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IP protection is critical for the solo inventor and Fortune 500 company alike. But deciding whether an idea or asset is patentable or if a patent is the next best step can be difficult.

Inventors and business owners need experienced counsel to help them make the right decisions for the future. Ken Heywood is an intellectual property attorney with 15-plus years of experience in cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs). 

Using a holistic approach to patent law, Ken guides his clients toward the best next steps to take to protect their IP.

15+ Years of Experience in Tech-Forward Innovation

Forward-thinking inventors and companies need tech-forward legal counsel. Being "tech-forward" means staying one step ahead of technology as it evolves. 

With a background in both computer science and electrical engineering, as well as years of experience in tech, Ken can quickly understand the mechanics of any invention. His wit and passion for tech enable him to see the uniqueness of any idea, how it works, and how it may evolve in the future. 

"The stuff that crosses my desk is what most other folks won't see for another five to 10 years. It's exciting to see how things evolve at such a quick pace."
—Ken Heywood

Ken's experience includes prosecuting patent applications, preparing non-infringement opinions, and performing portfolio due diligence for the world's technology leaders. His key practice areas include:

  • Software
  • AI
  • LLMs
  • Cloud computing
  • Machine learning
  • Mobile technology
  • Automation
  • Medical devices
  • RFID

Clients can also look to Ken to support in other areas of intellectual property law, including licensing, trade secrets, and more. This flexibility is especially important for solo inventors and small businesses. With Ken, everything his clients need to safeguard their IP is in one place.

Taking a Strategic & Holistic Approach to IP Law

Ken's ability to think strategically and holistically sets him apart from other IP attorneys. He knows that a patent isn't always the best solution for an idea. Instead, Ken not only determines whether an idea is patentable, he also advises on whether it should be patented.

It’s Ken's honesty and know-how that help his clients reach their business goals while obtaining the best ROI.

"Just because I could get a patent doesn't mean there will be any value to it. There are thousands of patents out there that are too narrow and could easily be worked around. The goal for me is a valuable patent, not just a patent."

—Ken Heywood

If and when a patent is required, Ken doesn't stop at the basics of an idea. He refines the idea, expands it and presents it in a way that covers their initial innovation and all of its variants. The result? High-quality protection now and into the future.

In his spare time, Ken enjoys spending time with his wife and five children, practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and communicating across the airwaves using his amateur radio (ham radio) license.

  • Marquette University Law School, J.D., 2006,

    cum laude

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.S. Electrical Engineering, 2009
  • University of Chicago, B.S. Computer Science, 2000
  • Wisconsin State Bar
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
  • Not admitted in Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin