Brian Aitchison Email and Phone Number

Aurora North provides industry expertise and thought leadership to enhance legal operations, increase efficiency, and reduce risk. I'm heading up the Consulting group, bringing my 25+ years of experience to assist other firms navigate the challenges of evolving IP prosecution in 2018 and beyond.

• Managed eight administrative IP departments comprising 100 staff members• Responsible for the professional development of the intellectual property support staff• Responsible for strategic planning for intellectual property prosecution support staff to ensure personnel, training, space, resources and equipment needs are identified and met• Managed the intake of all lateral groups and new client transfers into the office• Monitored changes at the USPTO office and convey pertinent information to attorneys and staff• Recruited and hired qualified support staff as well as the annual review process and make salary recommendations based on market information, budgetary guidelines and performance• Managed the design and implementation of paperless workflows• Managed the design, development and implementation of all automation initiatives

• Managed the Docketing Department, the International Department and the Client Liaisons (CPLs)• Reviewed and revised the policies and procedures for each department in conjunction with rule changes of the USPTO and other international IP offices• Managed the intake of all lateral groups and new client transfers into the office• Monitored workloads and maintain proper attorney/support staff ratios

Provided consulting services to companies, law firms and independent inventors in connection with all aspects of domestic, foreign and PCT patent and trademark filing and prosecution.Instrumental in developing leading-edge patent prosecution operations at Global 100 Law Firms.

Directed the supervisor and legal assistants of the Patent Processing Department (PPD)• Developed and implemented policies and procedures for the department• Prepared and filed International Direct, PCT International, National Phase and Plant patent applications, Petitions, Preliminary Amendments and Information Disclosure Statements

Worked with IP Practice leadership to design and implement world-class patent prosecution practice.

• Prepared and filed US and foreign patent applications including PCT national phase• Prepared responses to Notice to File Missing Parts, Information Disclosure Statements, Petitions and Preliminary Amendments