Zachary S. Pratt

Zach uses his legal experience and computer science background to advise clients on how to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of their intellectual property strategies.

Zach primarily focuses on the prosecution and litigation of software, mechanical and medical device patents in addition to trademark registration. He assists technology-driven clients with developing effective strategies to maximize the protection that intellectual property can provide to companies both large and small. Zach is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

He also provides counsel for companies looking to broaden their intellectual property portfolio to cover both where the client currently is and where the client is looking to go in the future. While protecting current assets is important, Zach understands that protecting the future of a company is of an equal or greater importance. By getting to know the client, he is able to provide guidance that brings technology-driven clients through their development and into a thriving future.

Zach has drafted and prosecuted patent applications in a variety of software-focused technology areas, including artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, user interfaces, video coding, virtual reality systems, networks, blockchain and various other applied algorithms dealing with areas including weather detection, medical devices, personal identification, market forecasting, automobile navigation and bug detection. 

Additionally, Zach assists clients with effectively and properly incorporating various aspects of artificial intelligence and open-source code into their business and development practices. Zach also provides assistance with infringement analysis for litigation and due diligence in connection with mergers and acquisitions.

Prior to joining Fredrikson, Zach gained experience at a law firm in Woodbury, MN, where he drafted and prosecuted patent applications for a wide variety of companies, including multiple Fortune 100 companies, defense contractors, social media companies, large video coding companies and research institutions. Zach worked with solo inventors and smaller companies as a summer associate in Boston, MA. Additionally, Zach worked closely with Jason Rantanen, the author of one of the patent industry’s most renowned blogs, at the University of Iowa as a research assistant while in law school.

Cloud & SaaS Experience

• Written multiple patent applications regarding Internet and SaaS applications
• Written patent applications regarding interactions with and verification of cloud devices
• Written patent applications regarding local and virtual storage
• Successfully prosecuted patent applications with subject matter eligibility (35 U.S.C. § 101) rejections where the subject matter dealt with network communications and data transfers/storage
• Published articles focused on subject matter eligibility issues prevalent in software patents, including strategies for easily overcoming such issues
• Drafted and prosecuted software-related patents focused on interfaces, algorithms, and data evaluation

Software

• Artificial intelligence systems and machine learning algorithms for a number of different applied systems
• Securely updating software and firmware on distributed devices using blockchain
• Various input and visual features for virtual reality and augmented reality systems
• Video coding techniques for various coding standards, including HEVC and AVC
• User interface features, alert features and communication features for mobile devices
• Mobile applications
• Application programming interface procedures and improvements
• 3-Dimensional environment reconstruction for autonomous navigation
• Routing algorithms for various types of networks, including Software Defined Wide Area Networks
• Interconnection management for large data storage facilities
• Clock synchronization techniques for distributed heterogeneous systems
• Visual- and content-based enhancements to messages in social media platforms

Applied Algorithms & Systems

• Weather and ice crystal detection for weather radars
• Market forecasting for banking systems
• Bolus timing systems for medical devices
• Cardiac morphology detection and analysis techniques for implanted medical devices
• Personal identification systems for use in networks in areas of low bandwidth
• Image isolation and superimposition
• Enhanced lane detection for roads with low visibility
• Bug detection in software code

Education

• University of Iowa College of Law, J.D., 2013
• Saint Michael’s College, B.S., 2010, magna cum laude

Admissions

• Minnesota, 2013
• Iowa, 2020
• U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, 2012

• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Intellectual Property Law, 2021-2025
• North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2020-2022
• President, Sports Law Society at the University of Iowa, 2012-2013

Professional Activities

• Technology Association of Iowa, Board of Directors Member, 2024 
• Minnesota State Bar Association, Member
• Iowa State Bar Association, Member
• American Intellectual Property Law Association, Member
• Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association, Member

Community

• First Tee—Central Iowa, Board Member, 2021-present
• Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar (Vermont Chapter); Director of Staff, Seminar Facilitator, Seminar Committee Member; 2008–2016