I advise on U.S. software and AI patent strategy with a focus on eligibility as a moving, policy-driven standard. My work is grounded in close familiarity with how eligibility is applied in USPTO examination and appeals practice in real time. I support clients in structuring claims and prosecution decisions that remain defensible as eligibility standards evolve. A significant part of my work involves bringing European-origin software and AI inventions to grant in the United States. This requires translating European technical concepts into U.S.-eligible claim structures without relying on short-term examination trends.
Robert Plotkin
Attorney
I help clients secure and defend software and AI patents in the United States.
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
My Focus
My Expertise
I bring more than 25 years of experience helping technology companies create, monetize, and defend software and AI patent portfolios. My work combines deep technical training with practical insight into how patents support valuation, transactions, and competitive positioning.
AI Armor: Securing the Future of Your AI Company With Strategic Intellectual Property
Are you a founder, executive, or investor in the lightning-fast AI world? Trying to keep competitors at bay and prevent Big AI from assimilating your innovations? Feeling the pressure piling on to: raise funds become profitable attract and retain top talent secure a successful exit? To hold your own in this cutthroat environment, Intellectual Property may be your most powerful tool.
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Patenting AI: Navigating the Technical Maze in Europe and the US
In a recent episode of the CEIPI IP Business Talks, host Prof. Dr. Alexander Wurzer welcomed patent attorneys Robert Plotkin and Bastian Best for an insightful discussion on patenting AI innovations. This live interview, spanning three time zones, delved into the complexities of securing AI patents in Europe and the United States, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.
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🎧 IP Management Voice #22: Protect your AI with IP
The podcast episode emphasises mapping AI innovations – from training data to output – to align IP strategies with business goals. It advocates for a proactive approach, showcasing IP as a driver of growth through investment attraction, licensing, and acquisitions. Furthermore, it debunks common myths surrounding AI patentability and offers practical guidance and checklists for implementation, highlighting the urgency of timely IP protection in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Finally, the book considers future trends like AI-generated inventions and evolving regulations.
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Blueshift IP Industry Insights
The Blueshift IP blog explores how software and AI patents function in practice, with a focus on eligibility, prosecution strategy, and real-world outcomes. It provides analysis grounded in current U.S. patent practice, policy shifts, and long-term portfolio considerations.
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Offered Services
I work at the intersection of software technology, patent strategy, and practical enforcement realities. The services below reflect how I help clients turn complex innovation into durable patent protection and commercial leverage.
Visit WebsiteStrong and Defensible Software/AI Patents
I focus on obtaining broad, technically robust software and AI patents that withstand enforcement- and validity challenges.
Collaborative, Insight-Driven Prosecution
I work closely with clients and with European patent firms acting as trusted U.S. counsel, translating their filings into U.S. patent family members informed by real-world examiner practice and eligibility dynamics.
Strategic Patent Portfolio Development
I help clients design patent portfolios that align with their business goals and competitive context, ensuring core technology is protected today and tomorrow.
Value Maximization through Patents
I support clients in enhancing the signaling and commercial value of their IP—whether for financing, acquisition, licensing, or competitive positioning.
