Herndon Intellectual Property Consulting : Tracie Crothers

Tracie Crothers

Education

San Jose State University
Bachelor of Arts Degree, 1996

Experience

Self-Employed Patent Consultant, Santa Clara, CA
January 2006 – Present
As an independent contractor, work for various sole practitioners, law firms and corporations carrying out various IP related duties associated with foreign filing and U.S. patent prosecution. Current and former clients include:

• E. Thomas Wheelock, Esq.
• Foley & Lardner LLP
• Cambrios Technologies, Inc.
• Hickman Palermo Truong & Becker
• Kyphon, Inc.
• Morrison & Foerster LLP

Morrison & Foerster LLP, Palo Alto, CA
June 1998 – January 2006
Senior Foreign Filing Specialist (promoted to position in June 2001)
As the lead Foreign Filing Specialist, responsible for all aspects of the Foreign Filing Department, including overseeing staff and carrying out foreign filing work in keeping with firm policies. Essential functions include the following:

• Assist Practice Co-Managers to address changes in rules, practice standards and risk management procedures pertaining to foreign filing;
• Identify Foreign Filing Department issues and potential “risk management” problems and work with Co-Managers to resolve them;
• Oversee Foreign Filing staff and participate in recruiting process;
• Distribute and prioritize work within the Foreign Filing Department;
• Represent the Foreign Filing Department as primary client and foreign associate contact;
• Disseminate Foreign Filing information regarding changes in rules, practice standards and risk management procedures to attorneys, agents and staff. Update Foreign Filing references and training materials as needed to support changes; and,
• Serve as Foreign Filing Trainer – conduct seminars for attorneys and staff firm-wide. Conduct initial training for new Foreign Filing staff firm-wide.

Foreign Filing Specialist
Responsible for all aspects of Foreign Filing specializing in PCT and National filings, including:

• Maintain and monitor foreign docket;
• Train department staff for PCT and National filings within the department;
• Prepare and file PCT Requests, Response to Invitation to Correct Defects in the International Application, Chapter II Demands;
• Prepare and obtain Powers of Attorney;
• Order formal drawings from draftsmen and edit drawings; and,
• Prepare letters and documents for foreign associates and clients for all phases of foreign filing and prosecution.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Palo Alto, CA
December 1996 – June 1998
Foreign Filing Specialist
Responsible for all aspects of Foreign Filing, including:

• Docket all incoming foreign mail;
• Prepare and file PCT Requests, Response to Invitation to Correct Defects in the International Application, Chapter II Demands;
• Prepare conflict letters to foreign associates regarding National Phase Entry;
• Prepare and obtain Powers of Attorney;
• Order formal drawings from draftsmen and edit drawings; and,
• Prepare letters and documents for foreign associates and clients for all phases of foreign filing and prosecution.

Thu, July 24 2008