Ian W. Gillies

Ian Gillies advises on the procurement, management and development of patents, trademarks and copyrights for clients that range from private individuals and start-ups to large corporations. Valued for his meticulous work product and thorough analysis in identifying and resolving complex problems, Ian consistently delivers immediate likability, honed consensus building skill and a seemingly innate talent for adapting to the many audiences and viewpoints for any given matter.

A conscientious communicator and dedicated service provider, Ian protects his clients’ assets across a spectrum of transactional IP areas, and not just a single, specialized point of interest. Clients appreciate Ian’s widespread industry know-how and that he is equally well-versed in advising on patents and trademarks alike.

Ian also advises on due diligence initiatives related to IP searches, availability, acquisitions, and infringement risk. He represents clients before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the corresponding patent and trademark appeal boards. He counsels clients on offensive and defensive IP strategies and trade secret tactics. In addition, Ian advises on the IP aspects of NDAs, material transfer agreements, assignments, and other legal instruments. He has successfully navigated the resolution of challenging IP disputes between his clients and third parties to avoid litigation or other adverse proceedings before patent and trademark boards.

Prior to his legal career, Ian worked as a mechanical engineer, inventor, and professional musician. For many years, Ian was employed as an engineer for Novellus Systems, Kimberly Clark, and General Dynamics, and as a technical salesperson for SMC. Moreover, Ian composed and performed extensively as a musician and opened for recording artists such as Pink, The Psychedelic Furs, The Lemonheads, and Air Supply.

Notably, Ian is an inventor himself and holds U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,869, as well as the author of a series of copyrights stemming from several professionally produced records. Ian’s hands-on business and entertainment experience allow him to bring a unique perspective to advocacy and a more balanced approach to representing similarly-minded creative and inventive entities.

Extern Experience

Extern for the Office of General Counsel at Arizona State University (2007)