Andrew handles patent prosecution matters for both private industry and academic clients covering an array of subject matter spanning the gamut of sequencing technologies, CRISPR gene editing, cancer therapeutics, immunology, medical devices, diagnostics, neurodegenerative diseases, and microbiology. He credits his ability to handle such diverse technologies to his undergraduate and graduate research experience, as well as his lifelong passion for science, learning, and problem-solving. 

“As a result of my keen interest in science, drive to learn, opportunities I had to work in a variety of laboratory environments, and work with numerous model organisms, I obtained a broad base of knowledge, particularly in molecular biology. The knowledge I gained from my hands-on research opportunities, as well as my experience in teaching others, has enabled me to draft patent applications for complex inventions over a wide range of technical fields and to successfully obtain patent protection for our clients.”

During graduate school at Stanford, Andrew studied host-pathogen interactions in the context of bacterial and fungal infections in tomato plants, with a focus on how plants defend themselves from invading pathogens. Not only did Andrew win a competitive fellowship from the United States Department of Agriculture to support the final years of his graduate research, he also mentored a number of high school students and undergraduates to help them formulate, develop, and execute their own research projects. This experience underscored for him the importance of clear communication.

“Working with a diverse range of students with varying levels of experience requires patience, understanding, and an open mind to achieve a common research goal. You must meet people where they are, and then work with them to build upon their knowledge base and expand your own. These same skills have proven useful in working with inventors and clients who may be new to the complex concepts in patent law. The better inventors and clients understand what is required to obtain patentable, commercially meaningful claims, the better the quality of the work product, and the greater the likelihood of success.”

Andrew’s passion for science and research, and his dedication to empowering others who share that passion, were evident during his undergraduate years as well. Andrew was awarded a prestigious fellowship from the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC), an NIH-funded honors research program, as well as an NIH-funded Post-Research Education Program (PREP). These fellowships enabled him to pursue his interests in scientific research and refine and expand his creative and critical thinking skills. In an effort to apply his skills and reinvest in the community that had helped him grow, Andrew participated in research programs and academic organizations focused on assisting the community of Santa Cruz, California.

Andrew applies his drive and creativity to each and every project on which he works. Patent law has suited his proclivity for science and learning—as well as his communication skills—exceedingly well.

“I find learning about new technologies and working with enthusiastic inventors to be very rewarding. And it is even more rewarding when I am able to clearly convey convoluted legal concepts to inventors. When I have the opportunity to both learn from—and educate—an inventor, it’s a win-win-win. For me, for the inventor, and for the client.”