Ashley Nicholls is a registered patent attorney in Jones Robb’s mechanical, medical device, and industrial design practice groups. After having worked together on projects in their former Big Law careers, founding and managing partner Susie Jones sought Ashley out to join Jones Robb in 2007, the firm’s first year. Ashley has worked in the patent field for over 15 years, representing both domestic and foreign clients in the areas of patent preparation/prosecution and litigation.
At Jones Robb, Ashley’s practice focuses on international patent application preparation and prosecution, client counseling, patentability evaluation, and industrial design. Ashley’s technical background is in the fields of civil and environmental engineering, but her technical expertise extends to mechanical and biomedical technologies as well. In particular, Ashley’s practice focuses on such diverse technologies as automotive systems, alternative energy technologies, magnetic motors and other magnetomotive technologies, medical devices, and packaging. Ashley also has significant experience working on industrial design applications related to medical devices, food products, and packaging.

Ashley is the firm’s technical specialist in magnetic technologies, including, magnetic motors and bearing components. When asked about Jones Robb’s experience in such emerging technologies, Ashley said “our firm has been involved with ground-breaking developments in magnetic technologies and has developed relationships with some of the pioneering inventors in this field. I feel fortunate to have been a part of such exciting, cutting edge work.” Ashley also commented on her appreciation of the firm’s flexibility in enabling her to work remotely from Minnesota, where she had relocated from the Washington, DC area due to her husband’s medical practice prior to joining the firm. “The opportunity to have Ashley join Jones Robb came to us shortly after opening the firm. Having previously worked with Ashley and learning that she had left Big Law for a brief time to relocate but was interested in continuing to pursue her career in patent law, I didn’t want to miss the chance to have Ashley on our team,” said Susie Jones. “Ashley is a skilled attorney with a team-minded personality, making her an excellent fit with the culture at Jones Robb. After interacting with Ashley on developing patent applications, many inventors have expressed how much they enjoy working with her, and in particular, have noted the care she demonstrates in wanting to understand the nuances and scope of an invention. Additionally, her location in Minnesota has offered us opportunities to service our Midwest-based clients in person.”

Prior to joining Jones Robb, Ashley was an attorney with a large international patent boutique firm in Washington, D.C. In addition to her patent practice, she represented the firm in the Women’s Bar Association and was active in the local bar’s pro bono program.

Outside the practice of law, Ashley is an avid runner, outdoorswoman, and sports fan. She participates in a number of races and “mud runs” each year, and enjoys the challenge of obstacle runs such as the Tough Mudder. In the fall, she enjoys watching college football and cheering on her Michigan Wolverines (particularly against Ohio State). Ashley also enjoys spending time with her family, including spending time on the lake boating and teaching her young children how to swim and water ski.