Bob Shaver

I'm a patent attorney located in Boise, Idaho, who enjoys technology of all kinds.

The Patent Pending blog is created and updated by Bob Shaver. I am a partner in the firm of Shaver and Swanson, LLP. Our website is at www.shaverswanson.com

phone: (208) 345-1122
fax: (208) 345-8370
email: [email protected]

I am a patent attorney in Boise, Idaho. I went to law school at the age of 43, and worked in industry as a scientist before that.

My first real job was in the food industry, where I worked as Quality Control Manager for a food processing company in Washington state. The company had 5 plants, and I supervised the QC function in the plants. In that role I gained experience in microbiology, analytical chemistry, new product development, food science, and process technology.

I then worked as a Biologist for a large Washington apple orchard operation. I enjoyed studying that technology, and learned about horticulture, mechanics, plant pathology, chemical thinning, entomology, and qualified for licenses as a Tree Fruit and Statewide Pesticide Consultant.

Lastly, I worked for 14 years as an Advanced Scientist at the Hanford Nuclear Site. I started in the analytical chemistry labs at Hanford (PUREX Plant), where plutonium was separated from dissolved reactor fuel rods. I then got involved in developing computer expert systems for hazardous and radioactive waste shipping and handling, inspecting analytical laboratories throughout the United States, and developing software for computer simulation of the Hanford site, with projections of Hanford operations and facility needs for 20 years into the future.

After law school graduation in 1995, I went to work at a Boise patent law office, and was a partner in that firm from 1999 to 2015. Recently Scott Swanson and I started a new firm, Shaver and Swanson LLP, where we prepare and file patent and trademark applications, and litigation work for clients all over the country. I am a registered patent attorney, and am licensed to practice law in the states of Washington and Idaho, as well as the Federal District Bar for Idaho and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Although my past job titles have been Food Technologist, Horticulturist, Advanced Scientist, I have always worked in science of some kind. As a patent attorney I get to see new technologies every day. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, a minor in Chemistry, a Master's in Business Administration (M.B.A.), and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Idaho.