Tyler Drye Tackles Challenges to Technical Patents

In the interview series “What can physicists do?”, Sterne Kessler Associate Tyler Drye spoke with Physics Today about pursuing a career outside of academia.

Drye began his patent career at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office before transitioning to a law firm where he focused on patent prosecution. Drye said, “After a few years, I went to law school. I was interested in working on different aspects of patents, including assertion of patent rights and challenges to patents. Three years ago, I joined Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox.”

Drye also discussed how he applies his physics background to his work at the firm, stating “Everything I do involves understanding the complex technologies that underlie patents. I take ideas in such fields as optics, materials chemistry, and medical devices and put them into language that examiners, judges, or laypeople can absorb.”

In response to what he likes most about his current role, he commented, “It’s rewarding when you get a good outcome for the client—money in damages, or permission to use technology. And I learn new things every day.”