Erica Schaefer

Intellectual Property Attorney

Erica is an experienced intellectual property attorney, with a practice that focuses on preparing and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications in a wide array of industries and technologies, including automotive, aeronautics/aerospace, medical devices, diabetes management devices, control systems, manufacturing, agricultural, forestry and construction machinery, mechanical and electro-mechanical devices, and industrial designs. She is also experienced in the preparation and drafting of patentability, due diligence, landscape analysis, clearance and other legal opinions. In addition, Erica has drafted many requests for reexamination, and has significant experience in post-grant proceedings at the USPTO.

In her free time, Erica volunteers as the executive director of a local recreational travel soccer program and serves her community as a certified soccer referee. She also volunteers as a member of the Communications working group of ADAPT (Advancing Diversity Across Patent Teams).

Industry Experience

Prior to entering the legal field, Erica worked as a co-op product engineer with an automotive supplier in vehicle steering systems and crashworthiness. She was also a research assistant in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Kettering University, where she focused on internal combustion engines. While attending law school, Erica worked as a law clerk and a patent agent, assisting in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications in various technical arts.

Education

• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Kettering University (2001)
• J.D., Wayne State University Law School (2005)

Admissions

• United States Patent and Trademark Office
• State Bar of Michigan
• Eastern District of Michigan