Franklin Schellenberg, registered patent agent (PTO Reg. # 47,315) since 2000, brings a wealth of expertise in optics, invention, patents, and IP strategy to Haynes Beffel & Wolfeld (HBW) since joining in 2022.With a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Stanford University, Dr. Schellenberg’s research career focused on the nonlinear properties of silicon-backbone polymers, resulting in patented innovations such as “writable birefringence” (US 5,105,298; US 5,161,039). His extensive experience spans over a decade at IBM Research and HP Labs, where he made significant contributions to lasers, nonlinear optics, photonics, holography, and optical lithography.During his tenure at SEMATECH, Dr. Schellenberg managed a program on lithography for semiconductor manufacturing, supporting and funding several successful start-ups. His commitment to innovation led him to join OPC Technologies, later acquired by Mentor Graphics, where he not only passed the patent bar but also managed the division’s patent portfolio for over a decade.Since 2009, Dr. Schellenberg has been an independent patent agent, providing valuable assistance to individual and start-up clients in Silicon Valley across diverse fields such as x-ray sources and spectroscopy, semiconductor equipment, robotics, and self-driving vehicles.Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Schellenberg has played pivotal roles as Conference Chair for EIPBN and Chair of the SPIE Emerging Lithographic Technologies Conference. He continues to serve in advisory capacities for these and other conferences, showcasing his dedication to advancing cutting-edge technologies.In addition to a scientific career in optics, Franklin has also had a deep interest in artistic photography, studying under Ansel Adams in California and participating in many workshops and exhibits. He also has traveled extensively, visiting more than 100 countries and all 7 continents, and has lived abroad in both Germany and Japan.As a named inventor on over 33 issued patents, a contributing author to several books, and the author of more than 70 technical publications, Dr. Schellenberg’s comprehensive knowledge and passion for intellectual property make him an invaluable asset to the HBW team.
