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Douglas A. Chaikin
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Douglas A. Chaikin
Peninsula IP Group
26150 Bucks Run
Salinas, CA 93908-9371
Phone: (831) 809-2000 | Fax: (809) 866-2488
http://www.peninsulaip.com
Intellectual Property Firm Specializing in Prosecution
Legal Topic
Intellectual Property
Preferred New Clients
We specialize in assisting small businesses and start-up companies as well individuals in creating and maintaining a well thought out and effective Intellectual Property Portfolio.
Sub-Categories
Intellectual Property
- Copyrights
- International Intellectual Property
- Technology Licensing
- Trade Dress
- Trademarks
- Trade Secrets
- Biotech & Medical
- Business Process
- Electronics & Computer
- Internet Patents
- Mechanical
- Patent Design
- Plants
- Technology & Engineering
Bar Admissions
CA, May 1981
Bar Number: 98058
Specialty Certifications
Patent Preparation and Prosecution; Licensed Patent Attorney (Reg. No. 29,140)
Other Court Admissions
All Courts in California (Federal and State); US Supreme Court, Court of Appeals Federal Circuit; All Federal District Courts in Utah & Florida.
Association Memberships
Santa Clara County Bar Association
Continuing Education
Over 500 hours of continuing education in Intellectual Property law.
Papers and Publications
Potholes on Internet Superhighway; The Termination of Parental Right Under Least Restrictive Means.
Example Cases
Bancroft and Masters v. Augusta National, Inc (9th Cir); Powerquest v. V Communications et al; Google v. GoogleGear
Education
Degree:
B.S.
School:
Cornell University
City:
Ithaca
State:
NY
Year:
1972
Honors:
Dean's List
Focus and Accomplishments:
Operations Research
Degree:
J.D.
School:
University of Tulsa
City:
Tulsa
State:
OK
Year:
1978
Honors:
Dean's List; Moot Court Competition; Law Journal; Vice Magister Phi Alpha Delta.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Published Comment, "Termination of Parental Rights by Least Restrictive Means"; Tutor for Minority Students.
Number of Attorneys
3
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
We specialize in assisting small and growing companies and individuals create and maintain a full scope of Intellectual Property, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights, and we assist our clients in protecting their rights and licensing to others. Our successful clients have been with us for almost 20 years and continue to use our services to further their Intellectual Property needs.
Previous Employment Summary
I have been a partner at Hopkins and Carley and also Oppenheimer. I founded the Peninsula IP Group in 1995, and prior to that operated under the name Law Offices of Douglas A. Chaikin.
Activities and Awards
Adjunct Professor, University of Tulsa
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
We maintain that our best clients are those who understand the process of patenting and trademarks. We assist our clients in further understanding the basics and sometimes even the details of the pertinent law by providing materials that persons without a legal degree can understand. We maintain the philosophy that every client is entitled to know as much about the law affecting their rights as they desire, and education is a key to better client relationships.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We often review documents prepared by our clients and feel that such preparation on the part of our clients makes our job easier and more efficient. It is perhaps the best way to truly understand our clients' needs.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Certainly in simple matters, many clients can adequately represent themselves. However, the complexities of patent and trademark law do not usually lend themselves to client self-representation. Copyright applications, on the other hand, can, with education, be easily done by clients.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
To assist others who could not represent themselves. To stand up for the smaller company and individual in a vast sea of giants that often threaten to swallow up small businesses and individuals in a single gulp.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I was the operations manager for a small chain of retail stores shortly after graduating from Cornell. I also worked as a computer programmer for IBM both during and after my undergraduate degree.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
All of the attorneys in the firm are both an engineers and attorneys. We are specially able to combine the discipline of engineering knowledge with advanced technology and write and communicate cogently with governmental agencies and other parties in order to advance our clients' interests.
What do you like best about your career?
I have been able to meet some of the most dedicated and intelligent people on the planet. I am often awestruck by the creativity and intelligence that my clients display. I am honored that such people would choose to come to me to assist them in furthering their interests, and trust me with their valuable intellectual property.
Tell us about your law firm:
We employ two other patent attorneys on a contract basis. One has an advanced degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the other has a double doctorate in Chemistry.
What are your strengths and style?
We are able to take both advanced technology and basic technology inventions and present them to the Patent and Trademark Offices both in the U.S. and around the world in a most favorable light. We are also able to communicate to opposing and cooperating parties to further our clients' interests, whether that means licensing or having other parties cease and desist infringing activities.
We have a causal style that reflects our philosophy that people learn and communicate best when they are relaxed and have the feeling of not being pressured, but accepted. We believe in prompt communication with all of our clients, even when the news isn't what we want or expect. Clients are entitled to know what's going on with their case, even if the progress isn't what we want or expect. Honesty provides the basis for all of our client relations.
Personal Interests:
Besides the law, I am an avid golfer and horseman.
Office Manager/Assistant
None
Fax
(809) 866-2488
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We don't have fixed fees. Each invention is so unique that a fixed fee would be a disservice to us and the client.
Hourly Rates
$295
Free Initial Consultation?
$50
Typical Retainer
From $1,000 to $5,000.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
