He has experience in drafting, filing and prosecution of patent applications in the fields of chemical, biological, mechanical, fibers, battery separators, nanotechnology, textiles and fuel cells (USPTO and PCT). Mr. Vande Garde also has extensive trademark prosecution experience (USPTO and Madrid Protocol). His experience includes compiling and evaluating due diligence, infringement, freedom to operate and patentability opinions; drafting and negotiating nondisclosure, joint development and technology licensing agreements; managing foreign associates in the prosecution of applications; participation in patent infringement evaluations and litigation and in trademark oppositions.