Zachary Van Engen has a broad intellectual property practice including utility and design patent preparation and prosecution in the United States and abroad, domestic and foreign trademark prosecution, product clearance studies, freedom-to-operate and infringement analysis, and IP-related due diligence and transactions. He also assists with post-issuance proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and other litigation matters.
In addition, Zach drafts and reviews a wide variety of business contracts, commercial agreements, and intellectual property agreements, including licenses, non-disclosure agreements, product distribution agreements, trademark coexistence agreements, among others.
Clients Zach has worked with range from technology startups to large global manufacturers, many in the computer technology, electronics, mechanical engineering, medical device, and other high-tech industries.
Zach holds a B.S.E. degree in Electrical Engineering and a B.A. degree in Physics, both from Dordt University. Through two intensive engineering internships as an undergraduate, he gained experience designing control systems for industrial facilities and improving the manufacturing of semi-truck cab suspension components. Zach’s strong engineering and physics background provides him with a clearer understanding of clients’ technologies, enabling him to more effectively and efficiently communicate with inventors, patent examiners, and in-house counsel.
Zach is a member of Fitch Even’s Recruiting and Employment Committee.
- Develops patent portfolio for a global magnetic components manufacturer and provides counsel regarding infringement.
- Works closely with marine transport developer to provide counseling during product development and prepare and prosecute domestic and foreign utility patent applications.
- Represents worldwide leader in irrigation technology in freedom-to-operate investigations and patent application preparation.
- Prepares and prosecutes utility applications and trademarks for a global supplier of death care products.
- Reviews and amends intellectual property related agreements for a large multinational food and beverage company.
Presentations
- “Latest Developments in the Patentability of AI- and Software-Based Inventions,” Fitch Even Webinar, with Thomas Lebens, September 24, 2020.
Publications
- Lyhus, J. and Van Engen, Z., “Federal Circuit Clarifies Secondary Meaning and Infringement Issues for Product Design Trade Dress,” A.I.P.P.I., vol. 64, no. 3, 2019.
