Crowell partner Marc V. Richards and counsel Adam D. Sussman recently authored the lead chapter in the 2025 edition of the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s Intellectual Property Law Handbook. The chapter, titled “Patenting Inventions,” covers the basics of what a patent is and what it can protect, and provides a detailed roadmap for evaluating inventions and the process to obtain a U.S. patent.
The handbook explores patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and the technological and international issues involved in intellectual property law.
Richards focuses his patent practice on a broad range of technologies, including material science, hydrocarbon and chemical processing, renewable energy, specialty chemicals, food science, pharmaceutical therapeutics, medical devices, 3D printing, and computer software innovations applying data analytics, blockchain, AI, and cloud computing. He also counsels clients on patent infringement and invalidity investigations, licensing, and trade secret matters.
Sussman focuses his practice on pharmaceutical and chemical patent preparation and prosecution. With years of experience challenging patent validity on behalf of generic pharmaceutical clients, he prosecutes patent applications to maximize enforcement potential.
Richards and Sussman are members of Crowell’s Intellectual Property Group, based in Chicago.
Crowell’s Chicago office opened when the firm combined with 100-year-old Chicago intellectual property firm Brinks Gilson & Lione in 2021.
To read more about the handbook and IICLE, click here.
About Crowell & Moring LLP
Crowell & Moring is an international law firm with operations in the United States, Europe, MENA, and Asia. Drawing on significant government, business, industry and legal experience, the firm helps clients capitalize on opportunities and provides creative solutions to complex litigation and arbitration, regulatory and policy, and corporate and transactional issues. The firm is consistently recognized for its commitment to pro bono service as well as its programs and initiatives to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.