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Overview

Eric draws on his background as a mechanical engineer as he drafts patent applications for client inventions.

Eric grew up with a love of building and drawing, which made him a natural fit for engineering. After beginning his career designing sensor equipment for airplanes, he accepted a role he had long seen as a dream job: working in an assembly plant as an engineer for a major automotive company and helping build innovative new cars. However, Eric soon found himself longing for a career with more independence where he could work regularly with inventors and a wide variety of inventions. A role as an intellectual property attorney, he realized, would be a perfect fit.

Today, Eric handles the entire patent prosecution process for clients who range from large companies to individual inventors. He has extensive experience working with patents for mechanical equipment as well as the transportation industry, from jet turbines to automotive braking systems. Currently, Eric focuses a significant portion of his practice on pool and industrial oil filtration mechanisms.

Known for asking the probing questions that will lead to an application draft that will readily convince patent examiners, Eric thrives when working directly with inventors. He’s enthusiastic about understanding every detail of each innovation, and he has a gift for quickly building rapport with clients and immediately diving into the engineering mindset.

In addition to initial patent applications, Eric frequently assists clients with continuation work to patent additional components of their innovations. He also handles international filings for both foreign and domestic clients.

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America
    • Intellectual Property Law, 2024 and 2025

Education

  • J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law
    • Illinois Institute of Technology
    • Certificate in Intellectual Property
    • Chicago-Kent Journal of Intellectual Property, Submissions Editor
  • B.S., University of Illinois
    • Mechanical Engineering

Admissions

  • Illinois
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Languages

  • French, fluent
  • German, fluent


*Contact Eric to set up an in-person consultation by appointment in the Chicago office.
Experience
  • Handled comprehensive patent prosecution for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses and individual inventors, both foreign and domestic.
  • In the electrical arts, drafted and prosecuted patent applications regarding automated manufacturing processes, electronic control systems, laminate panel manufacturing systems, and plastic film processing monitoring systems.
  • In the mechanical arts, drafted and prosecuted patent applications regarding assembly line processes, optical device manufacturing, medical devices, plastic injection molding, plastic film production, automotive components, valves, construction tools, cosmetic brush production, foam rubber processing, water and oil filters, refrigeration systems, vehicle suspension systems, valves, fluid connectors, construction fasteners, firearm safety products, rail car suspension systems, and laminated composites.
  • Drafted and prosecuted patent applications regarding life sciences technologies, including cell sorting and medical diagnostic devices.
  • Counseled clients on Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Prosecution Highway strategy.
  • Performed intellectual property due diligence searches for client mergers.
  • Developed claim and Office action response strategies.
  • Prepared inter partes review submissions.
Outside the Office

The father of six daughters who range in age from toddlers to late elementary school—including a pair of twins—Eric devotes most of his free time to his family. With memberships at many of Chicago’s museums and institutions, the Andersons can often be found checking out destinations such as the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.

Eric and his wife live in an 1894 Victorian on Chicago’s southside, and one of his main hobbies is simply the upkeep required for a 19th century home. He also enjoys playing the trombone and electric guitar with his daughters, albeit poorly, as he admits.

Community Leadership

Eric and his family are active members of Transfiguration Episcopal Church in Chicago’s Palos Park area and frequently volunteer their time organizing church activities and initiatives. He is also a regular volunteer with his daughters’ school.