Judy Carlson, David Kim Receive 2017 Patent Pro Bono Achievement Certificates from the USPTO

05.30.2018

Stinson Leonard Street LLP attorneys Judy Carlson and David Kim were among the recipients of the 2017 Patent Pro Bono Achievement Certificate from the U.S. Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Offices. The certificates recognize individuals who help make the USPTO's Patent Pro Bono Program available to financially under-resourced inventors and small businesses.

The patent Pro Bono Program is a nationwide network of independently operated regional programs that match volunteer patent professionals with individuals for the purpose of securing patent protection.

In 2017 Carlson and Kim were two of the more than 85 volunteer patent attorneys that reported 50 or more hours of patent pro bono service to a regional patent pro bono program. To date, more than 1,500 patent professionals have volunteered their time and resources.

Carlson's pro bono work through the program involved the preparation of a U.S. non-provisional patent application in the forensic technology area.

Kim's work included the preparation of a U.S. provisional patent application in pet care, the preparation of a U.S. non-provisional patent application in outdoor sporting accessories, and the prosecution of a U.S. design patent application for a trophy display.

Carlson is based out of the firm's Kansas City office. She has prepared and prosecuted hundreds of patent applications for complex technologies in the United States and throughout Europe, Asia, South America, Canada, and Australia. She is also experienced in preparing patentability, non-infringement, and invalidity opinions and regularly advises clients on freedom to operate issues. She also drafts and negotiates intellectual property agreements and conducts intellectual property due diligence in M&A transactions. Before becoming a registered patent attorney she worked as an electrical engineer.

Kim is a partner in the firm's St. Louis office. He helps his clients identify, secure, and protect their intellectual property rights. He counsels his clients through various phases of product design and development and, as a former patent examiner, brings a unique perspective to the table when guiding them through the patent process. He has obtained hundreds of patents for Fortune 500 companies, and has extensive experience managing patent portfolios in a broad range of industries, including high tech, telecommunications, financial, health care, energy, aerospace, automotive, retail and manufacturing.