Robert A. Gerhart: Barnes & Thornburg

In the vibrant and innovative landscape of Minnesota, new ideas, technologies, and creative works are constantly emerging. For individuals and businesses driving this progress, safeguarding their intellectual property is not just a strategic advantage—it's a necessity. Navigating the intricate world of patents, trademarks, and intellectual property law requires specialized expertise, and that's where professionals like Robert A. Gerhart at Barnes & Thornburg step in.

Robert A. Gerhart serves as a highly skilled patent agent at Barnes & Thornburg's Minneapolis office. With nearly two decades of experience dedicated to patent law, Robert has become a cornerstone for innovators seeking to protect their cutting-edge developments. His robust technical background, spanning electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, software development, and biomedical technologies, positions him uniquely to understand and secure patents for complex inventions across a multitude of industries.

Barnes & Thornburg itself is a distinguished national law firm with a significant presence in Minneapolis, known for its comprehensive legal services and client-centered approach. For local Minnesota clients, having access to an expert like Robert A. Gerhart, backed by the extensive resources of a large and reputable firm, offers a powerful combination of localized attention and broad legal capability. This article will explore Robert A. Gerhart's role, the firm's services, their accessible Minneapolis location, and why they are an excellent choice for businesses and individuals throughout the Minnesota region.

Barnes & Thornburg’s Minneapolis office, where Robert A. Gerhart practices, is strategically located in the heart of downtown, offering exceptional accessibility for clients across the Twin Cities and beyond. The address is:

225 South 6th St Suite 2800, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA

This prime location in a major commercial tower ensures easy access for clients utilizing various transportation methods. For those commuting via public transit, the office is within walking distance of several Metro Transit bus routes and light rail stations, making it convenient from any part of the metropolitan area. If you're driving, numerous parking ramps and facilities are readily available in the immediate vicinity of South 6th Street. The central downtown setting also places the firm in close proximity to other business services, restaurants, and amenities, providing a practical and efficient experience for visitors. This accessibility underscores the firm's commitment to serving the diverse needs of the Minnesota business and innovation community by being readily available where their clients operate.

Robert A. Gerhart's primary focus as a patent agent at Barnes & Thornburg involves the intricate process of securing intellectual property rights, particularly patents. The Minneapolis office of Barnes & Thornburg, as a full-service firm, offers a wide spectrum of legal services, and Robert's expertise significantly strengthens their intellectual property capabilities. Key services offered by Robert and the firm include:

• Patent Procurement and Prosecution: Robert's core expertise lies in drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications. He works with inventors to translate complex technical innovations into clear, legally sound patent applications that meet the stringent requirements of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and international patent authorities. He has successfully secured over 500 U.S. and foreign patents.

• Intellectual Property Strategy and Counseling: Beyond just filing patents, Robert provides strategic advice on managing and leveraging patent portfolios. This includes counseling on patentability, infringement issues, and freedom-to-operate analyses, helping clients make informed decisions about their inventions and market entry.

• Technology Sector Specialization: Robert has deep experience across a broad range of technologies, including clean technologies, medical devices, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software development, and financial trading technologies. This allows him to serve a diverse client base that includes startups, mid-sized companies, and large corporations in these highly specialized fields.

• Corporate and Business Law Support: While Robert's personal focus is on patents, Barnes & Thornburg's Minneapolis office provides comprehensive services in areas crucial for innovators and businesses. These include corporate litigation, commercial real estate, corporate law, employee and executive benefits, employment law, bankruptcy and creditors' rights, and insurance recovery and counseling. This integrated approach means clients can address a wide array of legal needs under one roof.

• Due Diligence and IP Transactions: Assisting with intellectual property due diligence in corporate transactions (such as mergers, acquisitions, and investments) to assess the value and risks associated with IP assets.

• Inter Partes Reviews (IPR) and Post-Grant Proceedings: Representing clients in challenges to patent validity before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and other post-grant proceedings.

Robert A. Gerhart and the Barnes & Thornburg Minneapolis office offer several distinguishing features and highlights that make them a compelling choice for legal services:

• Extensive Patent Experience: With nearly 20 years in patent law and securing over 500 patents, Robert A. Gerhart brings a wealth of hands-on experience and a proven track record to complex intellectual property matters.

• Diverse Technical Background: Robert's multidisciplinary engineering background (electrical, mechanical) combined with experience in software development and biomedical technologies allows him to grasp the intricacies of highly technical inventions, crucial for effective patent protection.

• Integration of Legal and Business Strategy: Robert also holds a master's degree in engineering management and has held leadership roles overseeing large-scale operations. This unique blend of legal and business acumen means he can provide not just legal advice, but strategic counsel that aligns with clients' overarching business objectives.

• Comprehensive Firm Resources: Barnes & Thornburg is an AmLaw 100 firm, meaning clients in Minneapolis benefit from the vast resources, extensive network, and collective expertise of one of the largest law firms in the U.S. This includes a broad array of practice areas that can support all facets of a client's legal needs.

• Client-Centered Environment: The Minneapolis office prides itself on fostering a creative and proactive client-centered environment. They are committed to offering quality legal services at greater value, ensuring that local clients receive attentive service backed by national capabilities.

• Industry Recognition: Barnes & Thornburg's Minneapolis office has been recognized as a "Top Law Firm to Work By Minnesota Lawyer," highlighting their positive internal culture, which often translates to better client service and retention of top talent. The firm has also been listed in Minnesota Super Lawyers.

• Industry Focus: The office serves clients across a broad range of industries, including medical device, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, retail, and distribution, demonstrating their versatility and deep industry knowledge relevant to Minnesota's economy.

As a large, professional legal services firm specializing in complex areas like intellectual property and corporate law, Barnes & Thornburg, and by extension Robert A. Gerhart, do not typically advertise promotional discounts or "special offers" in the same way a retail business might. Legal services are bespoke and tailored to the unique complexities of each client's situation.

However, clients can expect a commitment to delivering "quality legal services at a greater value," as stated by Barnes & Thornburg's Minneapolis office. This reflects a focus on efficiency, strategic advice, and effective problem-solving that aims to provide strong returns on legal investments rather than upfront discounts. For specific fee structures, consultation policies, and how their value-driven approach would apply to your particular legal needs, it is always best to contact Barnes & Thornburg directly. They can discuss your unique situation and provide clarity on engagement terms.

To connect with Robert A. Gerhart or the broader legal team at Barnes & Thornburg in Minneapolis, you can use the following details:

Address: 225 South 6th St Suite 2800, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA

Phone: (612) 333-2111 (main office number for Barnes & Thornburg Minneapolis)

While a direct line for Robert A. Gerhart specifically isn't publicly listed, calling the main office number will connect you with their professional reception staff who can direct your inquiry to him or the relevant department within the intellectual property group.

For Minnesota's innovators, entrepreneurs, and established businesses, Robert A. Gerhart at Barnes & Thornburg’s Minneapolis office offers an unparalleled resource for intellectual property protection and broader legal needs. His deep expertise as a patent agent, coupled with a robust technical background, means he speaks the language of innovation and can effectively translate complex inventions into defensible patents. This specialized skill set is invaluable for the medical device industry, clean technology companies, manufacturing firms, and tech startups that are cornerstones of Minnesota's economy.

Beyond Robert’s individual capabilities, the Minneapolis office of Barnes & Thornburg provides the vast support and comprehensive services of a leading national law firm. Local and regional clients benefit from dedicated attention and a "nearby office" feel, combined with the extensive legal muscle and diverse practice areas of a firm ranked among the largest in the U.S. This includes support for corporate litigation, real estate, employment law, and more, ensuring that businesses have a holistic legal partner. For Minnesotans looking to protect their intellectual assets or navigate complex business legalities, choosing Robert A. Gerhart and Barnes & Thornburg means accessing top-tier legal talent and resources conveniently located right here in the heart of Minneapolis.