Amy has a knack for being able to explain complicated concepts in easily understandable ways. She enjoys translating invention disclosures into highly readable patent applications. She also is conscious of using legal jargon when talking to clients and can tailor discussions based on experience level and exposure to the patent and trademark systems. She is responsive and attentive to clients and their questions and enjoys helping clients navigate through the intellectual property process.
Amy first gained exposure to the field of patent law while an undergraduate student at Carnegie Mellon University, where a medical devices professor had been an expert witness in a patent litigation suit. She went on to obtain a double major in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Biomedical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon, with course work focusing on biomaterials, medical devices, and robotics. While at Carnegie Mellon, Amy was a member of a team that hand-built gravity-powered vehicles from carbon fiber composites, worked as an intern at Caterpillar, Inc., and conducted research for a number of professors. She later obtained a master’s in Biomedical Engineering from the N.J. Institute of Technology, before heading to Boston University School of Law.
After graduating law school, Amy moved to Portland and worked at a local IP boutique firm from 2007-2012. After the birth of her second child, she decided to start her own patent law practice, which gave her the flexibility of working from home. She worked as a solo practitioner and business owner until joining KRDG’s predecessor firm, DASCENZO GATES Intellectual Property Law, in 2013.
Practice Areas
Amy’s practice includes patent and trademark prosecution in a wide variety of technologies, including medical devices, semiconductors, textiles, dental tools, construction equipment, renewable energy, sporting equipment, and other mechanical devices. Her extensive medical devices experience includes drafting patent applications and preparing patentability and freedom-to-operate opinions on heart valves, orthopedic surgery devices, and annuloplasty devices.
Education
B.S. Electrical and Computer Engineering and Biomedical & Health Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University
M.S. Biomedical Engineering
New Jersey Institute of Technology
J.D.
Boston University School of Law
Bar Admissions, Court Admissions, Professional Organizations
- Oregon State Bar
- United States Patent and Trademark Office
Interests
Amy enjoys running, local food and breweries, hiking, yoga, and board games, especially Scrabble®. She enjoys biking to work when the weather cooperates. She will compete in almost anything in which anyone is willing to compete.