PARTNER

Direct: (703) 944-7318

John Mills is the founding partner, and he brings over 18 years of experience in patent prosecution and counseling. Prior to forming Mills IP Law, John practiced for ten years with an Am Law top 50 firm, after which he established the IP practice for a Tidewater-based law firm.  John represents a diverse array of clients ranging from pre-seed startups to large, publicly-traded companies. John’s practice is influenced by his eleven-year career as an engineer, where he experienced patent law from the client’s perspective as a co-inventor on several patent applications. This experience gives him a unique perspective that he applies in his everyday practice. Outside of work, John is dedicated to working with kids, serving in a number of different organizations over the years ranging from youth sports to scouting to teaching youth classes at church.  John enjoys relaxing (especially at the beach) with his wife and three children, fishing, and gardening.

John holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and a J.D. from the College of William and Mary School of Law. He is licensed to practice in Virginia and before the USPTO.

SPECIAL COUNSEL

Direct:  (517) 899-3360

Nancy Vashaw brings 20 years of legal experience with a focus on patent counseling and prosecution, including the development of patent portfolios, and freedom-to-operate, invalidity and patent diligence analyses. Nancy has extensive experience preparing and procuring patents in a wide range of technologies, including life-changing medical technology (e.g., prosthetic heart valves, catheters, stents, robotic and image-guided surgical systems, pelvic floor reconstruction, and molecular diagnostic devices), power generation (including wind turbine technologies), manufacturing processes, computer software, and consumer products. Nancy also has significant experience supporting a wide range of commercial transactions with detailed freedom-to-operate and patent diligence analyses. Prior to joining the team, Nancy practiced law for 15 years at one of the nation’s top firms, where she gained extensive experience in a variety of complex patent matters. Nancy also has 13 years of industry experience as an engineer for General Motors and Steelcase Inc. in the area of product development and manufacturing. Nancy’s unique blend of experience gives her valuable insight into the client’s perspective.

Nancy holds B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University, an MBA from Michigan State University, and a J.D. from Michigan State University. She is licensed to practice in Virginia, Michigan, and before the USPTO.

PARTNER

Direct: (864) 908-8828

Troy Hammon focuses his practice on patent counseling and prosecution, including the development of patent portfolios, and freedom-to-operate, invalidity and patent diligence analyses. As an Associate at Mills IP Law, Troy brings significant experience preparing and procuring patents in everything from gas turbine engines and renewable energy, to additive manufacturing, composites manufacturing, medical devices, water purification systems, firearms, and more. Troy also has significant experience interfacing with international law firms to manage and direct prosecution of patent applications around the world. Prior to joining the team, Troy practiced patent law for one of the nation’s top IP boutiques, and has 20 years of experience as an Air Force officer. Troy began his career as an Intelligence Officer before transitioning to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. During his 13 years as a JAG, Troy specialized in government procurement and fiscal law (including contract formation, contract terminations, contract litigation, contract claims, bid protests, regulatory compliance, and alternative dispute resolution), litigation matters, public speaking, strategic communications, intelligence operations, and policy development. Troy’s unique breadth of experience gives him valuable insights that he applies in his everyday practice.

Troy holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a J.D. from the College of William and Mary School of Law. He is licensed to practice in the District of Columbia,South Carolina, and before the USPTO.

PARTNER

Direct: (202) 630-6746

Yuan Liang is a member of the IP Group and brings a decade of experience in the IP field. Prior to joining us, Yuan practiced with an Am Law 50 firm as well as a nationally ranked IP boutique, where he honed his skills on a broad range of patent matters. Yuan has extensive experience with patent counseling and post-grant proceedings, and has successfully litigated several high-stakes, bet-the-company patent disputes to their conclusion. Yuan is deeply experienced in a wide range of technologies, including medical devices and computer hardware and software. When he’s not practicing law, Yuan enjoys playing and watching basketball, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Yuan holds an A.B. in physics from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He is licensed to practice in Virginia and the District of Columbia, and before the USPTO.