Shane Douglas

Shane Douglas has a technical background in artificial intelligence, machine learning, embedded systems, and data processing technologies. He supports clients by combining hands-on engineering experience with a practical understanding of patent examination, prior-art searching, patentability analysis, and office action practice.

Before entering private practice, Shane served as a patent examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, where he examined patent applications involving software, IoT systems, computerized vehicle controls, autonomous vehicles, machine learning, neural networks, robotics, navigation, aeronautics, and related data-processing technologies. This experience gives him insight into how patent applications are evaluated during prosecution and helps him identify technical and legal issues that can affect claim scope, patentability, and prosecution strategy.

Shane also has engineering experience with large companies regarding data automation, network systems, and applied machine-learning development. He has designed data solutions using APIs, machine learning, databases, and business intelligence tools to improve equipment monitoring and maintenance analysis, and he previously supported enterprise network projects involving device inventory, systems analysis, and technical documentation.

Shane’s technical work includes developing an award-winning AI-based waste sorting system at Florida International University that used convolutional neural networks to classify materials from live video input and integrate classification results with a responsive pan-tilt mechanism for automated sorting. He has also worked on machine-learning projects involving AI-generated voice detection using biological cues. His interdisciplinary background allows him to understand complex inventions across software, electrical, mechanical, robotics, and AI-related technologies and communicate those concepts clearly to both legal and technical audiences.

Outside of his technical and patent work, Shane enjoys hiking, volunteering, and cooking.