Semiconductor
Patent Prosecution
U.S. patent counsel for semiconductor devices, processor architectures, electronic components, manufacturing technologies, advanced packaging, and related software
Semiconductor innovation occurs at every level of a product—from materials and individual device structures to processor architecture, fabrication equipment, packaging, firmware, and system-level operation. Protecting that innovation requires patent counsel who can understand how the technology works, where its commercial value resides, and how competitors might implement or design around it.
AddyHart’s Divergent Patent Law practice provides strategic U.S. patent drafting and prosecution for semiconductor companies, electronic-component manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and other businesses operating throughout the semiconductor ecosystem.
Protecting Innovation Across the Semiconductor Stack
Semiconductor innovation rarely resides in a single component. A breakthrough may involve advances in processor architecture, device structures, fabrication processes, manufacturing equipment, firmware, packaging, or system-level operation. We work with inventors and in-house IP teams to identify these distinct inventive concepts and develop coordinated patent strategies that protect innovation throughout the semiconductor ecosystem.
Device & Materials
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Semiconductor Structures
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Materials
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Device Physics
Manufacturing
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Fabrication Methods
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Process Equipment
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Metrology & Inspection
Circuits & Components
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Analog & Digital Circuits
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Electronic Components
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Power Electronics
Software & Integration
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Firmware
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Control Software
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Automation
Architecture & Systems
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Processor Architecture
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System Design
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Workload Management
Commercial Implementation
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Packaging
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Advanced Integration
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End-use Applications
By developing coordinated claims across multiple technological layers, we help clients build patent portfolios that address different competitors, supply-chain participants, and commercial implementations.
Semiconductor Technologies
Semiconductor innovation spans every stage of the technology lifecycle, from processor architecture and device design to manufacturing, advanced packaging, and system integration. Our attorneys develop patent strategies tailored to the unique technical and commercial considerations of each area while coordinating claims across the broader semiconductor ecosystem.
Processor and Computing Architecture
Modern processors rely on innovations in architecture, memory management, security, power optimization, and specialized computing technologies. We assist clients developing CPUs, GPUs, AI accelerators, heterogeneous computing platforms, and other advanced processing technologies, preparing patent applications that protect meaningful architectural improvements while preserving flexibility for future product generations and evolving implementations.
Representative Technologies:
CPUs & GPUs
Cache & Memory
Power Management
Virtualization
AI Acclerators
Parallel Computing
On-Chip Interconnects
Trusted Execution
We develop claims that capture the underlying technological advance while avoiding unnecessary limitations tied to a particular product generation or implementation, helping clients build patent portfolios with long-term commercial value.
Semiconductor Devices & Electronic Components
Semiconductor innovation often begins at the device level, where advances in materials, structures, and circuit design improve performance, efficiency, reliability, and manufacturability. We represent clients developing power devices, analog and mixed-signal circuits, sensors, RF technologies, and other semiconductor components, preparing patent applications that protect both the underlying device innovation and its practical implementation across a range of products and systems.
Representative Technologies:
Power Semiconductors
Analog & Mixed-Signal Circuits
MOSFETs & IGBTs
RF & High-Frequency Devices
Sensors & Optoelectronics
Circuit Protection
Semiconductor Materials
Passive Components
We develop coordinated claims directed to semiconductor devices, manufacturing methods, operating characteristics, and system-level implementations to maximize long-term commercial value.
Semiconductor Manufacturing & Fabrication Equipment
Semiconductor manufacturing depends on highly specialized equipment, tightly controlled processes, and sophisticated automation technologies. We assist clients developing fabrication equipment, process control systems, metrology tools, deposition and etching technologies, wafer handling systems, and manufacturing software, preparing patent strategies that protect innovation throughout the fabrication process.
Representative Technologies:
Deposition & Thin Films
Etching Processes
Thermal Processes
Process Chambers
Water Handling
Plasma & Gas Control
Metrology & Inspection
Manufacturing Automation
Our prosecution strategies protect the equipment, processes, software, and resulting semiconductor structures that together drive improvements in manufacturing performance and yield.
Advanced Packaging & Integration
Advanced semiconductor packaging has become a critical source of innovation, enabling greater computing performance, improved thermal management, and more efficient integration of heterogeneous technologies. We represent clients developing chiplet architectures, three-dimensional integration, advanced interconnects, thermal solutions, and high-density packaging technologies, preparing patent strategies that protect both structural innovations and the functional advantages they provide.
Representative Technologies:
Chiplets & Modular Architectures
2.5D & 3D Integration
Die-Stacking
Through-Silicon Vias (TSVs)
Redistribution Layers
Thermal Management
High-Density Packaging
Die-to-Die Communication
We develop coordinated claims directed to packaging structures, interconnect architectures, manufacturing methods, and system-level performance improvements, helping clients protect innovations throughout advanced semiconductor integration.
Semiconductor Software & Data Analytics
Modern semiconductor innovation increasingly depends on sophisticated software used to design, manufacture, optimize, and operate semiconductor technologies. We assist clients developing electronic design automation, firmware, manufacturing software, artificial intelligence, and data analytics tools, preparing patent applications that clearly identify the technological improvements underlying computer-implemented inventions while addressing evolving patent eligibility considerations.
Representative Technologies:
Electronic Design Automation
Verification & Simulation
Firmware & Device Drivers
Manufacturing Execution Software
Process Monitoring
AI for Design & Fabrication
Yield Analysis
Performance & Thermal Optimization
Our drafting strategies emphasize the specific technological problems addressed by the invention, the operational improvements achieved, and the resulting benefits to semiconductor design, manufacturing, and device performance while preserving flexibility for future innovation.
Transparent Pricing
We believe clients should understand the expected cost of patent prosecution before work begins. Many of our most common services are offered at predetermined professional fees, allowing clients to budget with confidence and avoid unexpected billing.
Application-drafting fees are established in advance based on the technology, complexity, number of embodiments, and anticipated scope of the application.
We target delivery of draft Office Action responses within two weeks after receiving the USPTO communication and the information needed to prepare the response. Routine administrative work—such as issue-fee processing, preparation of standard Information Disclosure Statements, and filing an instructed Request for Continued Examination—is not used as a separate source of professional fees.
Listed amounts are AddyHart professional fees for standard matters within the described scope. USPTO fees, drawings, searches, translations, experts, vendors, appeals, petitions, declarations, litigation, and extraordinary matters are excluded unless expressly stated. All representations are subject to conflicts clearance and a written engagement agreement
Semiconductor
Patent Services
From invention harvesting through post-grant proceedings, we help semiconductor companies build, strengthen, and defend patent portfolios aligned with their technologies and business objectives. Our attorneys provide strategic counsel throughout every stage of the patent lifecycle, combining technical depth with practical prosecution experience.
Invention Harvesting & Portfolio Planning
Semiconductor products often contain numerous patentable innovations spanning hardware, software, manufacturing, and system architecture. We work with engineering teams and in-house counsel to identify distinct inventive concepts, prioritize filing opportunities, and develop portfolio strategies that align with product roadmaps, competitive objectives, and available budgets.
Patent Application Drafting
Strong semiconductor patents begin with an understanding of both the underlying technology and the commercial implementation. We prepare applications with coordinated claims covering devices, circuits, systems, manufacturing processes, equipment, and software while preserving flexibility for future continuation practice and evolving product architectures.
Office Action Responses
Semiconductor patent applications frequently involve complex prior art spanning multiple technical disciplines. We develop strategic Office Action responses that evaluate the asserted references, address obviousness combinations, and present technically supported arguments while preserving meaningful claim scope and long-term portfolio value.
Examiner Interviews
Direct discussions with USPTO examiners can often resolve technical misunderstandings more effectively than written correspondence alone. We prepare focused interview strategies, conduct examiner interviews, and provide practical recommendations that support efficient prosecution and stronger patent protection.
Continuation & Divisional Strategy
Semiconductor innovations often support multiple claim families directed to devices, manufacturing, software, and system-level implementations. We help clients use continuation and divisional applications to preserve valuable claim opportunities, expand portfolio coverage, and adapt protection as products and competitive landscapes evolve.
Appeals & Post-Grant Proceedings
When prosecution disputes cannot be resolved through examination, we represent clients before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and in post-grant proceedings, including inter partes review and ex parte reexamination. Our appellate and post-grant experience informs how we approach claim drafting, prosecution strategy, and portfolio development from the outset.
Why AddyHart for Semiconductor IP
Commercially Focused Prosecution
A strong semiconductor patent should protect more than a technical concept—it should support the client's products, business strategy, and competitive position. We develop prosecution strategies that consider where innovation resides within the semiconductor supply chain, how competitors may implement similar technologies, and how claims can be drafted to remain commercially meaningful as products and markets evolve.
Working with In-House Patent Teams
Whether serving as primary U.S. patent counsel or supplementing an existing outside-counsel panel, we integrate with our clients' engineering, legal, and business teams to provide practical, responsive support. Our attorneys work within client-specific prosecution guidelines while delivering predictable budgets, timely drafts, consistent portfolio management, and clear strategic recommendations that help companies manage growing semiconductor patent portfolios efficiently.
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Get In Touch
Whether you are developing a new patent portfolio, transferring existing prosecution work, preparing for a product launch, or responding to a challenge against an issued patent, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss your objectives.
Please do not include confidential information in an initial inquiry. An attorney-client relationship is formed only through a written engagement agreement.