Professionals

Deater assists in drafting and prosecuting patent applications across a wide range of electrical and computer-related technologies, including embedded systems, wireless communication, power electronics, consumer devices, computing hardware, and sensor-based platforms. His experience includes preparing and prosecuting patent applications for several large technology companies, as well as evaluating prior art, responding to Office Actions, and developing patent strategies aligned with client goals.

Before working in patent law, Deater spent nearly a decade at Itron Inc. in test engineering, hardware design, and systems engineering roles. His engineering work focused on smart-grid and utility metering technologies, including embedded firmware development, automated test systems, communications protocols, power systems, and reliability validation for high-volume production hardware.

Technical Experience

Computing Hardware, Firmware, and Software: embedded systems, microcontrollers, communication interfaces, mixed-signal system design, LabVIEW and Python test automation, real-time operating environments, power supplies, sensor integration, and production test development

Wireless and Wired Communication Systems: RF systems, low-power wireless communications, meter-to-grid communication protocols, serial communications, CAN/RS-485 interfaces, and short-range wireless networking

Power and Energy Systems: battery-powered devices, charging systems, voltage regulation, circuit protection, grid-connected metering devices, and power-management architecture

Patent Preparation & Prosecution: drafting patent applications, analyzing prior art, preparing responses to USPTO Office Actions, claim strategy and amendments, prosecution for electrical, software, and consumer-technology clients