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Much Shelist, P.C. & 52 Launch

Protect your brand with Much Shelist, P.C. - and bring it to life with 52Launch.

Much Law protects great brands. 52Launch brings them and their products to market.
Together, we guide entrepreneurs from protection to profit.

Meet Your Expert Team

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Patrick Richards

Intellectual Property Attorney • Principal, Much Shelist, P.C. • Chicago, IL

Patrick is rare blend of lawyer, entrepreneur, and teacher. He has been a partner in two multi-national law firms, managing patent and trademark portfolios for some of the world's largest companies. In between, he started, and spent over a decade managing, a small IP-focused law firm providing services to startups and entrepreneurs. In addition, Patrick has co-founded two tech companies and spent five years teaching at Northwestern University.

 

Peter Drakulich

Peter Drakulich

Founder • 52 Launch

Product development expert leading a team that has taken dozens of products from idea to viral sensation, retail shelves, and six-figure launch days. Specializes in end-to-end product development from design and prototyping to manufacturing, branding, and go-to-market strategy.

 


More about Much Shelist P.C.

Patrick focuses his practice on intellectual property, spanning patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. While primarily focused on acquiring protection from the USPTO, he also helps to monetize his clients' IP through licensing, litigation, and the purchase and sale of IP.

Patrick approaches legal work with the mind of an entrepreneur. In addition to founding a law firm he managed for over a decade, Patrick co-founded and managed two software businesses, including an AI-based medical device company in the neuromodulation, cochlear implant, and hearing aid space, and a crowdfunding platform that was named one of the 100 Brilliant Businesses of 2014 by Entrepreneur Magazine.

Patrick was an adjunct professor at the Northwester Pritzker School of Law for five years co-teaching the NUvention Medical course.

Client Testimonials

I feel extremely fortunate to have come across Patrick as early as I did in my search for a patent attorney. From the initial meeting I received a sense that Patrick had a very personal approach to working with his clients and was not looking at simply obtaining another client from whom he could extract business. I will definitely continue to use Patrick for all of my IP related needs and will recommend others to consider him as well.

Former Client

To my delight, Patrick was able to assimilate the complex mechanical and anatomic details of my medical device during our initial consultation. Now a year and a half later I can further say that Patrick's drive, integrity, and passion for his craft are evident in every interaction that I have had with him - without exception. What makes Patrick special is that he combines creativity and enthusiasm with a knowledge of the world of IP that is as detailed as it is vast.

Former Client

Very informative. Took the time to explain all my options so I could fully understand and make a informed decision. Fully understood what I envisioned in my head and put it on paper in full detail. Extremely professional and would recommend his services to anyone.

Former Client

Make your Patent Work for You

Securing intellectual property is a key step for innovation - but what happens next? 52 Launch offers a path beyond the patent to bring the product to real users: product development, branding, prototyping, and go-to-market strategy.

5 Things to Know Before Working with a Patent Attorney and Bringing Your Product to Life

1. File Early - The First-to-File System is Critical

The US operates on a first-to-file system, meaning whoever files first gets priority rights. In competitive fields where multiple innovators might be solving the same problem, filing as early as possible becomes crucial for securing your invention rights.

2. Avoid Public Disclosure Traps

You have only 1 year from any public disclosure to file your patent application, or you lose your rights forever. Be extremely careful about presentations, publications, or detailed discussions without NDAs - even university presentations can invalidate your patent rights.

3. Provisional Applications Must Be Detailed

Many inventors underestimate provisional applications, but inadequate descriptions can lead to loss of priority rights. Be as detailed as possible - if you don't adequately describe your invention, you're not entitled to the filing date as your invention date.

4. Understand the 18 to 24 Month Timeline

Expect your first patent office response 18 to 24 months after filing. Rejections are normal: over 90% of applications receive initial rejections. Plan for multiple rounds of responses and amendments during prosecution.

5. Align Patent Strategy with Business Strategy

File patents on innovations that create competitive moats, not just any invention. Focus on high-leverage opportunities that add real value to your company: each patent should be a strategic asset that supports your core value proposition and fundraising goals.

Why Work with a Patent Attorney

and 52 Launch?

Protect Your Idea

Comprehensive patent protection guarantees ownership of your idea and seals your competitive advantage in the market

Turn Patents Into Revenue

Leverage the 52Launch team's expertise to transform your protected ideas into products that sell while you sleep

Partner With Experts

Your idea needs to be both protected and commercialized. By working with a trusted patent attorney and 52Launch you'll unlock a team that can do both. 

End-to-End Collaboration

From early stage idea to product on shelves, we'll be there every step of the way to build a business around your product.


Products Patented

and Developed

eggmazing
Eggmazing Egg Decorator

Transformed a rough 3D model into a patented spinning Easter egg decorator. Overcame complex geometry and electronics challenges to achieve mass production. Result: Over 55 million units sold, featured on CBS, Today Show, USA Today, and in Kardashian Easter celebrations.

KlockItGolf
KlockItGolf

Evolved a homemade prototype (dog leash stake + rope + golf ball) into a professional golf training device. Developed proprietary core technology ensuring the ball stays permanently attached during intense club impacts while maintaining authentic golf ball appearance.

lava lunch
lava lunch

Created for a mother whose children had severe food allergies, this insulated lunch bag with microwavable heat packs keeps food warm for 5 hours. Overcame complex manufacturing challenges by coordinating multiple suppliers for bags, heat packs, and assembly.


Trusted by amazing companies

iPupPee
Chute21_logo
FlavrQ
StackTrax
DRIPKIT
Flora+on+the+Medorah
Vodka+Vault
Trusted by amazing companies
Trusted by amazing companies
Bioactive
Trusted by amazing companies
WineGrasp
BlinkerVest
PanelHook
SkiGripz
StrideCheck
Utensils
Stynkeez logo
Zippie Pulls
BurrFur
Alpha QuickFind
The Neat Net
PuttyKing
Slider Seal
SafeME
ToetalLift
HurtSkurt
MistiBrush
Baby+Ease
SprayErase
Wizzard Wiper Covers
Sunbright Nightlight
Snapistem
FlagnGo
Vital Trio
MyPeacefulMind
Guardeon

Want to Learn More About How We Work?