Summary of Experience

Mr. Mello has over 25 years of experience in strategic intellectual property counseling, including US and international patent and trademark prosecution and preparation of technology agreements. He has been a key player in various intellectual property due diligence efforts for acquisitions, funding rounds, and IPOs. Boston Magazine has recognized him as a Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Star.

Mr. Mello takes a client-centric approach, focusing on business objectives, budgetary considerations, workflow style, and parameters for success. He brings a well-reasoned and efficient approach to maximizing intellectual property protection and assets within a global strategy.

Mr. Mello’s experience includes prosecuting machine learning and AI patent applications, as well as patent applications related to software and business methods, medical devices, robotics, and fiber optics. His capabilities extend to negotiating technology-related agreements, such as licenses, software development agreements, and others with intellectual property considerations. He has also prepared patent validity and infringement analyses and opinions.

In 2018 and 2019, Mr. Mello was the Co-Chair of the Licensing Committee for the Boston Intellectual Property Law Association. He then took on the role of Activities Chair in 2020. Following this, he served as a Board Member in 2022 and 2023. He continues his tenure on the Board, and in 2024, he assumed the role of Secretary.

Memberships

  • Massachusetts Bar Association
  • American Intellectual Property Law Association
  • Boston Intellectual Property Law Association
  • Eta Kappa Nu (Electrical Engineering Honor Society)

Areas of Practice

  • Intellectual Property Strategy
  • Patent Prosecution
  • Trademark Prosecution
  • Copyright Registration
  • Patent Opinions
  • Technology Agreements

Admissions to the Bar

  • The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • United States Patent & Trademark Office
  • United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Education

  • JD from Suffolk University Law School, Boston, MA
  • BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts

Success Stories

  • Represented a medical device company from startup through IPO and has supported the client through multiple funding rounds. After the initial licensed-in patent applications, Mr. Mello has continued working with the client to build a robust, global portfolio of nearly 120 patents.
  • Guided a maker of advanced optical fiber splicing and processing systems in building a strategic international patent and trademark portfolio that enabled them to successfully carve out markets in the US, Europe, and Asia. Mr. Mello has worked closely with this client since the company’s formation in 2001.
  • Assisted a highly innovative, privately-held mobile robot company in building a global patent portfolio focusing on machine learning, artificial intelligence, vision guidance, load engagement, and navigation systems. Mr. Mello has been representing this company since its founding in 2006.

Prior to his legal career, Mr. Mello developed technical, contracts, and engineering management expertise from his decade-long tenure with the US Air Force, where he worked on software-intensive communications, databases, radar, and microwave landing systems. He also chaired working groups on communications and graphical user interface control and was trained in software contractor evaluation methods using Carnegie Mellon University’s Capability Maturity Model.

Mr. Mello received an Air Force Notable Achievement Award for leading a team in evaluating the software development capabilities of bidders in government defense contracts.

Meet Our IP Legal Experts

Learn how our IP specialists can assist with your intellectual property challenges and objectives. 

We’re here to offer insights and tailored solutions to help you achieve your business goals.

Please feel free to contact us for detailed discussions or to arrange a meeting with one of our partners.