National Intellectual Property Firm Successfully Defends Innovative Fire Sprinkler Invention from the “Patent Killing Field”

A team of Harness IP attorneys in St. Louis has successfully defended all claims of a client’s patent in an Inter Partes Review proceeding held within the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Attorneys Michael Thomas, Bryan Wheelock and Joel Samuels secured an all-out victory before a board where, statistically, 81% of proceedings invalidate at least one patent claim, earning IPR proceedings the reputation of a “Patent Killing Field.”

The client, St. Louis-based Engineered Corrosion Solutions, LLC, owns U.S. Patent 9,144,700, which is directed to a dry pipe fire sprinkler system having a nitrogen generator for supplying pressure maintenance gas and a vent to eliminate oxygen to reduce corrosion. This innovative technology was challenged on the grounds of obviousness by not one but two competitors, South-Tek Systems, LLC and Potter Electric Signal Co., LLC. By upholding the patent’s claims, Harness IP was able to safeguard ECS’s intellectual property and maintain its commercial advantage in the fire sprinkler industry.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of the IPR review,” said Jeff Kochelek, CEO of Engineered Corrosion Solutions. “In finding that Petitioners failed to establish any claims of the patent are unpatentable for obviousness, the USPTO’s decision confirms the strength and significant value of ECS’s patent.”

“Harness IP is proud to share in this victory with ECS,” said Michael Thomas. “This win underscores the merits of ECS’s technology as well as the hard work and expertise of our attorneys and staff.”

The patented system and other ECS technologies are used by clients around the country, including mission critical manufacturers and data centers, major retailers, sports stadiums, hotels, offices and airports.

About Harness IP

Harness IP has obtained more than 55,000 patents for its clients since its founding in 1921. Currently ranked seventh among the nation’s top patent firms in a 2016 poll by IPWatchdog, Harness IP safeguards critical IP assets on a global scale for Fortune 500 companies, private and public businesses, universities, inventors, artists and entrepreneurs. Harness IP has offices in the metropolitan areas of Dallas, Detroit, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. Visit www.harnessip.com and follow @harnessdickey for more information.