Overview

Sean O’Brien focuses his patent prosecution services on mechanical engineering and physics technologies. 

Sean’s experience spans all aspects of patent prosecution, including preparing patent applications, office action responses, Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) briefs, patentability and freedom to operate searches, and patent opinion letters. He has also worked extensively with inventors to discuss invention disclosures and provide patentability advice. In addition, he has argued before the PTAB against the rejection of patent applications. 

Drawing from his engineering background, Sean is equipped to quickly grasp the technical complexities of his clients’ innovations, and to translate those details into strong, defensible patents. He holds a master of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota Duluth, where his research focused on fluid-induced electrical degradation in medium voltage cables. 

Sean currently serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, where he coaches the Giles S. Rich Intellectual Property Moot Court Competition team. 

In his free time, Sean enjoys being outdoors, traveling to new places, and spending time with family and friends. 

Professional associations

  • American Intellectual Property Law Association 

  • Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association 

  • Honorable Jimmie V. Reyna Intellectual Property American Inn of Court