Blake joined Hammer & Associates, P.C. in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2006. He has extensive experience in the preparation and prosecution of nanotechnology, biological, mechanical, chemical, battery separator, fuel cell, textile and fiber patent applications in both the United States and abroad. Blake also has experience conducting and evaluating due diligence, infringement, freedom to operate, and patentability opinions.
Blake also has extensive experience in the preparation and prosecution of trademark applications in both the United States and abroad. Blake’s experience also includes evaluation and advisement regarding trademark oppositions and cancellations before the United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
He has managed the patent and trademark portfolios for clients in both the United States and abroad as well as facilitated the management of outside counsel in the preparation and prosecution of foreign patent and trademark applications.
Mr. Vande Garde has experience in infringement evaluations and the litigation of patents in addition to the drafting and negotiation of nondisclosure, joint development and technology licensing agreements.
Education:
University of Kansas (B.A. Human Biology, 1995); University of Kansas School of Law (J.D., 2001).
Participation:
Mr. Vande Garde was invited to join the Project for Innovation, Energy and Sustainability (PiES) Advisory Board in 2011. PiES is a public-private partnership which provides assistance to local entrepreneurs in the commonly needed realms of business growth and development; technical assistance; funding and marketing.
If you are interested in visiting the PiES website, please click on the following link: http://www.pies-northcarolina.org/index.html
Mr. Vande Garde has been a strong supporter of the Charlotte Biotechnology Conference for which he has participated as a judge in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Mr. Vande Garde has also been a strong supporter of the Five Ventures Conference for which he has participated as a judge, mentor and panelist in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Mr. Vande Garde was a panelist (Avoiding Patent Disasters and Keeping Investors Happy) at the NC Nanotechnology Commercialization Conference in the spring of 2011.
Blake also participated as a panelist (Impacts of Micro-Nanotechnology on Energy & Energy Technology) at the Commercialization of Micro-Nano Systems Conference in Greensboro, North Carolina during the summer of 2011.
Licensed to practice:
North Carolina, Kansas, and Missouri; U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; admitted to practice before U.S. District Court - Western District of North Carolina, District of Kansas, Western District of Missouri.
Contact Information:
Email: BVandeGarde@HammerPatent.com
Phone: 704-927-0400