Richard Bennett Salles, Managing Partner
As managing partner of Foundation Patents, I’m a USPTO-registered patent attorney who helps creative people realize their dreams. My first love is working with inventors to craft innovations into effective patents. I focus on comprehensive specifications, illustrative figures and broad claims that capture the stroke of genius (aka “the inventive step” or “key point of novelty”) of an invention while covering all conceivable embodiments. I enjoy the delicate art of claim-drafting, and I help my clients smoothly move from idea to issued patent. I take special pride in my ability to work with USPTO Examiners to secure the broadest patent protection available for each invention I file, and I especially enjoy the follow-up process of enforcing my clients’ i.p. via execution of licensing-for-royalties agreements and assignment agreements.
I received my Bachelor’s at Princeton University and completed my physics course work at San Francisco State University. I received my J.D. with Honors from the University of Oregon School of Law with Cert. in Intellectual Property for my course work in patent & trademark infringement.
In patent prosecution, I focus on mechanical apparatus devices, chemical compositions and computer-implemented method patents. I represent businesses in federal patent litigation matters, as well as trademark and trade secret infringement matters. Primarily, I draft and prosecute USPTO and international WIPO PCT patent applications for scientists, engineers, inventors, builders & designers of all types.
William Stewart, Of Counsel
William works with technology companies to resolve intellectual property and other business disputes. William spans the full spectrum of intellectual property litigation including patent, trademark and copyright matters before Federal District courts and the USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Prior to his law career, William spent 18 successful years at IBM as programmer, designer and developer of an artificial intelligence systems.
John Rainas, CAD Design Illustrator
John is currently a DVC upper division student pursuing a degree in Architecture. John’s specialties are in 2D technical drawing (as are most patent illustrations) and in 3D modeling. He also has a background in construction, graphic design, and multimedia. John is well versed in CNC fabrication as well as 3D printing. He has a passion for environmental design as well as new and innovative construction techniques.
Crystal Roney, Marketing Director
Crystal is currently the Manager of Client Services at Dietz Gilmer & Chazen in San Francisco. Crystal is kind enough to direct marketing strategy and operations for Foundation Patents for our Inventor-Clients who do not conflict with her duties at Dietz Chazen. Crystal is the “Winston Wolf” of law firm marketing, so we’re thrilled to have Crystal’s insights and direction!
Simon Linder, Patent Agent
Simon Linder is a USPTO-registered patent agent specializing in patent prosecution. He earned his Bachelors of Science in M.E. from Northwestern University. At his personal website slinder42.wordpress.com, you can review Simon’s articles on Apple v. Samsung and other i.p. matters. Simon is from Silicon Valley and has significant c.s. project manager experience. Simon has additional degrees and certifications in information systems and in network security and cryptography.
