Paul Joseph Backofen

I am an intellectual property specialist with 20 years in practice. My primary practice is IP prosecution and client counseling, specifically regarding patents. I have worked with clients to obtain patent protection on ideas ranging from high-technology military electronics, networks, internet business methods, digital and analog electronics, communication systems, IC manufacture and design, medical devices, microturbines, air bearings, animation techniques, and digital cinema to pre-fabricated wall sections for building construction, fishing lures and musical instruments. My broad technical experience coupled with my business experience provides clients a valuable perspective for identifying, capturing, protecting and exploiting their intellectual property. I also counsel industry leading organizations how to develop and run formal IP management programs. Some representative clients include Industrial Light and Magic, Lucas Digital, Skywalker Sound, THX, The Wattstopper Inc., Inc., Zoll Circulation, Inc., Fakespace Inc., I began my legal career at Brunell & Associates, and joined the Intellectual Property department of Irell & Manella LLP for 6 years. I moved to Crockett & Crockett PC to build a practice and bring my experience to smaller clients and startup companies. I began my technical career in high school earning an AS in Electronics while in high school and then with Hewlett Packard while attending college. After graduating college I worked as an electrical engineer for NASA at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory doing a range of work from designing hardware and communication systems to designing, testing and operating the Galileo spacecraft. I received a B.S. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California and I attended Southwestern University School of Law, where I received my J.D.

• Free Consultation

California

Since 1996

Founder

The Law Office of Paul Backofen

2019 - Current

Of Counsel

Crockett & Crockett, PC

2005 - 2019

I worked to broaden the firm’s patent practice, focusing on patent prosecution and licensing, client counseling to develop IP management strategies, and litigation support.

Of Counsel

The Chan Law Group

2003 - 2005

I developed and managed the firm’s patent practice, focusing on patent and trademark prosecution and licensing, client counseling to develop IP management strategies, and litigation support.

Associate

Irell and Manella

1997 - 2003

I focused on patent and trademark prosecution and licensing, client counseling to develop IP management strategies, and litigation support. For major clients such as Industrial Light & Magic / Lucas Digital, THX, Times Mirror, Capstone Turbine and the Walt Disney Company.

associate

Brunell and Associates

1996 - 1997

This firm was merged into Irell and Manella

Southwestern Univ School of Law

Law Degree

California State University - California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

B.S. (1980) | Electrical and Electronics Engineering

1975 - 1980

California State Bar  # 185516

Member

1996 - Current