Welcome To

Karich &
Associates

Karich & Associates is a patent law firm that practices in the field of software, and in particular artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and downloadable apps for use on mobile devices; and in the field of semiconductor device fabrication and engineering.

About

Mr. Eric Karich

Mr. Karich has practiced exclusively in the field of patent and trademark law for over 25 years, and he has prepared over 1000 patent applications, with a 90% allowance rate. Mr. Karich practices primarily in the field of software and business methods, and in particular artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and downloadable apps for use on mobile devices.

Mr. Karich’s launched his first software business venture while in law school. At the very start of the Internet era, Mr. Karich launched LegalGate, the first profitable internet startup in the legal space. Mr. Karich programmed the LegalGate site between law school classes, it was the first website built entirely for lawyers.

Since starting his law firm, he has helped launch many successful start-up companies and hundreds of new products. Successfully funded ventures including Medhab, LLC (sensor devices which utilize AI for fall detection, and in particular for use with the elderly and in physical rehabilitation); D4 Media, Inc. (media software); The Internet Toolbox Corporation (consumer internet software and training); M-Biotech, Inc. (implantable glucose biosensors); Hollywood Prescription, Inc. (fashion and internet sales software); Movement, LLC (custom motorcycle wheels), and many others.

Mr. Karich’s experience includes positions with the intellectual property firm of Lyon & Lyon (Los Angeles), the International Trade Commission (patent litigation in DC), and Gauntlett & Associates (Irvine).

Mr. Karich has built a reputation for patent valuations, for supporting efforts to raise venture capital. In addition to his extensive experience in patent clearance research, Mr. Karich also does joint patent and engineering research to design around existing patent portfolios. Furthermore, Mr. Karich also has extensive experience in building international patent portfolios, obtaining patent protection in many foreign countries, often via the Patent Cooperation Treaty, but also through direct filings, most commonly in the European Union, Canada, Mexico, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, India, and many others.

Mr. Karich holds two patents, including one on an early-stage smartphone message recording system, and another for an electronic mobility device for the visually impaired.

Apart from patent law, his interests include experimenting with AI and building new AI tools, and also surfing, playing basketball, skiing. Eric lives in Aliso Viejo with his wife Amy, and has four children, Hayden, Avery, Ariel, and Olivia.

Memberships and Associations

  • Orange County Patent Law Association.

  • Co-founder of the Intellectual Property Section of the Tarrant County Bar Association.

  • Former President, Inventors Forum (Orange County)

  • Former adjunct professor of Patent Law at Texas Wesleyan School of Law.

  • “Patent Reform for Software and AI Inventions,” Karich E., Karich Blog, Sept. 16, 2024

  • “The Rules Have Changed: The Effects of Festo on Patent Law,” Karich E., MX: Business Strategies for Medical Technology Executives, July 2001

Selected Publications

  • Computer Science, Specialization in Artificial Intelligence, Stanford University (in process)

  • J.D. Boston University School of Law (1996)

  • B.S., University of California – San Diego (1993)

Education

Bar Admissions

  • California, Bar Registration 186,325

  • Texas, Bar Registration 24048034

  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Bar Registration 41509

Mr. Nick Massetti

Nick Massetti is an engineer who has over 40 years of experience in the fields of semiconductors and tech systems development, with broad experience in electronics. Mr. Massetti has particular expertise in the field of image sensors and semiconductor fabrication processing and nanotechnology. In addition, Mr. Massetti has worked extensively managing projects for advanced CMOS and BiCMOS IC fabrication process development, and assessed IC fabrication technology maturity at factories in Japan, Taiwan, Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, and the US for capability and readiness for high-volume manufacture. 



Mr. Massetti’s extensive experience includes positions with Philips Semiconductors, Texas Instruments/Silicon Systems Inc. (Santa Cruz), SiGe Processes, Seagate Technology, IPValue Management, Inc., and Omnivisions Technologies.


He holds at least 8 granted U.S. patents and many other pending applications.

Awards

  • IEEE 2015 Outstanding Engineer of Region 6 Central Area (Central California, Nevada, Hawaii).

Education

  • Saint Mary’s College of California – Physics

  • University of California San Diego – M.S., Solid State Physics

Ms. Lily Kahnke

Lily Kahnke joined Karich & Associates as an intellectual property assistant, and is currently the firm general business manager. She is an experienced technical writer and executive who began working closely with Mr. Karich in 2018. Her former work experience includes billing management at Terminix (CA) and grant writing for Washington State University. Lily has traveled around the world for Karich & Associates, including a trip to the Patent and Trademark Headquarters in Washington D.C., where she consulted with Patent Examiners to learn more about the inner machinations of the industry. Since 2018, Lily has assisted in the preparation and filing of hundreds of patents, involving extensive research, analysis, writing, and more. Before entering the world of business, Lily was a professional ballet dancer. When not in the office, she enjoys acting in local theater and in short films.

Relevant Education:

  • STEPP Certification – USPTO

  • Associate of Arts in Writing – Irvine Valley College

MS. ANNA STEARMAN

Anna Stearman joined Karich & Associates as an intellectual property assistant, and is in the process of taking the bar to become a patent agent. She also prepares Design and Trademark applications, and is our first point of contact for most clients. Anna is always excited to begin new projects and help our clients become familiar with the world of Intellectual Property.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech University, with concentrations in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Nutritional Sciences.

MR. DAVE RUIZ

Mr. Ruiz grew up in Southern California where he developed his artistic talents in the fields of marketing and merchandising. From there his interest in design blossomed, so he attended a small technical college to obtain an AA Degree in Graphic Arts. After Mr. Ruiz obtained his degree, he worked as a Senior Graphic Designer in various companies. Mr. Ruiz began to learn about patent drafting through his work in a local inventor group, thus starting his journey as a successful self-employed Graphic Designer and Patent Draftsman. In over 25 years as a Patent Draftsman, he has completed over 10,000 patent drawings, including both Utility and Design patents.

Testimonials

  • Jeff Duncombe:

    "Thanks for your help with the patent work. When I came to you with my technology concept, I had no idea how hard it would be to get the patents written. I had a ream of prior art to review and no idea how to phrase the already technical nature of the material. You were able to elicit the key elements of the design, and develop the strategy to get the claims accepted. Thank you so much for all of your help — I really appreciate it."

  • David L. Kellogg:

    “Soniclear would have never happened without you. You are the best at what you do. You are a good man and it is my privilege to call you friend. Eric and Valerie – You’re the best! My protector, better yet, my friends. I know I’m in good hands!"

  • Karen Ponce:

    "I wanted to take a moment to thank you again for the work that you did to obtain our patent. I would like to especially note that I appreciated how you clearly and patiently addressed all the questions and concerns I had. It has been a pleasure to work with you and I look forward to more projects in the future."

  • Val Montegrande:

    ”I would recommend the Law Offices of Eric Karich to anyone requiring exceptional patent law services."

  • David Halstead, Dude Tools:

    "It has been a pleasure working with the best all these years.  Your integrity and professionalism are of the highest merit.  All our projects have been expedited and completed in record time, not sacrificing information or details, saving us time, money and anguish.  The trust in knowing that our most sensitive materials are always confidential and secure makes creating new products easier and desirable. Attention to detail,  fast turn around, great communication and service at very reasonable prices.  You're the DUDE for DUDE TOOLS."

  • Gary Lewis:

    "Eric is knowledgeable in both engineering and patent practices, and has been very helpful in obtaining U.S. Patent applications for foreign patent protection."

  • Alan E. Riley:

    "I appreciate the personal attention, solid advice, and great pricing!"

  • Michael K. Luciani:

    "Thank you for all your hard work.  It has been a pleasure getting to know you.  See you on the next one!"

  • Hank Johnson:

    "Clearly dedicated to customer service.  I look forward to working together in the years to come!"

  • Robert Morales:

    "I highly recommend Eric."

  • David E. Welch:

    "Efficient - Good Job."

  • Richard Dark:

    "I enjoy working with you."

  • Clark F. Crites:

    "I have been very satisfied with the work you have done for me."

  • Darell Musser:

    "I was impressed with Eric's office taking the initiative to check on our patents and the maintenance fees, making us aware of fees due and action needed."

  • Eric Raccosin:

    "Eric, seeing is believing!"

  • Kirk and Sherri Hoeppner:

    "Thanks Eric"

  • Vedat Aral:

    "I would like to recommend you and your team to anyone needing your service…I came across those testimonials when I was looking for help during my first patent application process. I'm glad that so many people recommend Eric and his team which made me choose them. They not only corrected my English and prepared the application, also understood the technicalities of my invention and made great suggestions. I'm writing this hoping that it will help someone else to choose them and get that great service."

  • John C. Fyke:

    "I have really enjoyed working with Karich and Associates.They are easy to work with, flexible, turns things around quickly and is thorough. I would recommend them to anyone needing professional legal advice for all Intellectual Property Needs. Karich and Associates went above and beyond all of my expectations. I now have a working product that went from an idea to a product on store shelves."

Get in

Touch

If you have any questions, please visit our FAQ page or use the contact form to send us an email. We would be happy to answer your questions.