Sunday, April 30 Afternoon

11:00am - 4:50pm	Workshops
6:30pm - 9:00pm	Welcome Reception

Conference Abstracts and Biographies

Keynote Talk: Patenting Actions that Speak Louder than Words

Mike Pellegrino, Pellegrino & Associates

Abstract

Edward Snowden rocked the world in 2013 revealing massive multi-government programs to collect and characterize massive amounts of data on world citizens. One purpose was to characterize behaviors, classify those behaviors, and act on behaviors classified as a threat to national security. Born out of the 9/11 attacks, this type of signals intelligence attempted to bypass massive gaps in human intelligence that failed to identify the attacks. Signals intelligence served as the backbone of multi-billion dollar investments to better understand and respond to world threats in a scalable, reliable, cost-effective manner.

The labor of a patent analyst is similar. While not commissioned CIA agents, patent analysts often have to discover competitive threats and market opportunities using laborious processes whose outcomes are analyst dependent, oftentimes with shrinking resource pools. In this session, Mike Pellegrino will present an emerging field of behavioral patent analysis that departs from customary textual analysis, demonstrating how scores of signals embedded in patenting data can help patent analysts produce consistent and defensible analysis outcomes using auditable data hiding in plain sight.

Biography

Mike Pellegrino is the Founder and President of Pellegrino & Associates, LLC (P&A), a boutique intellectual property (IP) valuation firm.  He has extensive experience valuing patents and other forms of IP, establishing royalty rates, and evaluating businesses. His company engagements number more than 400 for more than 200 clients, ranging from Fortune 100 companies to startups. Courts at the state and federal level, tax jurisdictions, and arbitration panels have accepted Mike’s work for issues including bankruptcy valuations, estate tax valuations, copyright infringement claims, trade secret misappropriation claims, patent infringement claims, breach of contract claims and others. He is the author of first and second editions of BVR’s Guide to Intellectual Property Valuation, with more than 1,000 copies in circulation among attorneys, tech transfer officers, business valuation firms, competing IP valuation firms, and more. In addition, his finance- and software-related articles appear in internationally and nationally recognized outlets.

Mike has taught IP valuation concepts to officials from the governments of Brazil, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Thailand, Guatemala, and New Zealand on behalf of the U.S. State Department. He has counseled and testified before legislators about valuation issues. He was also instrumental in helping to change Indiana law regarding the valuation of embedded application software for personal property tax reporting purposes and for the taxation of patent-derived income.

In addition to his valuation expertise, Mike developed a state-of-the-art patent analytics tool that provides key insights and intelligence into the patent landscape. This system removes information asymmetry rampant in the patent marketplace by consolidating millions of disparate records into a user-friendly database.

His educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in computer science from Indiana Institute of Technology and a Master’s degree in business administration from Ball State University. He also completed additional accounting coursework sufficient to fulfill the academic requirements for an undergraduate accounting degree.

The Green Perspective

Devin Salmon, IFI CLAIMS Patent Services

Abstract

As pressure to achieve net zero mounts, businesses have been pledging resources and promising behavior modifications to reduce the carbon footprint of their goods and services. Their public proclamations are encouraging. But how can stakeholders gauge whether companies are putting some of their revenue where their rhetoric is on the sustainability front? One way: tracking green patents. In this presentation, IFI CLAIMS’ Devin Salmon will discuss how green patents can be used to measure whether a company meets sustainable development and corporate governance goals or makes the grade for ESG investments. A case study, done in partnership with IALE Tecnología, on earth drilling and renewable energy patent applications in the U.S. offers a compelling demonstration for how such an analysis can be structured.

Biography

Searching Antibody-Drug Conjugates in CAS STNext®

Mike Axton, CAS

Abstract

Bioconjugation, the combination of chemistry and biology, is common in modern scientific breakthroughs. However, finding bioconjugate information can be challenging. In this session, we share practices for finding highly relevant information in CAS STNext on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Learn about:

Biography

Mike is a CAS Customer Success Specialist, supporting federal accounts in North America. He has 9 years’ experience as a patent search specialist with strong expertise in scientific information retrieval, including chemistry, biotechnology, and materials science. Mike is located near Washington DC and has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

Unconference Session Number 1

Revolutionizing the Future: Navigating the Landscape of Machine Learning and AI Patents

Michael Carey, F. Chau & Associates

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are rapidly transforming our world and revolutionizing traditional industries. However, with the rapid pace of innovation comes the challenge of navigating the complex landscape of AI and ML patents. This presentation will provide an overview of the current state of AI and ML, including its various applications and the key considerations for patenting these technologies. We will explore the unique challenges and opportunities posed by AI and ML patents, including the key factors that are driving innovation and the trends that are shaping the future of this field. With an eye towards the future, we will discuss the implications of AI and ML patents for businesses and the steps that organizations can take to protect their interests in this rapidly evolving field.

Biography

Michael Carey is a highly experienced patent attorney and member of F. Chau & Associates. With a background in both mathematics, software, electrical and mechanical engineering, Mr. Carey has a deep understanding of the technology behind Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). As a result, he has become a leading expert in the field of AI and ML patents, regularly preparing and prosecuting utility patents in this area. With a passion for innovation and efficiency, Mr. Carey has also developed cutting-edge technology and processes to streamline patent preparation and prosecution. In addition to his legal expertise, Mr. Carey brings a unique perspective to his work, having served as a Major, Chief of Command Post, and Judge Advocate in the United States Air Force, and having flown a C-130 in multiple combat deployments. This combination of legal and military experience makes Mr. Carey a valuable asset to his clients, and a dynamic speaker on the topic of AI and ML patents.

AI: Will it help or hurt? 

Moderator: Shelley Pavlek, Bristol-Meyers Squibb

Panelists: MarthaYates, Bayer, Nils Newman, Search Technology, Jonathan Skovholt, Ensemble IP and Andrew Klein, Minesoft

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence has long had the potential to radically impact how people analyze patent information.  However, so far, the impact of AI has been limited.  

If the hype is to be believed, the AI innovations of the last few years appear to be quite different and potentially impactful.  Will the new round of AI innovation actually change the day to day lives of PIUG members?  Will the change be helpful or will more time and effort be lost to "not quite ready" technologies?

This panel discussion with AI developers and PUIG members addresses the current state of AI and the pro's and con's of AI in Patent Analysis.  The session will include an open discussion with the audience.

Biographies

Shelley Pavlek is a Senior Patent Analyst at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. She began her career as a medicinal chemist in the laboratory before moving into the information field. She has spent the last 25 years first as a chemical information scientist, followed by a patent information scientist/analyst. She performs patentability, freedom to operate, validity and due diligence searches to support both the patent department and the R&D Organization within Bristol-Myers Squibb. Shelley has a B.S. in Chemistry from Gannon University and a M.S. in Organic Chemistry from Ohio University.

Martha Yates is currently a Principal Information Scientist for Bayer CropScience. She has been a patent information professional for over 25 years and is a certified QPIP. She is the current immediate past chair of PIUG. Somehow, she has developed a passion for understanding patent databases.

Nils Newman is the President of Search Technology in Norcross, Georgia, USA. For over twenty-five years, he has worked on the development of analytical tools to assist in the management of technology. His work focuses on the use of scientific and patent information in research evaluation, competitive intelligence, and strategic planning. Mr. Newman has a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and an MS in Technology and Science Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Jonathan Skovholt is a founding member and Head of Search Operations at Ensemble IP, an intellectual property consulting firm providing patent search services to corporations and law firms worldwide. At Ensemble IP, Jonathan works to blend human expertise with advanced technology tools to provide the most reliable and comprehensive patent search results. Jonathan is focused on assessing AI search systems, the convergence of Boolean and AI based techniques, and the continuing evolution of patent searching. Prior to joining Ensemble IP, he managed, designed, and delivered training for Landon IP and CPA Global where he taught analysts the finer points of searching, examining, and classifying. He is a faculty member at the NIH Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences and former faculty member of Patent Resources Group (PRG). Jonathan has taught individuals on the art of prior art searching to audiences on four continents. He is also a former patent examiner. Jonathan has a BA in Physics from Gustavus Adolphus College, an MS in Physics from the University of Delaware, and a graduate certificate in Instructional Systems Development from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Andrew Klein is Principal Solution Consultant at Minesoft. Andrew has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN (where he also sang in the St. Olaf Choir) and a Master of Library Science degree from Indiana University in Bloomington. Andrew has consulted with corporations and law firms around the world on best practices for using patent intelligence for prosecution, competitive intelligence, technology landscaping, licensing, IP strategy development, portfolio management, and more. In his free time, he sings in a professional choral ensemble called The Singers – Minnesota Choral Artists.

Advanced Search Techniques in the CAS MARPAT Markush Chemical Structure Database

David Saari, CAS IP Services, CAS

Abstract

Advanced search techniques in the CAS Markush collection can be used to improve search precision, enhance search efficiency, or overcome limits built into the search system. These techniques apply to the MARPAT database on STNext®. Examples of advanced techniques to increase precision include subset searching, especially sequential subset searches with multiple query structures. Search failures from “query structure too complicated” sometimes can be eliminated, and poor quality results having too many “iteration incomplete” answers can be improved (often significantly). A search in different Markush structure records (MSTR) can be used to identify patent documents indexed for related compounds like a starting material or intermediate and a separate reaction product. Match level can be used to expand or focus search results. The order of execution of subset searches can impact search quality (“iteration incompletes”) and hit highlighting in the final answer.

Biography

David Saari is an original member of PIUG. Currently, he is a Senior Scientist in CAS IP Services, CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society. David is registered to practice as an Agent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Unconference Session Number 2

Back to Basics; Why Patent Documentation Standards Matter.

Stephen Adams, Magister Ltd.

Abstract

Most patent information specialists will have a basic understanding of the operation of WIPO standards for the production and exchange of patent information data.  Typically, we first learn about country codes (ST.3), INID codes for front page data (ST.9) and kind-of-document codes (ST.16). However, there are many other standards which operate ‘under the radar’ of the average patent database user, yet these can have a profound influence upon the usability and interoperability of patent data, and upon the efficiency of our searches.  This is particularly the case whenever different patent authorities may legitimately implement the same standard in a different way, depending upon their interpretation of the requirements.  This paper will review how the major documentation-related patent standards operate today, and some of the pitfalls which can arise when the standards are interpreted by patent offices, data architects and database users.

Biography

Stephen Adams is the managing director of Magister Ltd., a UK-based consultancy specialising in patents information.  Mr. Adams is a Qualified Patent Information Professional (number 20190044100092) and holds a B.Sc. in chemistry from the University of Bristol and an M.Sc. in Information Science from City University, London, as well as professional membership of the UK’s Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).  He was the representative for UK user groups on the information sub-committee of the Standing Advisory Committee to the EPO (SACEPO/PDI) for many years, as well as contributing to the work of the Committee on WIPO Standards (CWS) on behalf of the PIUG.  He is currently a member of the American Chemical Society’s Committee on Patents and Related Matters (CPRM).  He is the author of three editions of “Information Sources in Patents”, the most recent being published in September 2020 by Walter de Gruyter KG.  He received the IPI Award in 2012 for outstanding contribution to patent information.

Boolean or ML-based search?--Both!

Heiko Wongel

Abstract

It is widely recognized that the rapidly growing amount of patent documentation is no longer manageable with conventional search methods. During the last couple of years, various machine learning (ML) tools and methods have arrived on the market and they each present their own potential solutions for reducing human effort in searching large amounts of patent data. 

Users however often feel uneasy with using ML tools, which are perceived as a black box. 

We explain a promising concept of combining ML-based searches with elements of a Boolean search, aiming to address the patent searchers’ reservations and uncertainties. We demonstrate how this concept is put into practice in the new search tool „INTERGATOR Patent Search“ . 

Biography

Heiko Wongel is a freelance patent information analyst and consultant based in Hamburg, Germany.

He holds a physics degree from the University of Hamburg. He started his career in the patent world in 1990 as a patent examiner in the fields of lasers and electro-optics at the European Patent Office in The Hague. In 1999 he moved to the classification department. He headed this department from 2009 to 2011. From 2011 to February 2020 he was the director of the patent information promotion directorate in the Vienna office of the EPO in charge of promotion, marketing and feature planning for the EPO’s patent information tools, the organisation of patent information events as well as user support and training of patent information users. Since 2021 he has been a member of the Global Advisory Council of Sagacious IP.

How Do I Deliver My search Results?

Matt Eberle and Diane Webb, BizInt Solutions, Inc.

Abstract

Once you have conducted the perfect query and analyzed the results, the final step is to deliver a concise and effective report to your clients and colleagues. What are your options for delivering integrated patent, chemistry, and IP sequence search results?  What are the capabilities and limitations of delivering reports in different formats, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, web browser, etc.?  Should your report be interactive -- with links to further information, filtering options, and editing capabilities? How do you show new information in updated reports?  How do you add your own comments and analysis?  And what's the value of including visualizations to your text/tabular report?

We'll discuss some of the options and trade-offs, with examples from BizInt Smart Charts and other reports that we've seen over the years.

Biographies

Matt Eberle is the Lead Developer, Analytics and Custom Solutions at BizInt Solutions, Inc. and helps customers use the BizInt Smart Charts and VantagePoint tools to create new solutions to address their IP reporting challenges and problems.

Diane Webb is founder and President of BizInt Solutions, with over 25 years of experience talking to BizInt Smart Charts customers about their needs for creating IP reports.

What GPT Means for the Innovation Process.

Gaby Lai, PatSnap

Abstract

In this talk we will look at how the GPT model can play a part in streamlining the innovation process. The way we interact with data as a user has dramatically changed in 2023 with the introduction of the GPT model to widespread audiences. Searching has become more like talking to a friend, rather than typing words into a search bar. This new method may seem alarming, especially when it comes to data with the level of importance and risk that IP holds; however, it is important to understand that AI such as the GPT model is there to complement and not replace.

Biography

Gaby Lai is a Product Marketing Manager at PatSnap with experience working with global brands in the consumer goods industry. Her areas of expertise include launching and managing successful product categories and building great customer experience. She believes that being customer-focused is the key to creating innovative software strategies and is committed to creating the best solutions for R&D clients.

Aptean GenomeQuest Sequence & Full Text Document Searching

Stephen Allen, Aptean GenomeQuest

Abstract

Aptean GenomeQuest has expanded our search capabilities to include Full Text Document searching. Along with our best in class sequence searching, we have added the ability to search through 24.7+ million Life Science Patent documents. Please join us to see the integration of sequence and Full Text document searching on the GenomeQuest platform!

Biography

Steve Allen joined Aptean GenomeQuest in September of 2017, he is the Senior Solutions Consultant for GenomeQuest & LifeQuest. Steve previously worked at Dupont and his background includes work in a patent group and work as a computational biologist in an agricultural discovery group. Steve has been working with sequence data of one form or another for over 30 years.

A Whole New World of Patent Research: What’s Next on the Horizon at Minesoft?

Andrew Klein,Minesoft

Abstract

How will new advances in AI impact your day-to-day life as a patent searcher, right now? Join Andrew Klein, Principal Solution Consultant at Minesoft, a global provider of patent search platforms and legal solutions, as he places the discussions of the conference in context with the value proposition of Minesoft solutions. He will also introduce the newest solution in Minesoft's portfolio to the US market. This innovative solution includes new tools and features that incorporate AI and collaborative tools, connecting innovators to valuable insights.

Biography

Andrew Klein is Principal Solution Consultant at Minesoft. Andrew has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and a Master of Library Science degree from Indiana University in Bloomington.
Andrew has consulted with corporations and law firms around the world on best practices for using patent intelligence for prosecution, competitive intelligence, technology landscaping, licensing, IP strategy development, portfolio management, and more.

Unconference Session Number 3

Ten Years of the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) System: A Historical Perspective and Future Developments

Jose Alconchel Ungria, EPO and Derris Banks, USPTO

Abstract

2023 marks the tenth anniversary of the launch of the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system, a collaborative partnership by the USPTO and the EPO to build up a powerful patent classification system. During the past decade, there has been an incredible amount of work and development of the CPC.  The CPC has been constantly maintained and improved, with coverage expanding to 37 patent offices, and approximately sixty-eight (68) million patent documents.  CPC is kept up-to-date to accommodate new emerging technologies and other advancements in technology.  Come hear about the latest developments in international coordination, maintenance, and future improvements to CPC.

Biographies

Since November of 2012, Derris Banks served as Director of Technology Center 2600 for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). He joined the USPTO in June of 1994 examining applications concerning semiconductor fabrication and abrasive tool manufacturing found in Technology Center (TC) 3700. He was promoted to SPE in December 2000 and managed various mechanical Art Units in TC 3700 that examined metal working and shaping, toys, printed matter, wood working, solid material comminution or disintegration, and presses.
As of November 2021, Mr. Banks now serves as the Chief Patent Classification Officer (CPCO) for the Office of International Patent Classification (OIPC). His responsibilities include managerial oversight and administration of both classification areas under OIPC, those being Classification Standards and Development (CSD) and Classification Quality and International Coordination (CQIC).
He received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and a Master of Public Administration degree.

José Alconchel Ungria, Director of Classification at the European Patent Office (EPO) since 2018 until 31 March 2023. José has worked 35 years at the EPO where he started as a patent examiner in the field of internal combustion engines. He also worked for the EPO’s international cooperation in particular as project manager for Latin America. In 2004 he was nominated as director of Vehicles and General technology at the EPO. He has been involved in CPC since its creation and has been responsible for the cooperation with the USPTO for CPC.
José is a Spanish national, with a Master degree of electrical engineering and a PhD in mechanical engineering. He lives in the Netherlands.

Unconference Session Number 4

How Far Patent Searching has Evolved

Ron Kaminecki, Kaminecki IP

Abstract

Changes in the law dealing with intellectual property can be traced back to attempts at solving problems as the technologies evolve. Though most changes start out as good ideas and have evolved into new ways of prosecuting patent applications, to citing precedent, to eventually drafting rules and procedures for doing things differently. This presentation will discuss how these changes evolved and what the effects have been on patents and patent searching.

Biography

Ron Kaminecki has worked with technical, scientific, and legal researchers in various capacities, as Manager, Advisor, and Director, mostly at Dialog under its various owners, and has been employed at several companies, always in the area of patent information. Currently, he is consulting at Kaminecki IP LLC and teaching patent searching at DePaul and the University of New Hampshire law schools.
Ron is a Patent Attorney with a BS in Chemistry, MS in Computer Science, JD with a Certificate in Patent Law and is also a Qualified Patent Information Professional.

Unconference Session Number 5