Nick Contento, Ph.D.

• Drafting and prosecuting U.S. patent applications for a range of technologies, including software for electric vehicles and data management systems, artificial intelligence‑enabled applications, medical devices, semiconductor processing tools, and industrial exhaust treatment systems. 
• Leading inventor interviews and conducting examiner interviews before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to advance prosecution strategies and resolve substantive examination issues. 
• Building and managing an international patent portfolio for a renewable energy and green chemistry company, including drafting and directing the filing and prosecution of more than 100 patent applications worldwide.
• Advising on freedom‑to‑operate and patentability analyses by reviewing patent portfolios, identifying potential risks, and developing strategies to address identified concerns for in‑development products. 
• Supporting post‑grant proceedings, including inter partes reviews and reexaminations, by drafting invalidity arguments and assisting with patent analysis for software and electromechanical technologies.
• Performing intellectual property due diligence with potential company acquisitions, including evaluating patent assets, identifying exposure risks, and recommending mitigation strategies. 

Nicholas Contento assists clients with drafting, prosecuting, and managing patent portfolios covering technically complex innovations. He works with clients in software and data‑driven technologies, medical and diagnostic devices, advanced manufacturing, energy, and chemistry‑based industrial systems, translating sophisticated inventions into clear and effective patent protection.

Nick has experience conducting inventor and examiner interviews, supporting post‑grant proceedings, and advising on freedom‑to‑operate and patentability analyses. He has also assisted with intellectual property due diligence in connection with company acquisitions and previously served in an in‑house IP management role, where he aligned patent strategy with business objectives. His hands‑on, scientific background informs a practical and detail‑oriented approach to patent prosecution. 

Bar Admissions

• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Education

• University of Notre Dame (Ph.D., 2014)
• University of Notre Dame (M.S., 2012)
• University of Florida (B.S., 2009)

Memberships