OWNER AND MANAGING PARTNER
JAMES M. BEHMKE
James is the Owner and Managing Partner of Behmke Innovation Group. His practice focuses on patent preparation and prosecution in a wide variety of mechanical, electrical, and computer arts. James also services both U.S. and international clients in connection with intellectual property licensing, patentability and infringement studies and opinions, reexamination proceedings, prior art searches, design patents, and litigation support. For many of his clients, James serves as a member of numerous internal patent committees, strategically filtering which submitted inventions should be filed as patent applications according to patentability and business value criteria.
“I started Behmke Innovation Group because of our people. Our team of attorneys and support personnel have grown together over the years and have proven themselves to be some of the best in the industry. I wanted to make sure our clients continued to receive the same, if not better, service for years to come, while also creating an environment that protected and fostered the lives and interests of everyone at the firm. At Behmke Innovation Group, we’re not just a patent boutique law firm, we’re a family – and we may just have a few ideas up our sleeves to change the way patent firms around the world can operate more efficiently.”
(James Behmke, founder of Behmke Innovation Group)
Prior to founding Behmke Innovation Group, James was the Managing Partner of the Boston office he helped establish for a mid-size national law firm, as well as the Chair of their Intellectual Property and Patent Group that he built from the ground up. James was also previously a Partner with one of the 100 largest general practice law firms in the world, where he represented clients in all of the areas of intellectual property described above, and before that was a Senior Associate at two Boston area patent boutiques that primarily specialized in the areas of patents, copyrights, trademarks and licensing for high-tech clients. During his career, James has most notably been involved in writing and prosecuting over a thousand patents for a worldwide telecommunications leader, and has been recognized as a New England SuperLawyers "Rising Star" for his top legal talent.
Driven by innovation, James is a long-standing supporter and steering committee member of the Edison Awards™, an organization recognizing and honoring innovation and excellence in the development, marketing, and launch of new products and services. James’ philanthropy has also sponsored a collaboration room at the Foisie Innovation Studio of his engineering school, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), where this newest campus building is referenced by WPI as the "front door to innovation”, bringing the school’s distinctive project-based approach to life.
James frequently gives talks on intellectual property (IP) and entity formation, and has been a mentor to several incubators such as MassChallenge, Propellant Labs, and others. Additionally, James is currently a member of several invitation-only business organizations, such as the Young Entrepreneurs Council (YEC) (a community for passionate and driven and entrepreneurs under the age of 45), and the C-Suite Network (a powerful network of C-Suite leaders focused on professional success and operational excellence), including being a member of the their exclusive “Hero Club”, made up of CEOs and Founders with the vision and drive to take their companies to the next level.
Further toward his drive for innovation, James is also the Founder of Behmke Ventures LLC, a company dedicated to growing entrepreneurial enterprises, as well as a co-founder, advisor, and investor to several start-ups, ranging from stealth mode to near-exit stages. James is also an inventor on a number of issued patents and patent applications. James also has his hand in real estate investments and management and is a licensed Real Estate Broker in Massachusetts.
In his free time (free time??), James enjoys traveling the world with his amazing wife and five children, and is getting back into the skies with his private pilot license after a long hiatus.
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHOOL OF LAW (FORMERLY FRANKLIN PIERCE LAW CENTER)
Juris Doctor
WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
BS Electrical Engineering, Minor in Law and Technology
QUANTIC SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY (FORMERLY SMARTLY INSTITUTE)
Executive MBA
ADMISSIONS
Massachusetts (state court)
District of Massachusetts (federal court)
First Circuit Court of Appeals (regional federal appeals court)
Federal Circuit Court of Appeals (patent-specific appeals court)
United States Supreme Court
U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
ACTIVITIES & AFFILIATIONS
• Edison Awards™, Steering Committee Member
• C-Suite Network Hero Club
• Young Entrepreneurs Council (YEC)
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Computer Society
• Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Partner
James j. Wong
Jimmy is a Partner with Behmke Innovation Group, and focuses his practice on intellectual property matters, including all aspects of patent prosecution, litigation support, and portfolio management. Since graduating law school in 2014, Jimmy has provided IP services to clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies down to start-ups and solo inventors. Jimmy has experience with prosecuting and drafting domestic patent applications related to wireless communications (e.g., cellular, Wi-Fi, etc.), consumer products, software, cloud computing, network technologies, and consumer electronics. Jimmy has also supervised the filing of trademark applications and reviewed trademark searches.
“Jimmy is a bright young star and continues to impress us and our clients with his technical prowess and drive. I’ve mentored many attorneys over the years, and Jimmy is clearly brilliantly minded and hardworking, and we look forward to watching him grow his practice at Behmke Innovation Group over many years to come.”
(James Behmke, Founder of Behmke Innovation Group)
Prior to Behmke Innovation Group, Jimmy was hired by the same team an Associate at a mid-size national firm where he focused his practice on drafting and prosecuting high-tech patent applications in the areas above. Previously, Jimmy was an Intellectual Property Associate at one of the 50 largest law practices in the world, as well as at a patent boutique representing large Global 500 corporations, mid-sized Fortune 1000 corporations, and small private companies. Jimmy also took a short haitus during his tenure at Behmke Innovation Group to work as in-house counsel for a global technology and software leader based in Seattle, working primarily with their well-known AI search product and also drafting compelling lobbying papers on AI-based inventions.
During law school, Jimmy completed judicial internships at the Supreme Court of Georgia and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Jimmy possesses a technical background in Computer Science and Biology, and closely follows related industries to these fields.
EDUCATION
EMORY UNIVERSITY
Juris Doctor, with honors and a Transactional Law Certificate
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
BS Computer Science
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
BS Biology and English
ADDITIONAL LANGUAGES
CANTONESE (conversational)
ADMISSIONS
Washington
U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
OF COUNSEL
ANDY SCHOFIELD
Andy is Of Counsel with Behmke Innovation Group, and focuses his practice on intellectual property matters, including all aspects of patent prosecution, litigation support, and portfolio management. With expertise covering all aspects of patent portfolio development and management, Andy has extensive experience preparing and prosecuting patents for hundreds of high value inventions. He also has a highly successful Examiner Interview and USPTO appeal practice where he has repeatedly advanced the interests of his clients with respect to their intellectual property assets. His strong technical background and excellent writing skills allow Andy to handle numerous complex technologies. Although he generally focuses on drafting and successfully prosecuting intellectual property assets relating to computer hardware and software, storage and memory technologies, semiconductors, telecommunications, computer networks, printing, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, ion trapping, natural resource exploration and procurement, electronic, electrical, electro-mechanical, optical, and device process technologies, Andy has also forayed into fields as diverse as mechanical apparatuses, sporting goods, and musical devices, among others.
In addition to the large patent savvy multi-national corporations that Andy interfaces with on a daily basis, he also works with “garage” inventors and has expertise in guiding innovators from all walks of life in all facets of protecting their intellectual property assets - from shortly after the conception of an innovation through the rigmarole of patent and trademark offices around the globe through the eventual grant, issuance, maintenance, and defense of their well-deserved IP asset.
Clients and colleagues alike appreciate Andy’s breadth of knowledge and exacting eye for detail and recognize him as a formidable force within the field of intellectual property law. As a result, Andy has cultivated numerous interpersonal relationships with both attorneys and inventors – from grassroots innovators and small-scale operations to Fortune 500 companies. Andy effectively leverages these relationships to generate and grow his disparate IP dockets and continues to zealously protect the rights of these clients while nurturing relationships with new clients.
Andy is a member of the Patent Pathways Employment and Inclusion Committee and is actively involved in mentoring aspiring patent attorneys and patent agents through both regional and national mentorship programs. Prior to joining BIG IP, Andy was a partner at a medium sized IP boutique firm, where he enjoyed jump-starting and breathing life into the dockets of many of his colleagues by leveraging the relationships he has developed in the community to generate large volumes of work.
“The selfless, team-oriented attitude that Andy exudes makes him well respected amongst his colleagues and solidifies his status as an indispensable asset to any team he is on.”
(James Behmke, founder of Behmke Innovation Group)
When not advancing the intellectual property rights of his clients, Andy can often be found gardening in the spring through fall or snowshoeing in the winter. An avid cat enthusiast, he can generally be found year-round cuddling kitties and working to afford delicious sea treats for his kitty overlord(s). If you can’t find him cuddling kitties, you can probably find him cooking seafood or canning his garden harvests. Andy is licensed to practice law in the state of Minnesota, is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and holds the title of Lord of the Sovereign Principality of Sealand.
EDUCATION
WILLIAM MITCHELL COLLEGE OF LAW
Juris Doctor
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – TWIN CITIES
BS Physics, Minor in Astrophysics and Mathematics
HENNEPIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
AAS, Audio Recording and Audio Engineering
MINNESOTA SCHOOL OF BARTENDING
Certified Mixologist
ADMISSIONS
Minnesota (state court)
U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
ACTIVITIES & AFFILIATIONS
Patent Pathways™ Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
Special member, Minnesota American Indian Bar Association
Lord of the Sovereign Principality of Sealand
associate
KEITH OLINGA MITCHELL
Olinga is an Associate with Behmke Innovation Group. With almost a decade of experience, he has distinguished himself through extensive knowledge of patent law, IP law, and scientific/technical innovation. Olinga has a solid reputation for being technically astute and relationship-driven, which has given him a proven track record in all aspects of patent law, research, and advisement on product development. As an intellectual property attorney with Behmke Innovation Group, he leverages his experience as a former patent examiner and computer engineer to bring a wealth of knowledge into play with every aspect of the firm’s business transactions. Olinga is experienced with domestic and international patent preparation/prosecution, trademark prosecution and portfolio management for clients ranging from corporations to individual inventors. Olinga provides patent preparation and prosecution services, due diligence services, opinion services, etc. across a broad range of high-tech and cutting-edge areas. As examples, Olinga has experience in areas such as software, networking, artificial intelligence, mobile communications, wireless technology, image processing hardware and software; internet-of-things (IoT); printer related technology; and consumer and medical devices to list a few.
“Bringing in Olinga was not just necessary, but also timely, as it is through the infusion of fresh talent that organizations evolve, adapt, and thrive in the ever-changing landscape of business. In an era where innovation is the lifeblood of success, Olinga breathes new perspectives, ideas, and energy into the team, fueling creativity and fostering growth”
(James Behmke, founder of Behmke Innovation Group)
Olinga has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and attended American University, Washington College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor. After completing law school, he worked in numerous roles developing and honing skills as a patent attorney and advisor. In these roles, he developed his strength in research, attention to detail, and tireless examination of processes. He has worked with a variety of firms, exposing him to every aspect of patent law.
EDUCATION
American University, Washington College of Law
Juris Doctor
University of Florida
BS Computer Engineering
ADMISSIONS
Maryland
U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
associate (pending 2024 Bar)
MADISON MYERS
Madi is an associate at Behmke Innovation Group. She is a dynamic and highly motivated individual and is a recent graduate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. With a deep interest in the intersection of intellectual property law and brand strategy, Madi brings a fresh approach to her role at the firm as the resident brand asset protection expert. Having moved around frequently during her childhood, Madi has developed a knack for thriving in new environments and social situations. She loves to travel and is often the friend who is exploring new cities and embarking on spontaneous adventures. Her outgoing and friendly personality makes her a natural at building relationships with clients and understanding their unique needs.
As someone on the millennial/gen-z cusp (a “zillennial”, if you will), Madi grew up with social media and is intimately familiar with the power of advertising and brand strategy. She has a deep understanding of how to connect with and influence consumers. Her lived experience, coupled with her legal studies, has provided her with a wealth of knowledge that she brings to her work at Behmke Innovation Group.
“Madi is excited to begin her post-graduate career at Behmke Innovation Group and we are equally as excited to have her. We are looking forward to using her unique perspective and skills to help clients build and protect their brands by securing their intellectual property rights.”
(James Behmke, founder of Behmke Innovation Group)
Prior to her legal studies, Madi obtained a B.S. in natural science in addition to her studies of economics and art history during her undergraduate career. She also received her master’s degree in public health at Pitt with a focus on public policy and management. Her varied academic background has given her a unique perspective on problem-solving and an ability to think creatively when it comes to complex legal issues.
During law school, Madi has served as a teacher’s assistant, research assistant, and on the executive board of the Student Bar Association. She was also a 2024 recipient of the CALI “Excellence for the Future Award” for her Excellent Achievement in the study of Trademark Law. She has also had the opportunity to work closely with one of her professors on a book, honing her research and writing skills.
EDUCATION
University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Juris Doctor
University of Pittsburgh
BS Natural Science
MS Public Health
ADMISSIONS
Sitting for Bar Summer 2024
Eligible for practice with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
legal intern
VIVIAN LIU
Vivian is an up and coming first-year law student who harbors a profound passion for intellectual property law that traces back to her undergraduate years. Embarking on her journey into the legal realm, Vivian delved into the intricacies of intellectual property at BIG IP Law, where she meticulously researched existing patents and trademarks under the tutelage of James Behmke.
Vivian’s role also entailed undertaking extensive research projects, offering innovative solutions for long-term endeavors, and furnishing comprehensive background insights. With keen attention to detail, she contributed to patent proofreading efforts and meticulously verified nuances across patent applications and published patents.
“Vivian is excited to begin her post-graduate career at Behmke Innovation Group and we are equally as excited to have her. We are looking forward to using her unique perspective and skills to help clients build and protect their brands by securing their intellectual property rights.”
(James Behmke, founder of Behmke Innovation Group)
While at the University of Texas at Dallas, she distinguished herself by earning a B.S. with a double major in biology and healthcare management. With her richly diverse educational background, Vivian eagerly anticipates immersing herself in the realm of intellectual property as she embarks on her legal education.
EDUCATION
TBD Law School
Juris Doctor Pending, 2027
University of Texas at Dallas
BS Biology and Healthcare Management
ADMISSIONS
Sitting for Bar Summer 2027
Eligible for practice with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office