Steven J. Petkovsek focuses his practice on prosecuting patents across many different industries, primarily for computer-related technologies. His clients include small start-ups, large companies, and academic institutions.
Steve has prosecuted hundreds of U.S. and foreign patent applications for semiconductors, medical devices, telehealth, machine-learning solutions, digital signal processing, e-commerce, big data and data processing, distributed computing, mechanical devices, telecommunications (4G and 5G), robotics, oil and gas exploration, and autonomous vehicles, among other areas. He has performed validity assessments and generated opinions regarding infringement risks, freedom to operate, pre-suit analysis, and standard essential patents.
In addition to prosecuting patents, Steve advises clients in other areas of intellectual property. He performs due diligence for acquiring, selling, and licensing patents. Steve also develops strategies for building commercially valuable patent portfolios.
When advising a client, Steve focuses on what the client wants to accomplish with his or her intellectual property, such as whether filings are defensive in nature, aimed at potential investors, candidates for licensing, or for a competitive product read. He develops a client’s plan with this broader context in mind. With a big-picture perspective, Steve anticipates issues and resolves them before they become serious problems.
Steve’s background includes work as an electrical engineer and physicist. His research at Trinity College was primarily related to robotics, specifically autonomous navigation of ground vehicles. Prior becoming an attorney, Steve worked at NASA, and developed a testbed for emulating extraterrestrial communications links.
Steve has worked with several pro bono clients, including prosecuting patents for high school students who presented their inventions at the Massachusetts Science Fair. Steve also performs free tutoring in math and different sciences.
In his spare time, Steve likes camping in Acadia and hiking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
