Richard Sheer joined Edell, Shapiro & Finnan in 2013 and has been involved in the intellectual property field since 1966.  With a degree in civil engineering, Richard focuses his practice on the preparation and prosecution of patent applications, patentability determinations, freedom to operate issues, and right-to-use studies.

Richard’s experience extends to a wide range of technologies in the mechanical and electromechanical fields, including:

  • exhaust and anti-pollution systems
  • fuel injection systems
  • braking systems
  • collision avoidance systems
  • power tools
  • household appliances
  • medical devices
  • photography
  • photocopying
  • motion pictures 
  • image projection
  • optics and illumination 

Richard began his career in intellectual property at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) – working over 10 years as a Patent Examiner and more than 30 years as a Quality Assurance Specialist (QAS) in the Office of Patent Quality Review.  Richard subsequently joined a small intellectual property law firm in Alexandria, Virginia, where he was involved in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications for a multinational engineering and technology company.

Before embarking on a career in patent law, Richard gained practical engineering experience working for a major developer in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.  He was responsible for overseeing infrastructure improvements and housing construction. 

In his free time, Richard enjoys spending time with family, reading, carpentry, woodworking and traveling.  

Education

  • J.D., University of Maryland School of Law, Baltimore, MD, 1971
  • B.S. in Civil Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 1966

Admissions

  • Maryland State Bar
  • District of Columbia Bar
  • United States Patent and Trademark Office
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Practice Areas

Industries