all over Virginia.
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