IPC Attorney Spotlight: Jared Rovira
Explore the journey of Jared Rovira from Louisiana to the USPTO and back as an IPC attorney, shaping the future of intellectual property law.
Shaping Intellectual Property Law: The Journey of Jared Rovira from Louisiana to the USPTO and Back.
Born and raised in Louisiana, Jared Rovira journeyed through his career, bringing him to Washington D.C., working with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) right back to his roots in Louisiana as an Intellectual Property Consulting (IPC) attorney. We had the opportunity to sit down with Jared to learn more about his journey and what he will bring to IPC as an attorney.
What made you choose IPC to continue your journey?
I chose IPC for a few reasons. First, the position was in-person, which was essential to me. I had been working remotely for the government for two years, and during that time, I realized that I enjoyed in-person interactions and office communities. When I spoke with the attorneys at IPC during the interview process, I immediately got a sense of the strong, friendly community within the firm. That was the exact kind of environment I was looking for, and it drew me to IPC.
Of course, IPC's specialized expertise in intellectual property law and ability to help me grow as an IP attorney are rare in southern Louisiana. I knew I could learn and develop my skills if I joined the team, but what stood out to me the most was that sense of interoffice relationships. I wanted to be a part of a team where the attorneys supported each other and worked together towards common goals. Ultimately, the combination of IPC's expertise and community made it the perfect fit for me and my development as an attorney.
How are you looking to transition your experience at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) into Intellectual Property Consulting (IPC)?
Working at the USPTO as a patent examiner was an incredible experience for me and for progressing my career. My job involved reviewing patent applications in consideration of the legal requirements provided by the government to determine whether or not applications should become patents. During my time, I gained a practical understanding of how patent laws are applied by the USPTO, but also received first-hand experience into the nuances of the job of being a patent examiner. The insight into the motivations, challenges and frustrations of the role of patent examiner can help shed some light on the occasional murky decision made by an examiner.
During my time at USPTO, I gained a lot of experience with the rules and regulations that I now use on the private side. It was a fantastic opportunity to understand how technology and science translate into a legal rights. t. I also got to interact with the patent attorneys often, which prepared me for corresponding with examiners in my current role. My supervisor was kind, generous, and helpful, showing me the process of being an examiner and guiding me along the way.
Now that I've transitioned to IPC, I have many opportunities to use the skills and knowledge I gained while at USPTO. My experience as a patent examiner gives me a unique perspective that I can apply to help clients protect their intellectual property.
How did you discover your interest in law?
My interest in law started with my interest in engineering. Science and math were always my strong suits in high school, and I pursued biological engineering at LSU. I was particularly interested in the implementation of new medical technologies and their potential to revolutionize areas of healthcare.
After graduating, I started interning at an engineering firm and realized how focused a career in technology could be. I wanted more variation in my day-to-day work and the types of tech I got to work with. During that time, a patent attorney came to speak to one of my engineering classes and discussed the diverse types of inventors, companies, and technologies in the field and how they all overlapped. That attracted me to the idea of the combination of technology and law.
I spoke with family members who are attorneys and doctors, and they helped me explore the idea further. The combination of technology and law sounded like a niche area where I could specialize myself. I decided to pursue law school and found it to be a great experience, thinking about problems from a different perspective. Throughout law school my aim of becoming a patent attorney never changed
What has been your most memorable moment as a lawyer?
My most memorable moment as a lawyer so far was having a patent issued with my name as an attorney of record. I'm not someone who usually enjoys ceremonies or graduations, but this moment felt like a tangible representation of the many years it took to get to this point.
How important is creativity when working with complex cases?
Creativity is critical when working with complex cases, especially in the patent realm. While there are certainly some hard parameters and the need for specificity in describing technology, being able to navigate and define claims (the language of patent protection) in a creative way can make all the difference in overcoming prior art and gaining the broadest possible protection for an invention. Not letting yourself get boxed in to one approach or perspective can make the difference.
How do you stay current on law changes impacting a client's case?
I work hard to stay current on any law changes impacting a client's case. Fortunately, many educational resources are available through the USPTO and other agencies that provide guidance on specific areas of law. In addition, the Louisiana State Bar Association Intellectual Property section also puts out valuable information and talks to help attorneys stay current. It's important for everyone to stay informed and keep each other accountable. Continuing education requirements also help me stay current with any changes to the law.
Overall, staying current on law changes is a critical part of any attorney’s job, and I make sure to utilize the resources at my disposal to ensure that I'm providing the best possible representation for my clients.
How has your United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) experience helped you here transition here?
My experience at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has been incredibly beneficial to my transition into my current role. Working there allowed me to understand the specific laws that apply to patents and trademarks and how they are judged during the application process. I was able to think like an examiner and understand their motivations and goals in terms of meeting productivity and substantive requirements.
Knowing what examiners look for, and being familiar with their thinking and writing style when they are drafting office actions, is incredibly helpful in my current role. During my time at the USPTO, there was a big push toward more detailed rejections, which is still applicable today. Understanding the specifics and details expected from examiners allows me to approach applications and responses proactively, ultimately providing better representation for my clients.
Working at the USPTO was a great way to gain insight into how they operate and how they approach applications. It's been a valuable experience that has helped me approach my current position with a solid understanding of what is expected from both sides.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone considering practicing law or even following in your footsteps?
If you're considering practicing law, the best advice I can give is to have a clear idea of why you're pursuing this path before you begin. Law is a big investment, both in terms of time and money. It's not uncommon for people to reach the end of their law school journey and suddenly realize they're unsure of what to do with their degree.
Most people tend to specialize in this area of law these days, so it's crucial to ensure that your passion aligns with these areas. Try to map out a game plan before stepping into law school. Of course, plans can change and often do, but starting with a direction in mind can save you from ending up with a pile of debt and an uncertain path forward.
If you're specifically interested in patent law, which is my area of focus, you must have a love for the science side of it and a STEM degree. The essence of this field lies at the intersection of law and technology. So, if you have a passion for technology, consider this as a potential career path.
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Jared's expertise and experience have been instrumental in helping IPC clients navigate the complex world of intellectual property law. As IPC continues to expand its reach and provide top-tier services to clients worldwide, Jared's contributions will undoubtedly continue to play an essential role in the company's success.
We're proud to have Jared Rovira as part of our team, and we look forward to seeing the many ways he'll continue to shape the future of intellectual property law.