Biography
Kate is a creative problem-solver who secures and protects the intellectual property rights of innovative companies and individuals, with a focus on domestic and international patent prosecution. Clients rely on her extensive experience to help them develop and manage patent portfolios and provide opinions on the validity and enforceability of patents and freedom-to-operate issues. Drawing on her broad, hands-on knowledge of patent prosecution in the areas of medical device, mechanical, biotech, and electrical technologies, as well as previous experience with IP litigation, trademark, and copyright matters, she develops comprehensive IP strategies for clients across a range of industries. In addition to her legal experience, Kate has a strong technical background, including a degree in biomechanical engineering from Stanford University. In 2021, Kate was recognized by Profiles in Diversity Journal as a Women Worth Watching in STEM.
Kate enjoys contributing to the innovation process and prides herself on being open and candid about what patent law can and cannot do for a business. When a company or individual contacts her seeking IP protection for an idea, she makes an honest assessment of how she can provide the most value, including working with the inventor to determine whether or not a patent application is warranted at that stage of development. When a product or method merits protection, Kate develops comprehensive strategies that often include creative design-arounds to avoid infringing on issued patents and a thorough competitive analysis to identify go-to-market challenges and opportunities. She also identifies how a company can leverage its copyrights, trademarks, and other IP assets to further support business objectives.
Representative Experience
- Serve as a trusted advisor on patent portfolio strategy across a range of industries, including medical devices, consumer products, manufacturing technologies, and mechanical and electro-mechanical innovations.
- Advise on intellectual property considerations impacting product development, including by identifying design-arounds and providing white space analysis, suggesting filing approaches, and directing overall IP positioning.
- Manage U.S. and international patent prosecution, tailoring Office Action responses to client objectives and coordinating prosecution strategies across multiple jurisdictions.
- Prepare and prosecute patent applications for advanced biomedical and research technologies, including innovations relating to in vitro models, analytical platforms, and diagnostic systems.
- Prepare and prosecute design patent applications, including coordinating international design protection strategies and filings under the Hague Agreement.
- Collaborate with inventors and technical teams to develop invention disclosures and translate complex technologies into strong, defensible patent applications.
Background and Credentials
While earning her bachelor’s degree at Stanford University, Kate completed two significant engineering internships: one in a photonics lab, where she worked on a laser coupler and biological fluids sensors, and another at 3M, where she collaborated with a team working with the Mayo Clinic to develop pathology lab equipment.
Education
- Northwestern University School of Law (J.D., cum laude)
- Stanford University (B.S.)
- Biomechanical Engineering
Bar Admissions
Publications and Presentations
- "Navigating Timelines and Technology: Patent Strategies for Space and Earth," Engineering News-Record, April 23, 2026.
- "Patent Publication Discloses Advances in Moon Mining Technology," ENR, September 5, 2024.
- "Patent Filings Describe Materials Under Consideration for Moon Habitats," ENR, May 31, 2024.
- "Patent Filings Offer Details of ICON's Potential Trip to the Moon," ENR, April 18, 2024.
- "Patenting 3D Printing Innovations: Why, When, How, and Who," TIPE 3D Printing Conference, January 24, 2023.
Community and Professional Involvement
Kate volunteers her time and provides pro bono legal counsel through the following organizations and committees:
- Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA) – prepares and presents executive clemency petitions to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board on behalf of CGLA clients
- Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS) – represents petitioners in adult guardian ad litem cases in Illinois state court
- Wills for Heroes Foundation – in partnership with the Chicago Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section, assists veterans and first responders with essential estate planning documents
- Chicago Women in IP (ChiWIP)