Founded in 2015, Ommo Technologies is a Dallas-based tech startup revolutionizing the way humans interact with computers by making interactions with digital objects more human and effortless. Currently, they’re building a 3D position tracking device that measures precise outputs without compromising user mobility.
As a startup, Ommo needed to protect their IP position in an untested market but had limited resources available to pursue a patent strategy. The company needed to partner with an experienced patent attorney who understood how to map their patent strategy to their business strategy and best utilize the company’s limited patent budget.
Enter Henry Patent Law Firm: a boutique patent firm that specializes in working with high-tech startups. Through this partnership, Ommo has achieved a 100% allowance rate with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) — with one of their patents being approved by the US patent office in a mere six months.
GAINING FAMILIARITY WITH THE PATENT WORLD
The team at Ommo were experienced tech innovators but weren’t quite as knowledgeable about the patent process. While they understood the importance of patent protection, they didn’t know where to begin looking.
So Ommo began familiarizing themselves with the patent world, turning to both Google as well as their personal networks for referrals.
“This is the first company I’ve started, and this was also the first patent I’d be filing,” said Minjie Zheng, Founder and CEO of Ommo Technologies. “I didn’t know what would make a good patent attorney, so it was as much of a learning process for me to get to know all these patent attorneys.”
Prior to meeting Henry Patent Law Firm, Ommo had done some smaller projects with other patent attorneys — but making a long-term commitment with the other firms just didn’t seem right. Minjie knew he needed to find someone who would be a better fit for Ommo’s long-term goals.
HITTING IT OFF WITH HENRY PATENT LAW FIRM
A mutual friend introduced Ommo Technologies to Michael Henry, the principal of Henry Patent Law Firm. The two hit it off instantly: Ommo engaged Henry Patent Law Firm right after their first meeting.
What happened? First of all, Ommo’s team was impressed by Michael’s background, which included a Physics degree from Baylor and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Science and Engineering from MIT.
Michael’s physics-based technical background aligned well with Ommo’s technology, which uses electromagnetic fields from a permanent magnet, unlike traditional tracking systems that rely on coils and electric circuits. “The fundamentals of our technology are all based in physics,” Minjie said. “Michael’s credentials certainly boosted our confidence that he would understand the technology, and be able to communicate that in a way that would be valuable in a patent.” Michael had the knowledge to translate the novelty of Ommo’s technology into a successful patent application.
More importantly though, Henry Patent Law Firm understood how to tailor its approach in order to navigate startup-specific challenges. Startups need to conserve their funding and typically don’t have the resources to get involved with IP litigation.
“Michael’s attitude towards how he approaches clients, and how he customizes the patent strategy based on what kind of company you are and where you want to go — that was really appealing for us,” Minjie said.
Ommo knew that partnering with Henry Patent Law Firm was the right next step.
“My concerns were resolved pretty quickly,” Minjie said. “Michael wasn’t shy about sharing his thoughts and challenging our preconceptions to find ways to help us achieve our long-term vision.”
AN INVALUABLE LEARNING PROCESS, TAILORED TO THE COMPANY’S NEEDS
According to Minjie, many patent law firms aren’t ready to address unique situations at startups like Ommo. Henry Patent Law Firm proved the exception, thanks to its extensive experience working with early-stage tech companies to craft meaningful patent strategies.We will be working with Henry Patent Law firm for all our patent needs for the foreseeable future because we had such a great experience.
Henry Patent Law Firm knew that Ommo was still learning the ins and outs of the patent process — and went the extra mile to explain how its decisions were aligned with Ommo’s broader business goals. It was essential for Ommo to not only protect both its hardware and software components but also form a strong foundation for future IP.
“Michael used every step along the way as a teaching process for us because he knew we were inexperienced,” Minjie said. “He takes his time to really explain what his rationales behind his suggestions are, and how we should consider our patent portfolio from where our company is right now versus where our company is going to be in a year or two.”
MINJIE ZHENGFounder and CEO, Ommo Technologies
ACHIEVING UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS WITH THE USPTO
Ommo has found a reliable partner in Henry Patent Law Firm to help them maximize the value they get from each patent — within budget.
Ommo is still a young company, but it has already achieved unprecedented results from its patent applications.
For one, Henry Patent Law Firm has helped Ommo reach a 100% allowance rate with the USPTO, as previously mentioned — meaning that each patent application they’ve filed thus far has had a successful outcome.
For another, Ommo has been able to get these results quickly. Ommo’s most recent patent received an allowance in just six months — a rate that’s basically unheard of. (The USPTO average is 24 to 30 months.)
“We will be working with Henry Patent Law firm for all our patent needs for the foreseeable future because we had such a great experience,” Minjie said. “And you can bet that I refer all of my startup friends who need a patent attorney to Michael’s way!”
ABOUT OMMO TECHNOLOGIES
Ommo’s patented motion tracking technology uniquely combines precision, mobility, and versatility. With a single signal generator that fits into the palm of your hand, the system creates a 2.5-meter diameter spherical tracking zone that works without occlusion and can support an unlimited number of sensors. Through its algorithm, each tiny sensor measures the signal independently and computes its 3D coordinate with submillimeter precision. With a convenient SDK and open source sensor modules, it is extremely easy to integrate Ommo’s technology into any existing or new products in the market.
Whether you want to track a micro-scalpel during a surgery simulation, a full-body haptic suit in military training, or natural hand motion in AR/VR, Ommo is the one-stop human-computer interaction (HCI) solution for the mobile digital world we have been dreaming of.
For more information, visit http://www.ommo.co/.