Meet Our Team
Mr. Eric Karich
Patent Attorney and Founder
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 has also built a reputation for patent valuations, for supporting efforts to raise venture capital.
Mr. Karich wrote his first video game on an Apple II, and Mr. Karich launched his first software business venture in 1996, at the very start of the Internet era. LegalGate was one of the first profitable internet startup in the legal space, and consolidated a great deal of legal resources in a free internet archive.
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 also is trusted in preparing patent valuations, in particular for supporting efforts to raise investment 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 surfing, playing basketball, and skiing. Eric lives in Aliso Viejo with his wife Amy, and has four children, Hayden, Avery, Ariel, and Olivia.
Education
Computer Science, Specialization in Artificial Intelligence - Stanford University (in process)
J.D. - Boston University School of Law
B.S. - University of California, San Diego
Bar Admissions
California, Bar Registration 186,325
Texas, Bar Registration 24048034
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Bar Registration 41503
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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.
Since then, Lily has assisted in the preparation and filing of hundreds of patents, involving extensive research, analysis, writing, and more. When not in the office, she enjoys acting in local theater and in short films.
Education
STEPP Certification – USPTO
Associate of Arts in Writing - Irvine Valley College
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Mr. Keeon Jabbour
Keeon Jabbour joined Karich and Associates as Director of Sales. He brings a strong background in education, leadership, and organization development, with experience guiding teams and creating structures that drive growth and success.
Keeon has built his career around empowering people and building systems that help their ideas flourish. His people-first mindset is driven by his passion to build genuine connections and foster collaboration. He is committed to helping entrepreneurs and investors navigate the challenges and gain access to the expertise and resources that they need. By joining Karich and Associates, Keeon is excited to play a role in building a community where ideas can grow into real-world impact.
Education
B.S. in Business ManagementM.Ed. Inspired Teaching and Learning
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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. Additionally, she has a background in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Nutritional Sciences.
Anna 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
B.S., concentrations in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Nutritional Sciences - Texas Tech University
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Mrs. Amy Karich
Amy Karich is Karich & Associates’ manager. She is responsible for maintaining records and managing all financial matters. Amy is also responsible for all Human Relation services and other internal firm management.
Education:
B.A. - San Diego State University
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Mr. Nick Masseti
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, semiconductor fabrication processing and nanotechnology. 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.
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.He was awarded IEEE 2015 Outstanding Engineer of Region 6 Central Area (Central California, Nevada, Hawaii).Education
B.S., Physics - Saint Mary’s College of California
M.S., Solid State Physics - University of California San Diego
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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 leading to his pursuit of higher education in Graphic Design.
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.
Education
Associate of Arts in Graphic Design