Mandar has drafted over 500 patent applications in technical fields including genetically modified plants, genetically engineered bacteria, medical and diagnostic devices, protein, DNA sequencing, and food science. Mandar particularly enjoys transforming the scientific discoveries of the inventors with whom he works into a commercially relevant asset in the form of a patent application.

“Working in patent law allows me to be closely connected with cutting-edge science, which I love, and utilize my analytical and writing skills on a daily basis to generate value for the client. In addition, this business can be very fast-paced and demand that excellent work product be generated very quickly—a challenge that suits me quite well.“ 

Using his skills in conducting searches of the scientific and patent literature, Mandar also has experience in conducting patentability analyses, as well as in identifying prior art in support challenges of third-party patents. Mandar also has experience in IP due diligence, helping clients navigate third party patents through freedom-to-operate searches and analyses, and analyzing the resulting patents to assist in assessing risk of infringement liability.

Mandar finds that a straight-forward approach is key in his communication with clients, especially in the early stages of patent preparation and prosecution.

“Transparency is the most important aspect of a patent counsel-client relationship. Of course, all clients wish to obtain broad patent protection, but it is important to set expectations. Practical advice is essential. While a patent counsel needs to fight for the client’s rights to the fullest extent possible, an important aspect of the patent counsel-client relationship is an honest assessment and communication about the chances of success and the costs involved.”

Mandar’s hands-on research experience comes from his graduate research in biochemistry, as well as his post-doctoral fellowship at Molecular Kinetics, Inc., in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he implemented biotechnological applications of protein chemistry, and studied drug-protein interactions. He also worked as a research technician at Indiana University School of Medicine, where he conducted studies assessing the efficacy of potential drugs for radiation induced preventing stem cell damage.

A testament to Mandar’s unflinchingly hard-working, innovative and persistent character  is perhaps best exemplified by his experience playing cricket in the U.S.

“I was the captain of a cricket team in Gainesville, Florida. In 2017 we played in a baseball field in a public park—a large empty space with heavy grass cover not suitable for cricket. I worked with the county to develop a dedicated cricket field. Over the years, we prepared a cricket pitch and worked on the outfield. When certain people denied us access to our cricket ground, I restored access by lodging a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Office. Our cricket ground is now regarded by many as the best cricket facility in Florida (and possibly in many other states) for amateur/non-professional cricket. For my efforts, my cricket teammates unofficially named the grounds after me. From all this I learned if there is something that should be done, one can do it if one simply applies skill, persistence, and hard work.”