Ex-USPTO Advisor Eager to Provide Insider View at Finnegan

Finnegan’s newest Of Counsel, Mary Till told Managing IP that she is excited to move to private practice because of the opportunity to use her background to advise clients on a changing patent landscape. On April 29, Mary joined Finnegan after being a legal advisor at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

“I’ve done a lot of policy development and missed the opportunity to work with clients and help them get patent protection,” she said.

At the USPTO, Mary worked in the Office of Patent Legal Administration where she helped create examination policy. She noted that case law is changing the contours of what is and isn’t patentable.

“Having been involved in developing and implementing how the USPTO approaches those topics positions me to put those lessons learned into play in private practice,” she said. “I understand what the USPTO looks at when they develop guidance.”

Mary added that she also looked forward to working with more junior lawyers and advising them on patent prosecution.

Mary said she was drawn to Finnegan because of its “stellar reputation” and that the firm’s lawyers are experienced and well-trained.

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