Intellectual Probell

Hi.

I’m Jonah Probell.

普仲朗


You can reach me at

(first name)@probell.com

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 three 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 like to cycle. I tend a fine garden and work on my house. 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 place. 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 traditional writing. 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.


Other Probell websites

Producto Belleza de Mexico


Bellhousings for drag racers


Producto Belleza de Cali Colombia


Funktionale möbel aus metall


Profesionales en belleza


Prodotti Bellezza en Bolzano Italia


Patenting for the Small Company


Available online

I wrote a concise book for small company executives setting up their organization and processes to maximize the efficiency of converting patenting budget to portfolio value.


Accolades

“The definitive guide for organizing a PATENTING team.” -Thomas Alva Edison

“Jonah Probell unveils the secrets to building a valuable patent portfolio while saving money.” -Benjamin Franklin

“A mandatory desk reference for patent portfolio managers and small company executives alike.” -Steve Jobs

Subject matter eligibility

Since the US Supreme Court ruling in Alice v CLS Bank in June 2014, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has been interpreting 35 USC 101 in the context of many other patent lawsuits. The following document presents most of the claims analyzed for 101 eligibility by the Federal Circuit since Alice and excerpts of court opinions that explain their findings.

CAFC claims found 101 eligible and ineligible (PDF)

The European Patent Office Board of Appeals has analyzed and written opinions regarding eligibility under their standard of technical character of even more claims than the US Federal Circuit. The following document presents claims selected for relevance to artificial intelligence and computer-implemented inventions analyzed by the Board of Appeals and excerpts of the board’s opinions explaining the reasoning for their findings.

EPO BoA claims found technical and non-technical (PDF)

Discussion of Patents

I host a free co-educational meetup group with monthly discussions and occasional prepared presentations. Most meetings are by video conference and open to anybody who wishes to discuss anything related to patents. Most attendees are inventor-entrepreneurs and solo practitioners.

https://www.meetup.com/Discussion-of-Patents/

National Association of Patent Practitioners

NAPP is an organization for patent practitioners to share practice tips. I am a frequent contributor of both questions and answers to the members’ forum.

https://www.napp.org/

Publications

Here is a list of some things that I have written.


You can also search for me on Google Scholar and Google Patents.

The Lexra story

Lexra was the first startup company I joined. It taught a harsh first lesson in patents. You can read the story here.

Good luck