Intellectual Probell

Professionally

My resume is available on LinkedIn.

I work as the IP Strategist in-house at SoundHound. SoundHound develops artificial intelligence software that uses machine learning to derive meaning from sound, including speech and music.

I spend much of my time developing the company’s patent portfolio. That involves harvesting ideas from inventors and performing due diligence on patentability and market value of inventions. You can check out the company portfolio on Google Patents.

I have drafted dozens of patents, papers, and other writings to share knowledge. My areas of particular specialty are

• Small company needs for building a patent portfolio

• Patentable subject matter eligibility in the US and Europe

• International patenting strategies

My engineering background is in the field of semiconductor intellectual property. Specifically, I have worked on RISC and DSP processors for video codecs and supported network-on-chip IP users. Since 1998 I have done development engineering, sales, and marketing for my own startup and several other small companies.

At Lexra, in the late 90s, I learned about MIPS-RISC processors and delivering soft-core semiconductor IP. Too soon, a patent lawsuit killed the startup. Next, I co-founded Ultra Data, developer of the first programmable processor capable of HD H.264 video decode. The Ultra Data IP assets were acquired at the end of 2004. Later, I worked for each of ARC and Tensilica, the competing pioneers in processor cores with configurable instruction sets. I aspired to get their video-optimized processors integrated into consumer chips. After hardwired overtook programmable cores for video codecs, in 2008, I led a group of designers known as YAP IP in an unsuccessful attempt at an open RISC ISA project. As RISC-V took off, we wound down. In 2010 I joined Arteris to support chip makers integrating IPs using configurable network-on-chip interconnects. That is where I began my self-education in patent practice.

Through those years, I was a member of the Boston and Silicon Valley technical committees for the Synopsys Users Group and eventually chair in Silicon Valley. Currently, I lead a monthly group for Discussion of Patents in Silicon Valley that caters to giving startups free education on patenting considerations relevant to their companies.

Personally

I seek to broaden my horizons. I often learn everything that I can about something new. Wikipedia is my favorite web site. I also edit Open Street Maps. I enjoy technical writing and teaching because that is the best way to learn a subject thoroughly. I never lie.

I love that I have diverse friends and acquaintances. I view strangers as friends that I have yet to meet. I enjoy helping others. I will take either side for the sake of a good debate.

I enjoy cycling. I tend a fine garden. I watch live local theater but not television. I like cloudy weather and wind. I am selective about what organizations I join.

I love to travel, have spent time in most US states and many nations of the world, and have a friend in each one. Though I wander, I spend most of my time in Silicon Valley. I am also licensed ham radio operator N1QLO.

I enjoy trying new languages, but I know only one fluently. Lately, I am studying Mandarin and reading traditional characters. I speak and write with impeccable English grammar. I enjoy limericks, wordplay, thoughtful sayings, and general trivia. I like studying maps and have a good sense of direction. I drive a stick shift and can back up a trailer.

If your name is Probell, please let me know, especially if you are interested in having an email address ending in @probell.com. Otherwise, just enjoy this site.