Robert A. Hess, Ph. D.

Robert Hess is a Patent Agent who is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  As a biophysical chemist with experience as both an R&D and Marketing executive in biotechnology industry, Dr. Hess brings both strategic experience and technical knowledge to his practice. His focus is in obtaining strategically relevant patent coverage for clients, especially in the areas of biochemistry, chemistry, nanotechnology, drug discovery, medical devices and diagnostics. Robert began his scientific career at Cornell University studying the molecular physiology and pharmacology of intestinal ion transport. He went on to complete his Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics with Professor W.W. Cleland at the University of Wisconsin where he published on the physical chemistry of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. He later became Director of Research for BioSeq (now Pressure Biosciences) where he led the development of instrumentation for viral inactivation of blood plasma and purification of nucleic acids. Most recently, Dr. Hess served as Vice President for Business Development and Director of Intellectual Property and Licensing at BioTrove, Inc., a purveyor of miniaturized, high-throughput, cost-effective tools for drug discovery and genomics applications. Robert was instrumental in the founding of BioTrove, and in the development of its intellectual property portfolio. He negotiated venture financing, technology licenses, co-operative development agreements, material transfer agreements and non-disclosure agreements. In addition, Robert led key marketing and public relations efforts for the company. Dr. Hess is named as an inventor on 11 issued U.S. patents.

Experience

• Scientific background in biochemistry, pharmacology, enzymology, physical chemistry, research instrumentation, biopharmaceutical processing, and biochips for protein, nucleic acid and cell analysis.
• Business and licensing experience in the research and diagnostics instrumentation field, including strategic portfolio analysis.
• Drafted and prosecuted patent applications in the areas of biotechnology tools, medical devices, nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, environmental safety products, nutritional supplements and software.
• Performed prior art analyses in support of clearance studies including analysis in support of a patent reexamination request.

Bar and Court Admissions

• Registered Patent Agent (United States Patent and Trademark Office).