Ballard Spahr Lawyers Recognized for Nearly 1,000 Hours of Pro Bono Patent Work in 2020

Ballard Spahr and 10 of the firm’s patent attorneys and patent agents have been recognized by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for pro bono work contributed through the U.S. Patent Program, a USPTO-funded initiative to help low-income inventors register for patents.

In 2020, Ballard Spahr patent agents and lawyers contributed 940 hours to U.S. Patent Program pro bono matters, administered and referred to the firm by Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and Georgia PATENTS, a program of Georgia Lawyers for the Arts. The USPTO recognition applies to patent professionals who contributed 50 or more hours during the year.

The Ballard Spahr attorneys and agents recognized are:

• John A. Chionchio
• Jonathan P. Hummel
• Jonas Järvholm
• Michele A. Kliem
• Matthew J. Littlefield
• Sandra Sciascia-Zirger
• D. Brian Shortell
• Clinton R. South
• Sommer S. Zimmerman

Staffed by professionals with advanced scientific degrees and USPTO and industry experience, Ballard Spahr’s Patents Practice Group provides services in patent prosecution, patent portfolio development and management, and in transactions involving patents.

Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, the USPTO’s mission is to ensure that the intellectual property system contributes to a strong global economy, encourages investment in innovation, and fosters entrepreneurial spirit.

Georgia PATENTS is a nonprofit program that helps solo inventors, nonprofits, and small businesses in Georgia and South Carolina find patent agents and attorneys to help draft and file patents on a pro bono basis.

Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts is a nonprofit organization that assists artists and cultural organizations throughout the greater Philadelphia area via legal representation, publications, advocacy, education, and counseling.