Robert P. Cogan

Extensive experience in patents, high tech business, all software matters, and international transactions. Providing established companies and startups with clear legal advice on which sound business decisions may be based. Extensive in-house experience working with line and executive management to solve operating and strategic problems. Operating management experience. Frequent lecturer before professional groups and CLE classes.

• Computer Law
• Government Contracts

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted

California

Since 2003

District of Columbia

District of Columbia Bar

ID Number: Bar No. 129131

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers

ID Number: BBO No. 545075

Since 1985

Ohio

Supreme Court of Ohio Office of Attorney Services

ID Number: Bar No. 29174

Continuum Law

Current

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science & Art

Undergraduate Degree | Electrical Engineering

George Washington Univ LS

Law Degree

Top Lawyer

Avvo

2018

California State Bar  # 225193

Member

2003 - Current

Intellectual Property – An Often “Unappreciated” Asset, San Diego Chapter Meeting

2008

The Consulting Contract, San Diego Chapter Meeting

2009

Bankruptcy, Intellectual Property, Your Licensors, Your Vendors, and You, Del Mar Electronics Show Seminar

2010

Attorney

United States Patent and Trademark Office

Attorney

State Bar of California

Q. Invention stolen by distribution company in Los Angeles, despite patent registration in Australia.

August 4, 2025

A: It is necessary to look at all the facts. As a generality, "registering" a patent in Australia provides no protection in the United States. Before a next step can be planned, it is likely that the 18-page agreement must be reviewed to see what obligations they have to you and what permissions you have given to them. It is not surprising that they have not returned a phone call or email. A more formal notification normally receives greater attention.

Q. If I make a parody coloring book called "the unofficial [famous furniture company] coloring book," can I be sued?

May 30, 2024

A: Whenever anybody asks me, "Can I be sued?" my answer is, "Hey, this is America! You can always be sued." The right question is, "What risk am I taking?" Would the furniture company want to sue? If what you are doing is proper, the furniture company can still sue you. They can tell their side of the story and why they feel it is not proper. Then you have the opportunity to present your side of the story. The judge or jury can then make a decision. They might find that you did not do anything wrong. To get to that point, you have to go through the difficulty and expense of presenting your side of the story. Only in a very unusual case would the furniture company have to pay you back. ... Read More

Q. What do I do with this information?Referenced CitedU.S. Patent Documents11287037

May 8, 2024

A: It appears that you have filed a patent application on your own and have received an Official Action that rejects some or all of your claims.

As a matter of statistics, inventors in this situation cannot get meaningful protection without the help of a patent attorney. However, I have no knowledge of the facts in your case and do not know if the statistics apply to you.

It is understandable that you do not wish to incur the expense of engaging a patent attorney. But you may wish to consider whether the loss of protection on your invention would cost more than the attorney's fee.

I wish you the very best in your endeavor.