JOHN K. FITZGERALD earned a Bachelors of Science in Physics from DePaul University in 1972, and a Masters in Business Administration from Central Michigan University in 1981. He received his J.D. (cum laude) in 1993 from Whittier College School of Law, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Whittier Law Review in 1992-1993. Mr. Fitzgerald specializes in the prosecution and litigation of patents, trademarks, copyright, licensing and trade secret matters, concentrating on high technology matters in the fields of mechanical, analytical, biomedical, optical, e-commerce, computer, network, software and material technology.

Mr. Fitzgerald joined the firm as an associate in 1993 and became a partner in 2000. Before joining the firm, he worked for Dow Corning Corporation for twelve years as a material science and process engineering specialist. While at Dow Corning, he directed and participated in research and development, as well as provided technical service and assistance to clients, in the area of thin film deposition technology, including e-beam, sputtering and ion deposition, as well as surface physics and chemistry, including surface modification using chemical treatment and vapor deposition techniques, coupling agent technology and application of various coatings. Mr. Fitzgerald was also involved in the analysis and characterization of surfaces using Auger, ESCA, SEM and other techniques. In 1985, he began eight years as Director, Worldwide Clinical Affairs for IOLAB Corporation, a Johnson and Johnson Company, where he was responsible for clinical research and development for ophthalmic lasers, intraocular lenses, and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. Mr. Fitzgerald authored a variety of publications in the areas of gas transmission of materials, contact and intraocular lens design and technology and clinical research. He is a co-inventor of U.S. Patent No. 4,198,131, entitled "Silicone Resin Optical Devices."

Since beginning the practice of law, Mr. Fitzgerald has prosecuted and litigated patents and trademarks, and provided counsel to clients, in many technologies, including medical devices, biomedical equipment and systems, atomic force microscopy, aerospace, e-commerce, network technology, graphic display systems, fiber optics, radio controlled equipment and toys, digital electronics, internet related systems, computer software and exercise equipment. In addition to his legal and technical activities, Mr. Fitzgerald is an avid cyclist.

Mr. Fitzgerald is admitted to practice in California, the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He is a member of the State Bar of California, Los Angeles County Bar Association and the Los Angeles Intellectual Property Law Association.