Rachel Vierra’s experience as a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) examiner gives her a unique ability to navigate patent prosecution, anticipate examiner perspectives, and develop strategies that help companies secure and protect their innovations.

As a summer associate at Foley, Rachel prepared strategies to respond to Office Actions, including proposing amendments and writing responses; conducted prior art searches and generated patentability opinions; and conducted legal research for pro bono projects in environmental and property law.

Prior to joining Foley, Rachel spent over six years as a USPTO patent examiner, managing a docket of more than 100 patent applications in the electrosurgical medical device area. She analyzed applications for accuracy, drafted Office Actions, defended rejections during the appeal process, and worked with patent attorneys and inventors to determine patentable subject matter.

While earning her law degree, Rachel worked with the New England Innocence Project, collaborating with a team of attorneys to create investigative steps and a realistic path to exoneration for innocent incarcerated individuals. She is a member of Foley’s Electronics Practice.