Steve Ritchey advises clients on domestic and international patent applications and provides comprehensive counsel on licensing and technology transfers.
With a particular emphasis on chemical and material sciences, Steve works with clients to prepare and prosecute patent applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
With the costs and difficulties of obtaining a patent increasing, sophisticated patent counsel is an imperative. Steve’s patent experience covers a range of technical disciplines that is arguably broader than many in the field — including food technology, agriscience, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, organic chemistry, fuel cell catalyst technology, nuclear batteries, rechargeable battery technology, silicon wafer technology, radioisotope production, polymer technology, solder alloys, and metal plating technology.
Additionally, Steve drafts and negotiates technology alliance and license agreements, commonly in the agritech, biotech, and medical technology spaces. While attorneys in this space sometimes have a reputation for putting up roadblocks, Steve strives to address potential future problems while ultimately getting the deal done. He also regularly counsels clients and prepares opinion letters regarding infringement and validity issues and freedom to operate.
Professional
- American Intellectual Property Law Association
- Member, 1998-Present
- Bar Association of Missouri St. Louis
- Member, 1998-Present
- American Ceramic Society
- Member, 1988-Present
- Keramos
- Member, 1990-Present
Community
- Gateway Off Road Cyclists
- Member, 2004-Present
- Cliff Cave Park
- Trail Steward, 2006-Present
- Listed in “Best Lawyers in America®”, 2016-2025 (by BL Rankings)
- “Reengineering US patent law with the America Invents Act“
American Ceramic Society – AcerS Bulletin, May 2014 - “First-to-File Under the AIA: More Than a Race to the Patent Office”
St. Louis ACC In-House Newsletter, April 2014 - “Patent law fundamentals for innovators in the ceramic and glass industry“
American Ceramic Society – ACerS Bulletin, April 2014 - Comic: “How do patents really work to protect inventions?“
American Ceramic Society – ACerS Bulletin, April 2014 - “Thermal Shock Characteristics of Porcelain Enameled Grates”
Appliance Magazine, pages 62-63, December 1994 - “Investigation of the Porcelain Enamelling of Die Cast Aluminum”
Proceedings of the Porcelain Enamel Institute Technical Forum, Volume 57, 1994
I enjoy travel and outdoor activities, especially hiking and mountain biking. I also like motorsports, and in particular watching and attending vintage car races. One of these days, I will make it to the Goodwood Revival in England, which is the most famous and action-packed historic and vintage racing event.