Benjamin A. Rellinger, Ph.D., supports clients in all phases of patent prosecution. This work includes initial patent harvest and prior art research to drafting of claims and applications to prosecution through to issuance. He also helps clients develop strategies for continuing applications and provides legal and technological advice in support of validity and patentability analyses.

With a doctorate in biomedical engineering, Dr. Rellinger complements his intellectual property law expertise with deep technical knowledge in areas such as:

• Medical devices and implants
• Medical imaging and diagnostics
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Gene sequencing and synthesis
• Flow cytometry and cell sorting
• Rehabilitative and assistive devices and robotics
• Neuroprosthetics
• Brain-computer interfaces/brain-machine interfaces (BCI / BMI)
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
• Machine learning
• Image processing

Prior to joining MBHB, Dr. Rellinger performed both basic and applied research in biomedical engineering, rehabilitation, and neuroscience. He engaged in applied research into invasive and non-invasive brain-computer interfaces and deep brain stimulation for the treatment of movement disorders. Dr. Rellinger also conducted experimental research into natural motor planning and control.  Such experiments provided long-duration, high-quality electrophysiological signals across a variety of behaviors and following training in novel motor tasks. He also has experience in embedded device design and development.

A builder at heart, Dr. Rellinger spends his time outside of work building everything from crafts to 3D models to technological gadgets. He also enjoys running and biking through the forest preserves of northern Illinois.

• Helped a startup medical imaging company build its intellectual property portfolio from a single provisional patent application to an international portfolio that includes patents and trademarks.
• Evaluated an existing patent portfolio strategy to ensure a gene synthesis company had protected all aspects of its innovations from both offensive and defensive perspectives.
• Obtained allowances in a number of long-rejected applications for a financial technology company despite repeated past 101 rejections.