CHARLOTTE, NC — As demand for intellectual property (IP) protection grows, Shumaker is expanding its Intellectual Property Service Line with the addition of Patent Agent Daniel A. Saraphis. Drawing on deep mechanical engineering knowledge and hands-on technical experience, Daniel helps clients secure and protect patents for complex innovations.
"Protecting an innovation starts with understanding how it works and what makes it unique," said Patrick Horne, Partner and Intellectual Property National Service Line Leader at Shumaker. "Daniel's engineering background and hands-on research experience bring valuable technical depth to our Intellectual Property Service Line as we meet growing demand. His perspective strengthens our ability to help clients protect complex technologies with their business goals in mind."
A registered Patent Agent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Daniel works with innovations across a range of industries, with a particular focus on mechanical and electromechanical technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning applications, autonomous systems, and software. His addition strengthens the service line's capacity to help clients translate sophisticated technical concepts into patent protection that supports their business goals.
Daniel, a PhD candidate, draws on a multidisciplinary research background that gives him first-hand insight into the technologies clients are developing. During his graduate studies, he worked on projects involving control systems for microgrids, AI-enabled control systems for semi-autonomous driving systems, and structural analysis of electronic assemblies and modular nuclear reactors.
Beyond his research, Daniel brings practical machine shop experience and served as an instructor of record in an electrical engineering/instrumentation lab. Together, his educational, research, and applied experience inform his approach to understanding clients' inventions and helping them navigate the patent process.
"I was drawn to intellectual property law because it combines two things I enjoy: solving complex technical problems and helping innovators bring new ideas to market," said Daniel. "Working at the intersection of engineering, innovation, and business gives me the opportunity to support the development and protection of emerging technologies. I'm excited to bring that focus to Shumaker's Intellectual Property Service Line and the clients we serve."