Headquartered within steps of the USPTO with an affiliate office in Tokyo, Oblon is one of the largest law firms in the United States focused exclusively on intellectual property law.
1968
Norman Oblon with Stanley Fisher and Marvin Spivak launched what was to become Oblon, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, LLP, one of the nation's leading full-service intellectual property law firms.
Outside the US, we service companies based in Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and farther corners of the world. Our culturally aware attorneys speak many languages, including Japanese, French, German, Mandarin, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Farsi, Chinese.
Oblon's professionals provide industry-leading IP legal services to many of the world's most admired innovators and brands.
From the minute you walk through our doors, you'll become a valuable part of a team that fosters a culture of innovation, client service and collegiality.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued final rules implementing the inventor's oath or declaration provisions of the America Invents Act (AIA) on August 14, 2012.
by Sana Tahir, Law Clerk and Andrew Ollis, Partner
by Andrew Ollis, Partner and Sana Tahir, Law Clerk
May 20, 2025 at 13:00 JST, Tokyo Japan
November 11, 2024
Nathan Zwartz is a Patent Agent in the Electrical and Mechanical Practice Group, where he focuses on preparing and prosecuting U.S. patent applications across a broad range of technologies before the USPTO. With a background in mechanical engineering and years of experience in private practice and in-house roles, he offers clients a well-rounded perspective on protecting innovative technologies from conception through commercialization.
Mr. Zwartz has drafted and prosecuted numerous patent applications spanning various industries and covering both mechanical and electrical technologies. His experience includes: automotive technologies such as torque converters, drive units, transmission systems, brake systems, suspension systems, autonomous driving systems, lighting systems, sensors, specialized manufacturing equipment, and vehicle-related software; industrial control technologies including fluid valves, pumps, actuators, heat exchangers, and related control software; farming and earthmoving equipment; power distribution technologies including high-voltage and medium-voltage switchgear and sensors; drone technologies and spacecraft propulsion; desalination systems; and hydroponics equipment, among other technologies. He has also supported clients in navigating complex strategies for patent procurement and portfolio development.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Zwartz served as a design engineer at a switchgear manufacturing company, where he was responsible for the technical design and review of custom electrical switchgear systems for medium-voltage and high-voltage applications. He also invented frameworks for adjusting underground switchgear during onsite installations, while acting as an internal IP liaison—collaborating closely with inventors, company executives, and outside patent counsel to manage and develop a growing patent portfolio.