Meet Our Team

  • Mr. Eric Karich

    Mr. Karich has practiced exclusively in the field of patent and trademark law for over 25 years, and he has prepared over 1000 patent applications, with a 90% allowance rate. Mr. Karich has also built a reputation for patent valuations, for supporting efforts to raise venture capital.

    In addition to his extensive experience in patent clearance research, Mr. Karich also does joint patent and engineering research to design around existing patent portfolios. Furthermore, Mr. Karich also has extensive experience in building international patent portfolios, obtaining patent protection in many foreign countries, often via the Patent Cooperation Treaty, but also through direct filings, most commonly in the European Union, Canada, Mexico, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, India, and many others

    Education

    Computer Science, Specialization in Artificial Intelligence - Stanford University (in process)

    J.D. - Boston University School of Law

    B.S. - University of California, San Diego

    Bar Admissions

    California, Bar Registration 186,325

    Texas, Bar Registration 24048034

    U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Bar Registration41503

  • Ms. Lily Kahnke

    Lily Kahnke joined Karich & Associates as an intellectual property assistant, and is currently the firm general business manager. She is an experienced technical writer and executive who began working closely with Mr. Karich in 2018.

    Her former work experience includes billing management at Terminix (CA) and grant writing for Washington State University. Lily has traveled around the world for Karich & Associates, including a trip to the Patent and Trademark Headquarters in Washington D.C., where she consulted with Patent Examiners to learn more about the inner machinations of the industry.

    For 7 years, Lily has assisted in the preparation and filing of hundreds of patents, involving extensive research, analysis, writing, and more. Before entering the world of business, Lily was a professional ballet dancer. When not in the office, she enjoys acting in local theater and in short films.

    Education

    STEPP Certification – USPTO

    Associate of Arts in Writing - Irvine Valley College

  • headshot of Ashley SWE

    Ms. Ashley Tran

    Ashley Tran is an experienced software engineer with skills in Java, Python, SQL, NoSQL, C, C++, Javascript, Dart, data visualization, machine learning, and embedded programming.

    Ashley has worked in the training, deployment, and development of computer vision models within autonomous drones and UAV systems.

    Additionally, Ashley works extensively in AI and agent development, and has developed many programs and applications in the field of AI automation. Furthermore, Ashley was a Robotics and Interface Specialist where she led a team of 3 engineers in programming an ABB robotic arm with ROS and Python for autonomous action. Prior to her last role, she was an Artificial Intelligence Researcher.

    Education

    B.S. in Computer Science, summa cum laude - California State University, Los Angeles

  • Mr. Owen Bartlett

    Owen Bartlett is an experienced sofware engineer with skills in Java, Python, Javascript, SQL, C++, and is a certified AWS Cloud Practitioner.

    Owen works extensively as a Backend AI development engineer with experience in database storage, chatbots, and AI automation. Furthermore, Owen has experience in developing a stackable drone system, and has extensive experience in UAV systems and robotics.

    Education

    B.S in Computer Science - Johns Hopkins University (in progress)

  • Mr. Nick Masseti

    Nick Massetti is an engineer who has over 40 years of experience in the fields of semiconductors and tech systems development, with broad experience in electronics. Mr. Massetti has particular expertise in the field of image sensors, semiconductor fabrication processing and nanotechnology. Mr. Massetti has worked extensively managing projects for advanced CMOS and BiCMOS IC fabrication process development, and assessed IC fabrication technology maturity at factories in Japan, Taiwan, Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, and the US. 



    Mr. Massetti’s extensive experience includes positions with Philips Semiconductors, Texas Instruments/Silicon Systems Inc. (Santa Cruz), SiGe Processes, Seagate Technology, IPValue Management, Inc., and Omnivisions Technologies.


    He holds at least 8 granted U.S. patents and many other pending applications.He was awarded IEEE 2015 Outstanding Engineer of Region 6 Central Area (Central California, Nevada, Hawaii).

    Education

    B.S., Physics - Saint Mary’s College of California

    M.S., Solid State Physics - University of California San Diego

  • Ms. Anna Stearman

    Anna Stearman joined Karich & Associates as an intellectual property assistant, and is in the process of taking the bar to become a patent agent. Additionally, she has a background in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Nutritional Sciences.

    Anna also prepares Design and Trademark applications, and is our first point of contact for most clients. Anna is always excited to begin new projects and help our clients become familiar with the world of Intellectual Property.

    Education

    B.S., concentrations in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Nutritional Sciences - Texas Tech University

  • Mr. Dave Ruiz

    Mr. Ruiz grew up in Southern California where he developed his artistic talents in the fields of marketing and merchandising. From there his interest in design blossomed leading to his pursuit of higher education in Graphic Design.

    After Mr. Ruiz obtained his degree, he worked as a Senior Graphic Designer in various companies. Mr. Ruiz began to learn about patent drafting through his work in a local inventor group, thus starting his journey as a successful self-employed Graphic Designer and Patent Draftsman. In over 25 years as a Patent Draftsman, he has completed over 10,000 patent drawings, including both Utility and Design patents.

    Education

    Associate of Arts in Graphic Design

  • Mrs. Amy Karich

    Amy Karich is Karich & Associates’ manager. She is responsible for maintaining records and managing all financial matters. Amy is also responsible for all Human Relation services and other internal firm management.

    Education:

    B.A. - San Diego State University