Jeffrey J. Chapp ( Jeff )

Principal / Detroit Metro Office

Jeff offers an extensive background in all aspects of intellectual property law. He advises clients on all phases of patent protection ranging from conception, to initial funding and disclosure (white paper, application filing, or other initial disclosure), to issuance. He is also involved in the preparation of various agreements including license, non-disclosure, non-compete and work-to-hire arrangements. Jeff understands the often critical timing of IP protection, and is attentive to the needs and financial concerns of individual entrepreneurs and in-house counsel of large international companies alike.

Jeff has been researching and creatively solving client problems for more than 20 years. He prides himself on exceeding his client’s expectations. Jeff works diligently to build patent portfolios, including providing clients with issued patent applications that have valuable and varying claim scope coverage. Jeff understands how to protect a patent portfolio from Inter Partes Review proceedings. He is able to conceptualize extensions of a particular technology and how a rival company might attempt to design around claims of a patent. Jeff also works with start-up companies to increase the value of their IP assets in order to attract funding.

Jeff is privileged to work for a diverse range of clients including both entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies.  He has drafted, filed, and prosecuted hundreds of applications at the USPTO involving a variety of technologies in the electrical, electronic, computer and mechanical arts, including microprocessors, semiconductor fabrication, telecommunications, solid-state components and systems, satellite systems and components, automotive systems, and a wide variety of other technologies.

Jeff’s experience has included prosecution of patent applications in various aerospace and satellite communication based technologies including satellite and land based communication systems and components.

An engineer before practicing law, Jeff’s previous experience included designing, developing and testing automotive safety equipment and vehicle components for General Motors and Lear Corporation.  This included a record of invention (ROI).  Jeff’s previous experience also involved troubleshooting and solving system operational errors and faults, and designing new maintenance equipment and methods for Quasar Industries.  As a result, Jeff offers a broad engineering background in the fields of electrical, electronic, mechanical and computer engineering, and vehicle and occupant safety.

Awards & Distinctions

  • PatentBuddy, “America’s Top Patent Prosecutors of 2011,” Peer Nominated

Memberships

  • Michigan Bar Association
  • Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association

Education

J.D., Wayne State University, 2001

B.S., Electrical Engineering, Oakland University, 1994

Bar & Court Admissions

Michigan

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Eastern District of Michigan