Elen Wetzel

Elen’s practice focuses on patent prosecution, opinions and counseling of clients in a variety of industries including energy, manufacturing, transportation, technology and healthcare. Elen helps clients build strong patent portfolios by developing filing strategies that consider the types of IP protection available in the US and internationally. Elen’s practice involves protecting innovations for medical devices, artificial intelligence, clean technology, wearable devices, fitness equipment and various other consumer products.

As part of her practice, Elen regularly engages with clients’ technical teams to identify inventions and assess their patentability. She also helps companies set up internal patent programs for identifying and capturing innovation. Elen frequently works with emerging companies in developing an IP strategy consistent with the business’ needs and resources, and uses creative solutions to address the client’s IP needs within the constraints of the business. Elen also assists with due diligence for intellectual property in corporate transaction and drafts and negotiates agreement terms relating to joint development efforts and the transfer and licensing of IP. Elen partners internally with colleagues to provide the right team for the client to effectively and efficiently address their IP-related needs.

Prior to rejoining Dorsey’s Intellectual Property Group, Elen served in an in-house role at a larger aerospace manufacturer, developing and managing intellectual property assets in the areas of structures, vehicle controls, propulsion systems, and unmanned aircraft. Before beginning her legal career, Elen worked as an engineer in the aerospace industry, bringing nearly a decade of industry experience to her practice. Leveraging her experience in industry and her aerospace engineering degree, Elen also provides assistance to the National Security group with classification projects as needed.