Biography

Mr. Pitzer specializes in intellectual property matters involving cutting-edge electronic, computer, and biomedical technologies. His practice encompasses complex analog and digital circuitry, computer software design and hardware-software integration, embedded systems, wireless and optical communications, computer and communication networks, secure data communications and cybersecurity, microprocessor architectures, application-specific integrated circuits, motor controls, medical imaging and image processing, medical devices and equipment, semiconductor fabrication, and semiconductor devices.

Across these and other technology fields, Mr. Pitzer has prepared numerous patent applications involving artificial intelligence and machine learning, including neural networks and deep learning, reinforcement learning, generative artificial intelligence, large language models, computer vision, natural language processing, predictive and classification models, autonomous and adaptive systems, edge AI, sensor fusion, and AI-assisted data analysis and decision-making. His experience also extends to secure and encrypted communications, cryptographic techniques, authentication and authorization, secure network protocols, data privacy and protection, secure computing architectures, and trusted communications between devices, systems, and networks. He has drafted well over 500 patent applications across these and other advanced technology areas.

Mr. Pitzer serves as patent counsel to technology companies ranging from multi-billion-dollar publicly traded companies to emerging and start-up companies. His background in electrical engineering and computer software enables him to understand complex technologies and their commercial applications and to provide strategic intellectual property advice aligned with his clients’ technical and business objectives. He works closely with clients to identify and protect commercially important innovations, develop patent portfolios, and make informed decisions regarding the scope, timing, and geographic reach of intellectual property protection.

Mr. Pitzer’s patent prosecution experience extends through all phases of the U.S. and PCT processes, from invention disclosure and patent application preparation through prosecution, appeal, and post-issuance matters. He also leverages long-standing relationships with foreign agents and associates to coordinate prosecution strategies and secure patent protection worldwide. His experience representing companies of different sizes allows him to tailor patent strategies to a client’s particular business objectives, competitive environment, and available resources.

Mr. Pitzer also has significant experience counseling clients regarding freedom to operate, non-infringement, invalidity, and patentability. His counseling practice includes conducting and evaluating patent and prior-art searches, assessing competitive patent landscapes, and advising clients regarding intellectual property risks associated with new products and technologies. In addition, he negotiates and drafts intellectual property license agreements and advises clients regarding licensing strategies and other intellectual property transactions.

In addition to his patent practice, Mr. Pitzer advises clients on the development, protection, and management of trademark portfolios. His trademark practice includes trademark clearance and availability analysis, preparation and prosecution of U.S. trademark applications, responses to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office refusals and Office Actions, and coordination of international trademark protection. He also counsels clients regarding trademark selection, registration strategies, proper use of marks, portfolio management, enforcement, infringement risks, and related branding issues.