Guerry L. Grune, M.S., Ph.D.
Patent Agent
ggrune@harvestiplaw.com
*Practice limited to matters at federal courts and agencies, including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Practice Focus
Dr. Guerry L. Grune is a Registered Patent Agent before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He handles a
wide range of technologies:
- Telecommunication Technology (token ring and LAN cabling systems, insulation materials
including all aspects associated with toxicity and flammability, electrical and optical conductivity,
electromagnetic interference/radio-frequency interference (EMI/RFI) shielding, extrusion and
fabrication, WANS and related devices)
- Polymer Science (synthesis, characterization, and applications of polymer systems across moist
industries, including linear polyglycidyl amine additives for controlled crosslinking of latex polymers;
high content polyamide hot-applied thermoplastic compositions; anti-skid high retroreflectivity
performed thermoplastic composites for runway applications; use of polymers/plastics in
electrophotography, wire and cable, fiber optics and connectors, personal care and cosmetics, oil and
gas, automotive, aerospace, and electronics hardware, semiconductor microlithography, as well as
formulation of products for personal care, sporting goods, and athletic apparel)
- Pharmaceutical Compositions (chelated metal oxides, specifically zinc and silver oxides;
nontoxic, non-endocrine disrupting, cytoprotective, and UV-radiation resistant sunblock compositions;
antimicrobial anti-chafing chelated silver oxide compounds; and antimicrobial topical solution
comprising complexes of chitosan-silver; and glycerin based jelly compositions)
- Computer Software, Hardware and Security (client-server system utilizing software that accesses
data from databases, computer-based logic flow for a web-enabled tools including web based apps and
valuation of these tools, and object-oriented and data processing systems with emphasis on and life
cycle assessments)
- Mechanical (oil and gas downhole robotics, all aspects of controlled fracking, measurement
while drilling (MWD), coiled tubing and associated petroleum industry activities)
- Chemical & Biomedical Engineering (developing, processing, and patenting all forms of bio-based
fuels; integrated process for producing glyceryl tert-butyl ether (GTBE), a non-toxic alternative to
MTBE, internal engine combustion technologies involving all fuel types and reducing GHGE for these
fuels; processes for safely recycling tetrahydrofuran, new CG and CT coatings for electrophotography,
and metal oxide chelates for the personal care and chemical industries)
- Biomedical Devices (intramedullary screws for ankles and feet, reusable customizable breathing
apparatus mouthpieces with bitewings, new control buoyancy devices for the scuba industry, and
antimicrobial mouth guards as jaw stabilizers to prevent concussion)
Background
Dr. Grune has a diversified background in mechanical/chemical engineering, chemistry, and polymer science as a
researcher, inventor, teacher, lecturer and registered US patent agent. He is fluent in German.
Dr. Grune received his B.S. in mechanical engineering and A.B. in chemistry from Duke University, M.S. in
chemical engineering from University of Massachusetts, and Ph.D. from North Carolina State University.
Dr. Grune has industrial experience as a researcher at IBM, ABB Corporation, and Mitsubishi Chemical America,
as well as continuing to teach as an adjunct professor in the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University,
lecturing on thermodynamics at the Biomedical Engineering Department and intellectual asset management at the
Master of Engineering Management Program. In addition, Dr. Grune was the director of intellectual property for
Mitsubishi Chemical America, as well as a consultant at KM Limited.
As a patent agent, Dr. Grune has been instrumental in taking three start-up companies from pre-venue to
greater than $20 million in sales in two cases and over $1 Billion in sales for a third by developing their
entire patent portfolios and managing contract and licensing activities with third parties. Dr. Grune is
successful in providing a comprehensive service to clients, including from protecting an invention to
commercialization and licensing.
In his spare time, Dr. Grune enjoys outdoor sports, including surfing, running, and biking. Dr. Grune and his
wife are proud parents of two daughters.