The People of Kubota & Basol LLP

Erol Basol

Partner

Erol Basol focuses his practice on all aspects of patent prosecution and counseling. Erol has experience in many patent-focused areas, including: drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the electrical, mechanical, and software arts; USPTO post-grant proceedings including inter partes review and reexaminations; patent portfolio management and strategy; and IP strategy evaluation, formulation, and fortification. Erol has particular experience successfully navigating subject matter eligibility challenges at the USPTO—in areas such as algorithms and software—and his practice includes developing strategies and prosecuting patent applications in cross-over fields where software meets other arts, such as business, energy, genomics, and others. Other areas that Erol has experience in include autonomous vehicles, computer vision, chemistry, drones, computer/device hardware and software, gaming, materials, memory, networks, semiconductor fabrication, solar, user interfaces and 3D printing.

Prior to co-founding the firm, Erol was Of Counsel at Morrison & Foerster where he worked for seven years. Prior to that, he worked as an engineer in the semiconductor processing industry, and as a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) consultant. He also served as an extern for the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Phone: 213-408-0792
Email: ebasol@kuba-law.com

Calvin Choy

Patent Agent

Calvin Choy is a Patent Agent at Kubota & Basol LLP with a background in radio frequency electronics and software engineering. In his previous work as a product and test engineer at Broadcom, he worked primarily on characterization and design of mobile handset front-end modules, and obtained experience on all aspects of semiconductor back-end processing and testing. Calvin ensured smooth production ramps of products that were later designed into flagship products of global smartphone leaders. Calvin also has experience with writing test instrumentation software and building data pipelines for statistical analyses. In previous roles at small startups, he developed automated web tests for over-the-air TV applications.

Calvin received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

Phone: 213-462-2612
Email: cchoy@kuba-law.com

Julia Whitlow

Patent Illustrator

Julia is a Patent Illustrator and one of the latest additions to the firm. Prior to her role at K&B, Julia held positions in start-up company design and implementation, NFT creation, graphic design, art gallery management and set up, museum consulting, and freelance art. Julia brings knowledge and experience in technical drawing, the use of line, shape, and perspective for the creation of detailed illustrations, and the study of composition and structure necessary for formal elements in art execution. Julia has studied design in Italy and has exhibited her art in Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Miami.

Julia attended the University of Southern California as a Presidential Scholar and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a focus on design.

Phone: (213) 462-2622
Email: jwhitlow@kuba-law.com

Jared Olson

Of Counsel

Jared Olson’s practice includes obtaining patents in the U.S. and countries around the world. Jared has years of experiences as both in-house and outside counsel to various companies, and handles matters relating to the electrical, computer, mechanical, medical, and telecommunication arts. Jared is well-versed in counseling a broad range of clients, from fast-growing startups to very large companies and organizations. As different clients tend to have different goals, constraints, and opportunities, Jared has ample experience providing client-specific counsel regarding the strategic and pragmatic sides of patent law, including patent procurement strategies, patent portfolio management, patent filing strategies, patent valuations, patent validity and patent infringement opinions, and more. Jared is a barred attorney in the Commonwealth of Virginia and registered as a patent attorney with the USPTO.

Phone: 213-297-1398
Email: jolson@kuba-law.com

Dave Eyvazzadeh

Patent Agent

Dave Eyvazzadeh accrued a robust knowledge base through hands-on engineering experiences which he applies to best understand, assess, and protect clients technologies. As a patent agent, dave conducts patentability analyses, drafts applications, responds to office actions, prosecutes international patent applications, participates in Inter Partes Review (ipr) proceedings, and manages patent portfolios. Daves areas of particular expertise include: general consumer products, recreational products, medical devices, and military equipment and technologies.

Prior to becoming a patent agent in 2015, Dave aided in developing new products and technologies including: military vehicle armor packages, satellite systems, composite structures, aerial vehicle platforms, fuel cell technologies, and various consumer products. His passion for tinkering and fabrication in his workshop provides a boundless source of learning and curiosity.

Dave joins the firm after practicing as a patent agent in denver, colorado since 2015 and launching his own practice in 2018. As a solo practitioner, he focused on pursuing patent protection for emerging companies and niche inventors alike. Dave received his M.S. in mechanical engineering with a focus in product development and B.S. In mechanical engineering from Carnegie Mellon university.

Dave is registered to practice before the united states patent and trademark office.

Phone: 213-297-1410
Email: davide@kuba-law.com

Glenn Kubota

Senior Partner

Glenn Kubota is a co-founder of K&B and brings over 12 years of expertise as a BigLaw partner and over 22 years of patent prosecution experience to K&B. Glenn specializes in patent prosecution, client counseling and due diligence for high-technology clients, including one of the world's most respected and innovative consumer electronics companies. Prior to becoming a patent attorney, Glenn was an electrical engineer and technical supervisor in the aerospace, defense, and space industry. He has a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, a Master's degree in Computer Engineering, and a law degree from Loyola Law School.

Phone: 213-408-0791
Email: gkubota@kuba-law.com

Sarah Stevens

Senior Patent Agent

Sarah Stevens is a senior patent agent whose practice focuses on prosecuting U.S. and non-U.S. patent applications in a broad array of technologies, including consumer electronics hardware, mobile and non-mobile user interfaces, automotive accessories, autonomous vehicles, and engine parts. Ms. Stevens regularly prepares new applications, responds to office actions, and handles appeals at the U.S. Patent Trials and Appeals Board (PTAB). She also has experience analyzing portfolios for corporate due diligence projects and conducting freedom-to-operate and patentability analyses for technology companies.

Ms. Stevens received her B.S. in engineering from Harvey Mudd College, graduating with distinction. As part of her studies, Ms. Stevens designed and debugged analog electronic systems, designed and built an electronic sensor package for a rocket, and completed coding projects in languages including C++, Matlab, Python, and Java. Ms. Stevens also has experience in user interface design and development, including front-end web design and development and mobile application design.

Ms. Stevens is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Phone: 213-408-0796
Email: sstevens@kuba-law.com

Samuel Guerra

Patent Agent

Samuel Guerra is a Patent Agent at Kubota & Basol LLP and regularly prepares new patent applications, responds to office actions, conducts patentability analyses, and analyzes client portfolios. Samuel also handles pre-appeals and appeals before the U.S. Patent Trials and Appeals Board (PTAB). Samuel’s practice extends across a broad array of technologies, including consumer electronics hardware, mobile and non-mobile user interfaces, autonomous and non-autonomous rovers, and transportation systems.

Samuel joined the firm in 2021 from an IP boutique firm in Orange County, CA, where he aided small companies and inventors in protecting their technologies across a wide range of electrical, optical, software, and mechanical arts, including fiber optic communications and integrated silicon photonics technologies. Samuel received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering with a Minor in Physics from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Samuel is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Phone: 213-462-2614
Email: sguerra@kuba-law.com

Drew DeRubeis

Patent Agent

Drew DeRubeis is a patent agent with experience in patent prosecution and patent portfolio management. Prior to joining Kubota & Basol, Drew worked in-house managing a patent portfolio for a passenger car manufacturer and led all North American patent prosecution activities for a commercial vehicle manufacturer. Drew has worked with inventors on a variety of automotive technologies, including electric and ICE powertrain systems, high voltage batteries, battery charging systems, aerodynamics, aftertreatment systems and mechanical technologies. Drew has experience developing strategy for patent portfolio development and working collaboratively with business partners and stakeholders. He also has experience in freedom to operate analysis and developing IP related terms in a variety of commercial agreements.

Drew received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Law & Technology from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Based in Portland, Oregon, Drew is the Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of the Oregon Patent Law Association. Drew is registered to practice before the USPTO.

Email:dderubeis@kuba-law.com
Phone: 213-462-2611

Trevor Franklin

Technical Specialist

Trevor Franklin is a Technical Specialist at Kubota & Basol LLP with a background in Astrophysics and Computer Science. Trevor's practice includes patent application drafting, analysis of patents and non-patent literature, and responding to office actions in technical fields including computer science, renewable energy, autonomous drone technology, and computer hardware. Trevor draws on his previous work at a large intellectual property boutique.

Prior to becoming a Technical Specialist, Trevor was a Research Fellow for the University of Michigan’s Technology Transfer Department. His experience there focused on patentability searches, conductive invention disclosures, and providing marketing strategies for commercializing intellectual property.

Trevor is an alumnus of Michigan State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics and a minor in Computation Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering. During his time at MSU, Trevor worked for the Michigan State University Observatory as an undergraduate researcher. In this position he performed system maintenance for a 24-inch reflecting telescope, photometry analysis, and directed observation nights for the general public.

In his spare time Trevor enjoys rock climbing, concerts, and mountain biking.

Phone: 323-337-7863
Email: tfranklin@kuba-law.com

Shouvik Biswas

Partner

Shouvik Biswas’ practice is focused on patent preparation and prosecution in the United States and foreign jurisdictions, strategic IP counseling and portfolio management, and adversarial proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Shouvik has handled matters in all stages of prosecution, including invention disclosures, new application drafting, office action responses, and patent appeals. He has drafted and prosecuted patents in numerous technology markets, including consumer electronics, wireless technologies, database software, semiconductor devices, automotive devices, and memory technologies.

Shouvik has also litigated patents in the U.S. District Courts, International Trade Commission, and the USPTPO’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board. He also has extensive experience in patent due diligence transactions, representing both acquirors and acquirees in transactions involving patents. Shouvik brings these experiences to bear when advising clients on building strategic patent portfolios and in his prosecution work.

Prior to his legal career, Shouvik worked as a Satellite Communications System Engineer at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. As an engineer, Shouvik developed a breadth of experience in an array of technologies, including digital, RF, and optical signal processing, antenna architectures and design, and analog devices.

Shouvik received his M.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering and his B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University. He received his J.D. from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law.

Phone: 213-297-1424
Email: sbiswas@kuba-law.com

Kian Madani

Patent Agent

Kian is a Patent Agent at Kubota & Basol LLP from the Chicago area with experience in patent prosecution and a background in Engineering, Physics, and Biology. Prior to joining the firm, he worked as a patent engineer conducting patent searches and delivering patentability assessments for a variety of technology areas, including medical devices and imaging, loT, machine learning, robotics, electric vehicles, AR/VR, optics and photonics, power reactors, wireless communications, computer networks, vehicle electronics hardware, unmanned aerial systems, and waste management systems.

During his college career, Kian embraced an adventurous attitude and explored different engineering and science disciplines while staying active in research and development endeavors. He has research experience in artificial intelligence models, including automated segmentation of the heart from cardiac MRI images and efficient sorting methods for noisy datasets of CGM measurements. His work in this field led him to translate the laboratory's digital infrastructure into curricular modules for local K-12 students, which was considered for the 2020 Change@illinoisTech incubator challenge. He also led the design and development of innovative gloves that amplify grip strength for patients suffering from neuromuscular disorders.

Kian is an alumnus of Illinois Institute of Technology, where he received his Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics, a Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, and a minor in Pre-Medical Studies.

Phone: 213-462-2619
Email: kmadani@kuba-law.com

Avery Johnson

Patent Agent

Avery’s practice includes patent drafting and prosecution. He has experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in electrical, mechanical, and software arts, especially with user interfaces, software, integrated circuit devices, memory, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), augmented reality / virtual reality (AR / VR) systems, industrial controls and automation, medical devices, insurance, imaging systems, and consumer devices. Prior to joining K&B, Avery worked for a midsized patent firm located in Houston, TX.

Avery received his Bachelor of Arts in Physics from Rice University in Houston, TX and his Master of Arts in Theology and Mission at the Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission, and Culture (ACI) in Ghana. At Rice, Avery investigated the utility of Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) for increasing security for Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. At ACI, Avery explored salient themes in African Christianity and Black American Christianity.

Avery is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Phone: 213-462-2617
Email: ajohnson@kuba-law.com

Kelly Liang

Patent Agent

Kelly is a former mechanical engineer with experience in U.S. patent prosecution and patent application preparation. Prior to joining K&B, Kelly was a technical specialist at a boutique patent law firm where she gained extensive experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications in subject matter areas such as electric vehicles, mechanical devices, manufacturing processes, machine learning, encryption and authentication, and blockchain.

Prior to becoming a technical specialist, Kelly was an systems engineer at a major defense company working on defining and verifying requirements for a new satellite program. Kelly also worked as a stress analysis intern for said company, analyzing additive manufactured parts. Kelly has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Mechanical Design from Rice University. In her free time, Kelly enjoys climbing, backpacking, and skiing.

Email: kliang@kuba-law.com

Guillermo Hevia

Technical Specialist

Guillermo Hevia is a Technical Specialist at Kubota & Basol LLP, where he specializes in preparing and prosecuting patent applications both in the U.S. and internationally. Guillermo’s diverse expertise encompasses software, energy, mechanical, automotive, and database management systems. Prior to joining K&B, Guillermo was a technical specialist at a global law firm, where he managed an eclectic portfolio of patent applications across various domains and successfully secured patents in multiple
jurisdictions including the U.S., EU, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.

In addition to his patent experience, Guillermo has a strong entrepreneurial background, using his experience in writing to produce content for several startups, ranging from fintech to a LGBTQ+ newsletter. Guillermo’s academic credentials include a B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in History from Duke University.

Phone: 213-462-2615
Email: ghevia@kuba-law.com

Jonathan Statman

Partner

Jonathan Statman has leveraged his extensive training in analog and digital circuits at Caltech and UCLA to effectively help his clients secure and protect their patent rights and develop their patent portfolios. He has extensive experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the United States and internationally, where he represents clients involved in a variety of electronics, software and mechanical technologies. He also has broad experience with practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

In particular, Mr. Statman has experience with analog and digital circuits, programmable logic devices and field programmable gate arrays, memory systems, autonomous driving software and sensors, drones, touch sensors, proximity sensors, force sensors, human-machine interfaces, user interfaces, touch screens, display screens, input devices, signal processing algorithms, image processing, audio processing, medical sensors, and information systems.

Mr. Statman has drafted and/or prosecuted hundreds of U.S. and foreign applications directed to touch screens, sensors and user interfaces. He has worked closely with clients in developing patent focused strategies and managing complex patent portfolios.

Mr. Statman’s inter partes review (IPR) and post-grant practice includes in-depth legal research, data analytics, prior art analysis, working with experts, and drafting briefing. By way of example, a representative completed post-grant matter is IPR2017-00730, for which Mr. Statman successfully represented patent owner in an IPR that resulted in the USPTO denying the petition to institute the IPR. Mr. Statman also successfully argued a number of ex parte appeals before the USPTO.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Statman worked as a patent attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP. Additionally, Mr. Statman worked as a hardware engineer designing controllers and peripheral devices for IEEE-1149.1-compatible boundary scan and in-system memory programming.

Mr. Statman is an active member of the Los Angeles Intellectual Property Law Association (LAIPLA) and was a member of The Judge Paul R. Michel Intellectual Property American Inn of Court. He is also a member of the engineering honor society, Tau Beta Pi.

Mr. Statman received his J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law, his M.S. in electrical engineering from the California Institute of Technology, and his B.S. magna cum laude in electrical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Mr. Statman is admitted to practice in California and is registered to practice before the USPTO.

Publications:
Gaming the System: Invalidating Patents in Reexamination After Final Judgments In Litigation
UCLA Journal of Law & Technology
Spring 2015

Events:
Comparing Subject Matter Eligibility in the USPTO and EPO
LAIPLA’s 2018 Washington In the West Conference
01/25/2018

Phone: 213-408-0794
Email: jstatman@kuba-law.com

Rahjima Francia

Patent Agent

Rahjima Francia is a former software engineer with experience in U.S. and international patent prosecution, patent application preparation, and patent portfolio strategy. Prior to joining K&B, Rahjima was a patent agent at an international global law firm, where she gained extensive experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications in subject matter areas such as computer software, machine learning, mobile applications, telecommunications, encryption, and authentication. Rahjima has also been recognized for her pro bono work and commitment to providing pro bono assistance to indigent inventors.

Prior to becoming a patent agent, Rahjima was an IT systems analyst at one of the largest investment management companies. Her experience focused on providing strategic direction for deadline-sensitive projects in a highly regulated industry. Prior to becoming an IT systems analyst, Rahjima worked as a software engineer implementing financial systems technology. Rahjima has a B.S. in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics from Jacksonville State University. Rahjima is registered to practice before the USPTO.

Phone: 213-462-2618
Email: rfrancia@kuba-law.com

Steven Vo

Patent Agent

Steven's practice is focused on patent preparation and prosecution for technologies including mechanical and electromechanical machines, medical devices, and software. Steven's expertise includes drafting patent applications directed to encryption, neural networks, machine learning and artificial intelligence, natural language processing, data provisioning, augmented/virtual reality, consumer electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, user interfaces, and 3D printing, among others. Steven's prosecution experience also includes navigating subject matter eligibility issues associated with software-related technologies.

Prior to joining Kubota & Basol LLP Steven was a Patent Agent at an AmLaw 100 law firm, and before that, a Patent Agent at a Fortune 100 technology company. Steven received his B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Steven is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Email: svo@kuba-law.com

Holadem Koffigoh

Patent Agent

Holadem focuses his practice on patent prosecution in the electrical, software, and mechanical arts. His prosecution experience spans a broad spectrum of technologies including electronic displays, control systems, computer systems and software, ridesharing technologies, wind turbines, mobile applications, location tracking technologies, medical devices, lighting systems, telecommunications, and optical devices. Holadem’s experience includes preparing patentability, non-infringement, and freedom-to-operate opinions, as well as client counseling. Holadem has also provided extensive support in various phases of patent litigation and IP transactions including due diligence and licensing work.

Prior to joining K&B, Holadem practiced as a patent agent at an Am Law 50 firm, and before that as an electrical engineer at a Fortune 50 company where he designed and developed analog and digital hardware for vertical transportation control systems, focusing on printed circuit boards for communication interfaces and motion control, electronic test equipment, and embedded microcontroller programming.

Holadem received his B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering with honors from the City College of the City University of New York, and his J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law. Holadem is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Phone: 213-297-1368
Email: hkoffigoh@kuba-law.com

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