FLETCHER YODER - Key Persons
Andy graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering. While pursuing his degree, Andy served as manager of body design and fabrication for the Longhorn Solar Race Car Team. Andy continued his education at Pennsylvania State University, obtaining a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1999. His research focused on molecular dynamics simulation of dissociation kinetics.
After graduation, Andy began working for United Space Alliance (USA), the primary NASA contractor for the space shuttle program. Andy specialized in computer simulation of shuttle launch trajectories. While at USA, he supported systems used by the Flight Dynamics Officer during shuttle launches and automated data processing procedures. In 2004, Andy left USA to work for Boeing, developing ground software for a Department of Defense satellite. In particular, Andy focused on computer simulation of spacecraft trajectories, user interfaces for ground support personnel, and spacecraft communication analysis. In addition, Andy worked as a video game developer for TransDimensional Entertainment (TDEI) to create a space combat simulation. He developed a full six degree-of-freedom simulation, including collision dynamics and control systems.
In 2005, Andy left Boeing to attend South Texas College of Law. During law school, Andy served as Articles Editor for the South Texas Law Review. In May of 2008, he graduated, summa cum laude, and subsequently passed the July 2008 Texas Bar Exam. Andy joined Fletcher Yoder in September 2008. His practice focuses on automotive interiors and electronics, and agricultural equipment.
Education
B.S., University of Texas, 1997, Aerospace Engineering
M.S., Pennsylvania State University, 1999, Aerospace Engineering
J.D., South Texas College of Law, 2008
Arian started college in Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus and graduated from University of Houston in May 2017 with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
During his time in University of Houston, Arian had a summer research position working as a Research Assistant to his advisor simulating patch antennas to clarify the benefits of using patch antennas for cancelling incident microwaves. He also engaged in a Teaching Assistance role for Digital Signal Processing class and a Project Coordinator role for a university sponsored high school science competition.
After engineering school, Arian began working at United Technologies in Vergennes, Vermont, performing root cause failure analysis on digital and analog circuits, and utilized MATLAB, LTSpice and data acquisition systems for circuit analysis and troubleshooting while working on a volunteer research project for utilizing ultrasonic sensor in liquid gauge systems, while later moving into a research and design role, developing firmware and hardware for edge computing platforms.
Arian joined Fletcher Yoder in September 2019.
Education
B.S., University of Houston, 2017, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Billy graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with a minor in mathematics. Upon graduation he worked for a consulting engineering firm in Houston, specializing in the design of power distribution and control systems for industrial facilities, giving him in depth exposure to a wide variety of electrical technologies. While working as an engineer, Billy attended South Texas College of Law, where he was an assistant articles editor for The South Texas Law Review. Billy earned his doctor of jurisprudence degree, cum laude, in 1999.
Upon graduating from law school, Billy joined the intellectual property firm Arnold, White & Durkee, where he worked primarily on transactional intellectual property matters, including patent application preparation and prosecution, infringement and validity analysis and opinion preparation, and intellectual property due diligence for mergers and acquisitions. In 2003, Billy joined Wong, Cabello, Lutsch, Rutherford & Brucculeri as an associate, becoming a partner in 2007. At Wong Cabello, Billy continued to focus on transactional intellectual property matters, adding licensing and enforcement to his repertoire, including drafting license agreements as well as representing clients in licensing negotiations, ex parte and inter partes proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and district court litigation. While at Wong Cabello, Billy also acted as virtual in-house counsel for one of the firm's principal clients. In 2015 (after Wong Cabello's merger with Blank Rome, LLP) Billy briefly left private practice to become in-house intellectual property counsel for one of his long time clients. Subsequently, Billy returned to private practice as a solo practitioner also acting as Of Counsel to Blank Rome. Billy joined Fletcher Yoder in 2021.
Billy's engineering and legal experiences have given him detailed exposure to numerous technologies, including power electronics; audio and video signal processing and compression; communication and networking technologies; oilfield technologies including completions tools, wireline logging tools, measuring/logging while drilling equipment; etc. Additionally, Billy has worked as both outside and in house counsel, giving him a deep understanding of how to use intellectual property rights to advance clients' business objectives while remaining within a budget.
Billy is admitted to practice in Texas, before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and before various federal courts including the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Education
B.S.E.E., University of Houston, 1995
J.D., cum laude, South Texas College of Law, 1999
Calvin Cheng brings a unique combination of patent prosecution expertise, technical proficiency, and patent litigation experience to his intellectual property practice. With a special emphasis on electrical hardware and computing software, his practice is well-suited for a broad spectrum of technical subject areas. Calvin's practice primarily focuses on wireless communication, wireless standards issues, radio circuitry design, the Internet of things (IoT), location-based services, networking, power sources, discrete and integrated circuit (including capacitor and semiconductor) component design, cloud-based software, security software, information technology (IT) software, artificial intelligence, electronic displays, peripheral device design, computer-controlled camera systems, machine-learning, and electromechanical and mechanical systems and controls. He also has extensive experience in a variety of other technology areas, including banking and investment software, oil and gas systems and software, park attractions and management software, and so on. From guiding some of the world's leading consumer electronics, computer hardware and software, and online and financial service specialists through the patent preparation and acquisition process, to evaluating claim construction, patent infringement, and validity positions, Calvin provides strategic counsel and advice to multiple Fortune 100 clients on a wide variety of intellectual property issues.
With years of experience preparing, prosecuting, and litigating patents and working in the high-tech industry, Calvin understands not only his clients' technical needs, but also the best way to formulate and assert their bottom-line business objectives. He takes pride in providing responsive client service and finding the most efficient way to solve his clients' business challenges in order to achieve their intellectual property goals. In addition to patent preparation and evaluation, Calvin's practice includes working with his clients to develop and strengthen their IP portfolios.
When not working with his clients, Calvin enjoys spending time with his daughter JJ and son Maxwell (whom his wife begrudgingly agreed to let him name after local Houston sports heroes JJ Watt and Vernon Maxwell), and organizing Happy Hours and legendary Kickball Tournaments for his coworkers and friends.
Education
J.D., University of Texas at Austin, 2007
B.S., Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Duke University, 2001
Cody graduated cum laude from Texas A&M University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. Afterward, Cody attended the University of Houston Law Center from 2017 to 2020 graduating magna cum laude in May, 2020. While attending UHLC, Cody served as a Senior Articles Editor of the Houston Journal of Health Law and Policy and was an active member in UHLC's Intellectual Property Student Organization. In October 2020, Cody joined Fletcher Yoder as a fulltime associate after his summer internship with the firm in 2019. His areas of technological familiarity include medical systems and devices, amusement park ride systems and attractions, software applications, oilfield tools, and a wide variety of other electrical and mechanical arts.
Education
B.S., Texas A&M University, 2014, Biomedical Sciences
J.D., University of Houston Law Center, 2020
Daniel graduated from Texas A&M University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Upon completing his bachelors degree, Daniel remained at Texas A&M to complete a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. During graduate school, Daniel worked as a graduate research assistant with a research focus in robotic manipulation and controls. His masters thesis was concerned with trajectory planning for robotic sanding of curved surfaces. After completing his masters in 2020, Daniel worked at a tech startup as a robotics software engineer for a year before joining Fletcher Yoder in 2022.
Education
B.S. Texas A&M University, 2018, Mechanical Engineering
M.S. Texas A&M University, 2020, Mechanical Engineering
Freda graduated from Case Western Reserve University in May 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Polymer Science. While at Case, Freda performed research on developing chemical and biomedical sensors for single-use, low-cost biomarker detection. During her senior year, she assisted in publishing and patenting research regarding detection of nitric oxide at ppb and sub-uM levels in gas and liquid phase media. After graduating, Freda worked as a Research Engineer at Saint-Gobain in Northboro, Massachusetts specializing in surface science. Freda worked closely with the optical tensiometer and the atomic force microscope. She also developed techniques for surface modification and provided support to manufacturing plants.
Freda began law school at Texas A&M in 2018 to pursue her interest in patent law. While attending A&M, Freda served as a founding member of the Women of Color Collective (WOCC) and competed as a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Team. Freda joined Fletcher Yoder in 2021 as an associate after clerking for the firm the previous summer.
Education
Case Western Reserve University, B.S., 2016, Biomedical Engineering
Texas A&M University School of Law, J.D., 2021
Hanson graduated from the University of Texas in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. During his time at UT, Hanson developed novel electromechanical devices including a force-sensing glove for surgical training, an interactive light board for pediatric therapy, an automated fondant cutter, and a rocket test stand. Additionally, Hanson contributed to NSF-funded research on the fabrication of micromaterials for water purification. As a student, Hanson held leadership roles in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the undergraduate moot court team. In June 2022, Hanson joined Fletcher Yoder as a technical advisor.
Education
B.S. University of Texas, 2022, ME
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Member of the State Bar of Texas
Hunter graduated from the University of Southern California in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. While pursuing his degree, he performed undergraduate research in the area of orbital mechanics and interned at Alcoa Fastening Systems. After graduation, Hunter joined Fletcher Yoder.
While working for Fletcher Yoder as a patent agent, Hunter entered law school at the University of Houston Law Center and graduated in 2019. Hunter is experienced in patent preparation, prosecution, and clearance studies. His areas of technical knowledge include power systems, heating and ventilation systems, combustion engines and turbines, oilfield tools and technologies, natural resource production and processing, amusement park ride systems and attractions, medical devices, and process controls.
Hunter is a member of the State Bar of Texas and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Education
B.S., University of Southern California, 2013, Aerospace Engineering
J.D., University of Houston, 2019
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR of ADMINISTRATION
Jason graduated, magna cum laude, from Texas A&M University in May 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics. Jason received various awards in recognition of his achievements including being recognized as a University Undergraduate Research Fellow.
After graduating from Texas A&M, Jason attended the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedical Sciences in December 2005. Jason's doctoral thesis and research publications involved generating genetically engineered mouse models with conditional alleles of genes involved in cancer. More specifically, he analyzed the deletion of the oncogene, Mdm2, in the myocardial cells of the heart and the impact on mouse and heart development. Jason was awarded the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award from 2001 to 2004. Upon obtaining his doctoral degree, Jason worked for a short period as a postdoctoral fellow at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
After his postdoctoral fellowship, Jason attended the University of Houston Law Center. While in law school, Jason served as Senior Articles Editor for the Houston Journal of International Law, which published his comment on Patent Prosecution. He was also a judicial intern for several judges at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in Houston. In May of 2009, Jason graduated and subsequently passed the July 2009 Texas Bar Exam. Jason joined Fletcher Yoder in the fall of 2009. His areas of focus include combustion engines and turbines, medical imaging systems and devices,and medical monitoring systems and devices.
Education
B.S., Texas A&M University, 1999, Genetics
Ph.D., University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 2005, Biomedical Sciences
J.D., University of Houston, 2009
Jayne Piana joined Fletcher Yoder as a shareholder in January 2021. Jayne's practice focuses on innovation-based transactions and disputes, as well as general commercial matters. Jayne has over 20 years' experience in intellectual property law including 10 years as in-house counsel where she leveraged intellectual property to optimize value by drafting and negotiating agreements, managed litigation, and supervised outside counsel. Jayne's expertise includes managing business-critical litigations, managing patent prosecution, and negotiating multi-million-dollar technology licenses, as well as Joint Development Agreements, consulting and supply agreements, employment agreements, university agreements, and non-disclosure agreements.
Jayne's extensive litigation experience includes representing both plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving patent infringement, trade secret misappropriation, breach of confidentiality, and unjust enrichment. Jayne has been a key member of a trial team on four multi-week patent infringement jury trials and helped formulate litigation strategy including explaining complex technology issues and addressing patent prosecution issues. As part of her litigation experience, Jayne has collaborated on briefs for various trial courts, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.
Jayne's practice also includes guiding clients through freedom-to-operate issues including non-infringement and invalidity analysis, other pre-litigation matters, and due diligence associated with mergers and acquisitions.
In addition to Jayne's IP-focused experience, she is a trusted business advisor on general commercial matters and transactions.
Jayne graduated cum laude from Texas A&M University in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. Jayne then went to law school at the University of Texas at Austin, and graduated in 2000, Order of the Coif. Jayne is a member of the Texas bar, and she is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Education
B.S., Texas A&M University, 1997, Chemical Engineering
J.D., The University of Texas School of Law, 2000
Jeff graduated from Baylor University in December 1992 with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, and continued his studies at Texas A&M University, completing his master's degree in Mechanical Engineering in May 1995.
After engineering school, Jeff began working at Fluor Daniel in Sugar Land, Texas, initially specializing in computational hydraulic analysis of pipelines, and ultimately moving into a project management role, working on several multi-billion dollar international pipeline projects. During his years at Fluor Daniel, Jeff attended night school at the University of Houston, from which he graduated with a master's degree in business administration ("MBA") in December 2001.
Jeff left Fluor Daniel in 2000 to begin working as a consultant and soon after began working on several projects for Halliburton in Houston, Texas. After a few years as a consultant, Jeff began working full-time with the company, working on several projects related to oilfield services operations and associated information technology solutions. Also during his years at Halliburton, Jeff attended night school at the University of Houston Law Center, from which he graduated with a law degree in May 2007.
Jeff joined Fletcher Yoder in August 2007, and became a shareholder in the firm in January 2014. His practice focuses on computer hardware and software, mechanical and electromechanical systems and devices, and industrial systems and controls.
Education
B.S., Baylor University, 1992, Mechanical Engineering
M.S., Texas A&M University, 1995, Mechanical Engineering
M.B.A., University of Houston, 2003, Finance
J.D., University of Houston, 2007
Jila graduated from Rice University in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and German. During her time at Rice, Jila performed research on the enzymatic degradation of environmental toxins, including DDT. After receiving her bachelor's degree, Jila attended the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine where she received her doctoral degree in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology with an emphasis on Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences in 2002. While at Hopkins, Jila's thesis research included developing a diagnostic test for liver cancer.
Jila's expertise includes a wide variety of technologies relating to the biomedical sciences, medical devices, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, food chemistry, and many other technical areas.
Jila has worked in the patent field since 2002, first as a technical advisor, and then as a patent agent following her registration before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2003. Jila joined Fletcher Yoder in April, 2005.
Education
B.S., Rice University, 1996, Biochemistry and German
Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University, 2002, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
Jim graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and from The University of Houston with a master's degree in Electrical Engineering in 2005. While in graduate school, Jim began working as a Project Engineer at Powell Industries, where he managed the design, production, and installation of various power electronic devices for transit authorities across the nation. During his time at Powell Industries, Jim also worked with research organizations such as the Electric Power Research Institute on the research and development of new products and technologies.
In 2007, Jim began law school in the evening program at the University of Houston Law Center. While attending law school in the evenings, Jim worked full time as a technical advisor at a local intellectual property law firm. As a law student, Jim was a member of the Houston Journal of International Law and served as an Associate Editor in 2009. In May 2011, Jim graduated and subsequently passed the July 2011 Texas Bar Exam.
Jim joined Fletcher Yoder in November 2011. His areas of technological familiarity include electrical power systems, control systems, semiconductor fabrication and design, computer hardware and software, telecommunications, database management, seismic data processing, and a wide variety of other electrical and mechanical arts.
Education
B.S., University of Texas, 2003, Electrical Engineering
M.E., University of Houston, 2005, Electrical Engineering
J.D., University of Houston, 2011
Since joining Fletcher Yoder, John has focused his practice primarily on patent preparation and prosecution. In particular, his practice has included the drafting of patent applications and the preparation of responses to communications from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In addition, John's practice has also focused on the preparation of pre-litigation opinions for clients, including non-infringement and invalidity opinions, and on performing product clearance and due diligence work for clients.
John's areas of technical knowledge include non-invasive imaging technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single positron emission computed tomography (SPECT), X-ray radiography, mammography, ultrasound, and tomosynthesis. In addition, John has worked extensively in the area of medical monitoring, including in the fields of oximetry, capnography, and electrocardiography (ECG), and in the area of medical interventional and non-interventional medical devices. In addition, John has worked extensively in the area of consumer electronic devices, such as cellular telephones and digital media players and productivity related software.
John became a shareholder of Fletcher Yoder, effective January 2008.
Education
B. S. Biology, Trinity University, 1990
M.S. Genetics, University of California, Davis, 1994
J.D., University of Texas School at Austin, 2001
Kyle graduated from Texas A&M University in May 2011 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He then worked for three years as a quality engineer for Lockheed Martin on mechanical and electro-mechanical systems before leaving to pursue a legal education.
As a law student, Kyle interned in the Eastern District of Texas, served as President of the Intellectual Property Student Organization and Senior Articles Editor for the Houston Business and Tax Law Journal, was elected to the Order of the Barristers, and received the Award for Distinguished Accomplishment from the Institute for Intellectual Property and Information Law. He also competed in the Giles Rich Intellectual Property Moot Court Competition, winning multiple Best Brief Awards and finishing as a National Semi-Finalist in 2017 and Regional Champion in 2016.
After graduating from law school, Kyle passed the July 2017 Texas Bar Exam and joined Fletcher Yoder in September 2017.
Lance Wimmer concentrates his practice in the Computer and Electronic arts. He has represented clients in a variety of industries, including: consumer and industrial electronics, software systems, and services.
Prior to entering law practice, Lance served as a technical analyst for Compaq Computer Corporation (Compaq) and Hewlett Packard (HP). During his time as a technical analyst, Lance developed software solutions for Compaq's Industry Standard Servers division. Further, during his tenure at HP, Lance focused on design and implementation of e-Commerce solutions for Hewlett Packard's global marketplace. Specifically, Lance was responsible for back-end system integration and graphical user interface (GUI) design of several HP e-Commerce solutions.
In 2007, Lance left HP to pursue a legal education at the University of Houston Law Center. While in law school, Lance served as an Articles Editor for the Houston Journal of International Law. In 2010, Lance joined Fletcher Yoder. He is a member of the Texas State Bar and has been admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Education
B.S., Texas A&M University, 2001, Computer Science
J.D., University of Houston, 2010
Laura received a Bachelor of Science degree in Bioengineering from Rice University in 2006. Laura worked as an engineer at a medical device company in Houston after graduating from Rice, and subsequently attended law school at the University of Texas.
While in law school, Laura served as the Managing Editor for the Texas Intellectual Property Law Journal. Upon graduation in 2011, Laura worked for Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP in California prior to joining Fletcher Yoder in September of 2012. Laura is a member of both the Texas Bar and the California Bar (inactive), and is registered to practice in front of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Laura's practice focuses primarily on patent preparation and prosecution. In addition, Laura has experience with infringement and validity analysis. Her technical areas of expertise include ocular implants, prosthetics, stents, orthopedic implants, medical imaging, medical monitoring, and various other medical devices and technologies. In addition, Laura has experience in various mechanical arts, such as combustion engines and turbines, oil and gas industry technologies, and agricultural equipment.
Education
B.S., Rice University, 2006, Bioengineering
J.D., University of Texas, 2011
Logan graduated cum laude with highest honors from Brandeis University in May 2013 with a Bachelor's degree in chemistry and biochemistry. While at Brandeis, Logan conducted research in X-ray crystallography under the direction of Dr. Bruce M. Foxman. Logan's research, which focused on solid-state polymorphism, was published in Crystal Growth & Design. During his undergraduate career, Logan also served as a teaching assistant, interned at Rigaku Americas Corporation in The Woodlands, Texas, and was a member of the Brandeis men's tennis team.
In 2013, Logan began attending law school at the University of Houston Law Center. During law school, Logan was a senior articles editor on the Houston Journal of International Law and served as treasurer of the Intellectual Property Student Organization (IPSO). After graduating from law school, Logan passed the July 2016 Texas Bar Exam.
Logan joined Fletcher Yoder in September 2016 after clerking for the firm the previous summer.
Education
B.S., Brandeis University, 2013, Chemistry (B.S.) and Biochemistry (B.A.)
J.D., University of Houston, 2016
Madison graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas A&M in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. After graduation, Madison worked for a genomic analysis company that was the international leader in the field of contract genomic services. Madison's work consisted of conducting traditional and next-generation nucleic acid sequencing for clinical molecular diagnostics, client research, and personal genomic profiling services. In addition, she worked to maintain a highly regulated GLP compliant and CLIA certified environment. In 2020, Madison joined Fletcher Yoder as a legal assistant where she gained valuable experience in patent prosecution procedures and client relations. Following her registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Madison transitioned to the role of Patent Agent at Fletcher Yoder in April, 2022.
Education
B.S., Texas A&M University, 2012, Biology
Matt graduated cum laude from Texas A&M University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. While pursuing his degree, Matt worked with Dr. Roger Morgan researching causes of degradation of ballistic material fabrics and fibers. Matt was also an inducted member of the International Mechanical Engineering Honor Society, Pi Tau Sigma, and an active member of various student organizations, including the Student Engineers' Council. After graduating from Texas A&M University, Matt worked at TCMS Technologies in Austin, Texas, where he worked on the development of conceptual prototypes for cosmetic and medical digital imaging products.
In 2007, Matt entered law school at the University of Houston Law Center. In May 2010, he graduated cum laude from the Law Center and subsequently passed the July 2010 Texas Bar exam. He joined Fletcher Yoder as an associate in September 2010 after clerking for the firm the previous summer.
Matt's practice focuses on mechanical and electromechanical systems and devices including combustion engines and turbines; oil and gas industry technologies; automotive electronics; and heating and cooling systems and devices. Matt is also registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Education
B.S., Texas A&M University, 2007, Mechanical Engineering
J.D., University of Houston, 2010
Matt's practice focuses on complex technical and legal issues in U.S. and international intellectual property law. He works with Fletcher Yoder's team of attorneys and agents to prepare and prosecute patent and trademark applications in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, conduct patent evaluations, prepare patent validity and infringement opinions, and counsel clients on a range of IP questions.
Matt represents clients in many diverse technical fields - from high-tech consumer electronic devices to state-of-the-art oilfield evaluation tools. Matt's technological familiarity includes: wireless communication; liquid crystal display (LCD) and organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays; image processing; nuclear, electromagnetic, and fluid sampling oilfield tools; programmable logic devices; user interface design; semiconductor fabrication; medical devices; power distribution and industrial control systems; and a wide variety of other technologies. With his background in electrical engineering and electromagnetics, he is especially interested in the confluence of complex legal issues and state-of-the-art technology.
In January 2014, Matt was promoted to shareholder. He joined Fletcher Yoder as an associate in 2007 after a summer clerkship in 2006. He holds an electrical engineering degree with a focus on electromagnetics from Texas A&M (2003) and a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center (2007).
Education
B.S., Texas A&M University, 2003, Electrical Engineering
J.D., University of Houston, 2007
Matt attended the University of Southern California and Claremont McKenna College. He graduated in 2000 from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis in Modern Communication Systems. He graduated in 2001 from Claremont McKenna College with a Bachelor of Arts in Management with an emphasis in Economics as part of their Management Engineering Program.
After graduation, Matt worked for the United States Patent and Trademark Office as a Patent Examiner in Technical Center 2100, Art Unit 2133: Error Detection and Correction. During his three years at the Patent Office, he specialized in examining patent applications directed to memory testing, digital device testing, and error detection and correction systems.
Matt left federal service to pursue a career as a patent attorney, entering law school at the University of Houston Law Center in 2004. He clerked for Fletcher Yoder in the summer of 2006, and upon earning his Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree in 2007, he joined Fletcher Yoder. His areas of focus include computer architecture, error detection and correction systems, memory systems, telecommunications, and semiconductor devices.
Education
B.S., University of Southern California, 2000, Electrical Engineering
B.A., Claremont McKenna College, 2001, Management
J.D., University of Houston, 2007
Mike graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. Mike then worked at Caterpillar, Inc. as an electrical engineer, until he joined the company's patent department in 1986. After becoming a patent agent, Mike joined the Chicago office of the intellectual property firm of Arnold, White & Durkee in 1988. In 1989, Mike transferred to the firm's Houston office and enrolled in the University of Houston's Law Center. While at the Law Center, Mike co-founded the Law Center's Intellectual Property Student Organization, served as Associate Editor of the University of Houston Law Review, and acted as an intern to the Honorable Judge Lynn Hughes of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Mike graduated cum laude from the Law Center in 1992, and continued at Arnold White and Durkee as an attorney. In 1996, he founded Fletcher Yoder.
Michael graduated summa cum laude from Emory University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in physics. During his undergraduate career, he was involved in physical chemistry research on biological systems. After graduating, he pursued his M.A. and Ph.D. in chemistry at Rice University with a research focus on organometallic chemistry and nanomaterial synthesis. He developed methods for size-controlled synthesis of aluminum nanoparticles to replace gold and silver for photocatalysis and chemical sensing applications. He also worked on projects involving semiconductor fabrication and electrochemistry. Michael joined Fletcher Yoder as a technical advisor after completing his doctoral thesis in May 2017.
Education
B.S./B.A., Emory University, 2011, Chemistry/Physics
M.A., Rice University, 2013, Chemistry
Ph.D., Rice University, 2017, Chemistry
Moriah joined Fletcher Yoder in July 2017 as a technical advisor and is currently pursuing her JD at the University of Houston Law Center in the part-time program. She anticipates graduating December 2024. Moriah's area of technological knowledge includes: semiconductor fabrication; memory devices; industrial control and automation systems; display devices; distributed computing systems; field programmable gate array applications and software; relays and power distribution circuits, and a wide variety of other electrical and mechanical arts.
Moriah graduated cum laude from the University of Houston in May 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Moriah also has worked in the electrical reliability engineering departments of Marathon Petroleum Corporation and INEOS. Moriah is an active IEEE member and had previously served as Vice-Chair of the IEEE Houston Section. She regularly presents to various IEEE groups about intellectual property and mentors young engineers in their early careers. These efforts, among others, were celebrated when she was awarded the 2018 IEEE Region 5 Outstanding Young Professional award.
Education
B.S., University of Houston, 2017, Electrical Engineering
Nicholas graduated Summa Cum Laude from Colorado School of Mines in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics and a minor in Mathematical Sciences. From there he went on to continue his studies at Rice University, and received a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2016.
Nicholas started with Fletcher Yoder in May of 2017, and has since worked as a Patent Agent in multiple disciplines including: information technology; nuclear, electromagnetic, and fluid sampling oilfield tools; electronic displays; image processing; computer memory; and a variety of other technologies.
He is also a commercially rated pilot with multi-engine and instrument privileges and enjoys taking flights whenever he can.
Education
B.S., Colorado School of Mines , 2015, Engineering Physics
M.S., Rice University, 2016, Mechanical Engineering
Pat is a co-founder of Fletcher Yoder, and currently serves clients in an of counsel role. He has worked in a wide range of technologies, including industrial automation, medical devices and imaging, manufacturing systems, power and information systems, vehicle designs and controls, e-commerce platforms, oil and gas technologies, and industrial designs, to mention only a few. Pat helped pioneer the international sourcing of intellectual property, primarily with south Asia. His practice primarily focuses on strategic intellectual property development and portfolio management, both for established Fortune 500 clients and for promising startups.
An engineer by training, prior to joining Fletcher Yoder, Pat worked in systems design, marketing, and sales. His intellectual property and law experiences include international practice at the Cabinet Beau de Loménie in Paris, then at Arnold, White and Durkee in Houston, and at Foley and Lardner's main office in Milwaukee.
Pat graduated with honors from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, followed by graduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, specializing in feedback control systems. He received a French D.E.S.S. degree, with honors, in intellectual property law from the University of Paris, Panthéon; and a juris doctor degree, cum laude, from Tulane University Law School. He is admitted to the Texas and Wisconsin bars, and he is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Pat is also a registered professional engineer and has served on the faculty of Marquette Law School.
Phillip graduated from Louisiana State University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. While at LSU, Phillip was an active member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and was part of a team that created a prototype for an automated water potability tester for use in disadvantaged communities across the world. In 2017, Phillip began law school at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU, where he worked as a patent analyst at the LSU Office of Innovation and Technology Commercialization. Phillip joined Fletcher Yoder in September of 2020.
Education
B.S., Louisiana State University, 2016, Electrical Engineering
J.D., Paul M. Hebert School of Law, 2020
Rob graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation, he joined Texas Instruments, Inc., with the Defense Systems and Electronics Group. Rob spent a year in a multichip module group as a process, product, and reliability engineer, which provided him with a foundation in wafer processing, product development, and product testing. Rob spent the next three years at Texas Instruments working as a microwave design engineer, responsible for microwave module design, manufacture, and testing.
In 1996, Rob left Texas Instruments to begin law school at the University of Texas at Austin, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Texas Forum on Civil Liberties and Civil Rights. Upon graduation in 1999, he joined Fletcher Yoder. Rob is a member of the Texas bar, and he is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Rob's practice has focused primarily on patent preparation and prosecution and client counseling. In addition, Rob has experience with non-infringement and invalidity analysis, written opinions, licensing, agreements, clearance studies and due diligence work. Rob's areas of technological knowledge include: semiconductor fabrication; computer architecture; memory devices; control systems; microelectronic packaging; electrical interconnects; redundant memory systems; computer security; timing and delay circuits; telecommunications; organic opto-electronic devices; optical switching arrays; transducer arrays; desalination systems; microtransponders, and a wide variety of other electrical and mechanical arts.
Education
B.S., Georgia Institute of Technology, 1992, Electrical Engineering
J.D., University of Texas, 1999
Job Titles:
- Shareholder
- a Fulltime Associate
Sean graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Sean attended Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University from 2008 to 2011 graduating cum laude in May, 2011. While attending SMU, Sean served as the president of the Intellectual Property Organization and technology editor and associate managing editor of the International Law Review Association. Sean also served as an intern for the Honorable Jorge Solis of the U.S. Northern District of Texas as well as serving as a member of the John Marshall Moot Court team.
Sean was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in November of 2011. In May 2012, Sean joined Fletcher Yoder as a fulltime associate. His practice focuses on signal processing, web interfaces, computer hardware and software, electronic displays, mechanical and electromechanical systems and controls, data communication, and payment systems.
Education
B.S., Southern Methodist University, 2004, Electrical Engineering
J.D., Southern Methodist University, 2011
Tait graduated from Washington State University in December 1994 with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering having an emphasis in Thermal Fluids. During his final year in the program, Tait began a research project associated with two-phase turbulent flows and combustion, which was funded by the National Science Foundation. Tait continued this research project while pursuing his master's degree at Washington State University, focusing his studies on droplet behavior in the turbulent structures (e.g., vortex rings) downstream of an acoustically forced turbulent jet. During his master's program, Tait and his advisor, Dr. Cecilia Richards, published several papers on droplet-vortex interactions. In May 1996, Tait completed his master's thesis on this subject and was awarded his master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
After engineering school in August 1996, Tait enrolled in the college of business and economics at Washington State University to pursue a master of business administration ("MBA") degree. In August 1997, he enrolled in the University of Houston Law Center to pursue a law degree ("JD") with an emphasis in intellectual property. During the summer of 1998, Tait completed his MBA coursework at the University of Houston college of business and briefly returned to Washington State University to pass his oral finals. He was awarded his MBA degree from Washington State University in December 1998. During law school, Tait served as an Editor for the Houston Journal of International Law, which published his comment on Gray Market Goods. In May 2000, he was awarded his law degree at the University of Houston Law Center. In November 2000, Tait was admitted to the State Bar of Texas. Tait is also registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Tait joined Fletcher Yoder during his last semester in law school, and began full time in September 2000. His practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, opinions, and client counseling. Specifically, Tait's patent prosecution practice includes drafting utility and design patent applications, preparing responses to office actions, and drafting appeal briefs. His patent prosecution practice also includes patentability opinions, competitor analyses and claiming strategies for licensing purposes, and design around analyses and claiming strategies.
Tait's opinion practice includes non-infringement opinions, invalidity opinions, and hybrid opinions of non-infringement and invalidity. His technical expertise includes computer hardware and software; combustion engines and turbines; heating and cooling systems and devices; medical systems and devices such as imaging, instrumentation, and implants; industrial and commercial tools and fasteners; spray systems; high intensity discharge lamps and lighting systems; electromechanical systems and controls for automotive, marine, locomotive, and aircraft applications; and various other electromechanical technologies.
Tait was voted to become a shareholder, effective January 2006.
Education
B.S., Washington State University, 1994, Mechanical Engineering
M.S., Washington State University, 1996, Mechanical Engineering
M.B.A., Washington State University, 1998
J.D., University of Houston, 2000
Travis graduated from Trinity University in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in Engineering Science, specializing in Mechanical Engineering. While at Trinity, Travis was a student representative on the First Year Leadership Council and a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers. For his senior design project, Travis designed and prototyped an electronic gear shifting and braking system for a road bicycle. After graduating from Trinity University, Travis worked as an R&D engineer at Mevicon, Inc., in Sunnyvale, CA, where he worked on power and communication systems for gossamer spacecraft. Travis's work at Mevicon included design of support structures and manufacturing tooling, as well as studying segmented reflector alignment, zero-gravity reflector deployment, electrostatic reflector actuation, and photogrammetric surface mapping. In 2011, Travis left Mevicon to attend the University of Houston Law Center. While in law school, Travis interned at the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston, was a Vice President of the Intellectual Property Student Organization (IPSO), and competed as a member of the moot court team. In 2014, Travis graduated from the Law Center and subsequently passed the July 2014 Texas Bar exam. He joined Fletcher Yoder as an associate in September 2014 after clerking for the firm the previous summer. Travis's practice focuses on mechanical, electromechanical, and control systems including reciprocating engines, turbines, agricultural equipment, welding systems, automotive interiors, wind power, oil and gas technologies, and industrial automation.
Education
B.S., Trinity University, 2007, Engineering (Mechanical)
J.D., University of Houston, 2014
Vanessa graduated from Texas State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. While at Texas State, Vanessa was an active member of the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEEE) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Vanessa and her team won the award for best senior design project when they designed and implemented a web user interface that allowed for the remote operation of circuit breakers at a power solutions facility.
Vanessa attained her legal education at South Texas College of Law and graduated cum laude in May 2022. While in law school, Vanessa received four CALI awards for achieving the highest grade in Trademark Law, Torts, Family Law, and International Criminal Law and Procedure. Vanessa was also a member of the Phi Delta Phi Legal Honors Society.
Vanessa was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in October 2022. She joined Fletcher Yoder as an associate after completing two consecutive summer internships with the firm.
Education
B.S. Texas State University, 2018, Electrical Engineering
J.D. South Texas College of Law, 2022
Allen's practice includes all phases of patent preparation and prosecution, opinion preparation, agreement work, portfolio management and litigation support. Allen has experience in fields relating to natural resource production and processing, mechanical devices, process equipment, medical systems and devices, semiconductor fabrication, chemical arts, process controls, computer hardware, computer architecture, software applications, power systems, oilfield tools, amusement park ride systems and attractions, battery systems, and a wide variety of other electrical and mechanical arts.
Allen graduated from Texas A&M University in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. Allen worked as an engineer for approximately four years, serving as a plant engineer and process controls engineer.
Allen received his legal education at the University of Houston Law Center. In May of 2003, Allen graduated magna cum laude, earning his J.D. degree. As a law student, Allen served as an Article Editor for the Houston Journal of International Law and participated in several student organizations including the Intellectual Property Student Organization and the Christian Legal Society. Allen's honors in law school included induction into the Order of the Barons and the Order of the Coif. Allen is currently licensed to practice law in the state of Texas and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Education
B.S., Texas A&M University, 1996, Chemical Engineering
J.D., University of Houston, 2003
Xinmei graduated from Shandong University in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in Optoelectronics and Information Engineering. After receiving her bachelor's degree, Xinmei was promoted to the graduate school in Shandong University without exams as top 3 students of class. During her studying in the graduate school, she was interested in quantum mechanics and laser physics. She then attended the Department of Physics and Astronomy in Texas A&M University (TAMU) in College Station, Texas, where she conducted experimental research in Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Computing, Atomic Physics, Molecular Spectroscopy, Laser Physics, and Applied Optics. Xinmei has substantial experience on Optical System and Optoelectronic System designing and Multiple-Laser-System controlling and operating.
Xinmei has more than twenty peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, as well as a book chapter on Quantum Mechanics. She is a member of Optical Society of American (OSA), American Physical Society (APS), Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society, and Women in Science and Engineering.
After completing her Ph.D. in Physics and Astronomy in 2008, Xinmei did her Postdoctoral Research and began working at the department of Physics and Astronomy in Texas A&M University as an Assistant Research Scientist. After leading an astronomy project in Antarctica, which required collaboration of several international organizations from several countries and involved international Intellectual Property issues, she decided to learn more about Intellectual Property law. To that end, Xinmei enrolled in University of Houston Law Center in August, 2018 and received her J.D. in May, 2021. Xinmei joined Fletcher Yoder in September of 2021.
Education
Shandong University, B.S., 1996, Optoelectronics and Information Engineering
Shandong University, M.E., 1999, Optoelectronics and Information Engineering
Texas A&M University, Ph.D., 2008, Physics and Astronomy
University of Houston, J.D., 2021, Law
Zheng graduated from Shandong University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Optoelectronics and Information Engineering. Upon graduation, he completed an internship at the Chinese Academy of Science by developing a digitalized Ultraviolet (UV) absorption meter for nanostructured material. In 1996, Zheng joined the Institute of Modern Optics at Nankai University with research focusing on high efficiency all-solid-state lasers. He received a Master of Science in Optics in 1999. Zheng continued his graduate studies in Physics at Texas A&M University, where he conducted research in fiber optics, laser optics, quantum optics, and spectrascopy.
After completing his Ph.D in Physics and Astronomy in 2006, Zheng began working at ION Geophysical as a Research Geophysicist. He primarily worked on research and development of new technologies for seismic data acquisition and processing, including wide-azimuth survey design, arctic exploration on floating ice, flexural ice wave study, seismic interferometry, elastic simulations, surface wave related signal processing, RTM/Beam/Kirchhoff, simultaneous shooting and de-blending, towed streamer survey under ice, pore-pressure estimation, et al. To support R&D work, Zheng did extensive programming in C/C++/Fortran. In 2011, he was promoted to Senior Research Geophysicist. While continuing his research in new areas of micro-seismic and hydraulic fracturing, Zheng was involved in developing a parallel computing based software platform aiming to address the increasing need for mega-scale seismic surveys. Zheng left ION in 2014 to begin working as a Staff Geophysicist at In-Depth Geophysical. His scope of work was expanded from R&D to data processing and High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster based data center management.
Zheng has more than twenty peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, as well as two granted US patents in optics. He is a member of Optical Society of American (OSA), American Physical Society (APS), and Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG).
Zheng joined Fletcher Yoder in July of 2019.
Education
B.S., Shandong University, 1996, Electronics & Information Engineering
M.S., Nankai University, 1999, Optics