Jonathan Merril, MD, is a serial entrepreneur who has started and managed several companies directed to commercializing ‘cutting-edge’ technology – all of which have resulted in acquisition or merger into public and private entities, thereby providing successful exits for the founders. He is a seasoned inventor of many patents that have been tested in patent infringement actions, resulting in multiple settlements and licenses.
Jon has also helped to create IP value in companies to an extent where the IP value has outperformed all other aspects of each enterprise. Jon’s focus has been on emerging technologies, and he has repeatedly been successful in identifying opportunities and inventions. He has deep expertise in medicine, chemistry, biosciences, machine learning, Ai, visualization, and simulation technologies. Jon’s technical knowledge enables him to accurately predict market needs, and align R&D efforts that lead to product development ensuring corporate sustainability.
With strong market insight and business acumen, Jon has overseen implementation and execution of successful IP driven product pipelines. Jon’s skill set enables him to identify key technical partners that enable optimization of product development.
Jon earned a B.A. in Chemistry and Biology from Oberlin College in 1984. Jon then received a medical degree from The George Washington University in 1988, and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the Washington Hospital Center in 1991. Jon also conducted fellowship training at Harvard Medical School’s Department of Computer Medicine in 1992.
Eric Morehouse, JD, is a patent attorney having experience with numerous technologies, including aerospace, image processing, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, computer software, electrical switches and connectors and telecommunications. He has lectured and supervised training seminars for technology companies and law firms on various aspects of patent practice, including patent specification and claim drafting, examination and post-examination strategies, claim construction, validity and infringement analyses, and patent infringement litigation.
After spending a career in private practice as a patent attorney, Eric now specializes in consulting early, mid-stage, and mature technology companies to enhance their valuations and monetize IP portfolios. Eric is also a founder of PiVerse, Inc., which implements IP support services including searching, IP analytics, valuation support, etc. Eric combines IP strategy and implementation services to generate revenue from IP and enhance corporate valuations.
Eric graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Virginia Military Institute in 1986, and received his law degree, cum laude, from Widener University School of Law in 1993. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, and U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, as well as before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Eric is also a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association and the American Bar Association.
Rita Roy, MS, MD, is a physician and entrepreneur with a proven track record of applying emerging technologies to medical related sectors, including healthcare communication and education. She is a co-founder of Astute Technology, a Reston based firm specializing in e-learning solutions and virtual conference support for medical and healthcare associations and institutions.
During her career at Astute, Rita used her technology expertise to build complex web applications, transform ideas into successful internet-based business models, and advise and develop e-learning web applications using database driven marketing strategies for non-profits, associations, and universities. Prior to joining Astute Technology, Rita co-founded and served as President of Medical Consumer Media, an internet-based healthcare communications company, from 1995 until its acquisition in 1998.
Rita received her medical degree from The George Washington University Medical Center in 1994, where she also completed residency internship in General Surgery. She received her Masters’ Degree with distinction in Biology in 1990, and dual degrees in Philosophy and Zoology with highest honors in 1988.
Rita has been a member of The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA), The American Association of Physician Executives (AAPE), and The American Medical Association (AMA). Rita holds an assistant research professorship in biochemistry and molecular biology at The George Washington University Medical Center. Rita ‘s Board service has included The World Congress on Information Technology and The Langley School. She is currently on the Board of The Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. A two-term President of the Women’s Committee, she serves on the Board of The Washington Ballet. Rita is also the CEO of The National Spine Health Foundation.
