Marlo Schepper Grolnic is a patent agent in the firm's Intellectual Property and Science & Technology Groups with a focus on life sciences and medical devices.
Marlo drafts and files mechanical and life sciences patent applications in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in the World Intellectual Property Office, prepares domestic and foreign office action responses and other prosecution-related documents, researches and reviews prior art references to assess invention disclosures for freedom-to-operate and patentability, conducts due diligence, prepares freedom-to-operate and patentability opinions, and advises and educates clients regarding patent-related issues.
Her clients often have concerns about competitors and counterfeiters appropriating technology they’ve invested time and money in developing. She works to ensure their technology – and thus, their investments – are protected by patent rights, helping clients to retain their competitive edge. She has earned a reputation as a highly responsive and laser-focused member of the IP and patent teams whom clients can trust to deliver positive results.
“I have worked with both individual inventors creating new products in their workshops and scientists and engineers at multinational companies. No matter who the client is, it is always an exciting challenge to turn a great idea into a document that gives the patent owner exclusive rights in the invention. I also love educating clients about the patent process.”
Prior to joining Burns & Levinson in January 2006, Marlo was with the firm of Perkins Smith & Cohen LLP. She is a registered patent agent admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Marlo received her B.A. from Boston University with a major in biology and is currently a part-time law student at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law.
Outside of work, Marlo has been active in raising awareness and research funds for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, a rare neurological disorder that has profoundly affected her family. In that capacity, she has met with U.S. senators and representatives to advocate for rare-disease research.