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patent + trademark attorney
Much Shelist, P.C. & 52Launch
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
Patrick Richards
Intellectual Property Attorney • Principal, Much Shelist, P.C. • Chicago, ILPatrick 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
Founder • 52 LaunchProduct 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 Patrick Richards
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.
Connect with Patrick Richards →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?
Comprehensive patent protection guarantees ownership of your idea and seals your competitive advantage in the market.
Leverage the 52Launch team's expertise to transform your protected ideas into products that sell while you sleep.
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.
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 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
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
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.