About Us
A consistent team of IP professionals focused on service and quality to sustain long-term client relationships.
For over 40 years, Schmeiser Olsen has provided thoughtful, business-aligned intellectual property counsel to companies of all sizes—from startups to global enterprises. Our clients value not only our legal and technical capabilities, but also the stability and responsiveness of a team that works as a true extension of their own. We believe strong relationships are built on consistent communication, reliable results, and a shared commitment to long-term success.
Schmeiser Olsen was founded in 1983 as a boutique firm dedicated solely to intellectual property law.
Today, we serve clients from offices in Albany, New York, Rochester, New York, Phoenix, Arizona, Boston, Massachusetts, and Raleigh, North Carolina. Over the past four decades, our commitment to client success, clear communication, and responsive service has only deepened. We service clients from all around the world.
We have represented several Fortune Global 500 companies, including some of the world’s most active patent filers. For these clients, we often operate as an extension of their in-house legal teams—providing end-to-end drafting and prosecution support, coordinating with foreign counsel, and managing complex docketing workflows across global portfolios.
We also work with a broad range of large and mid-sized companies, including privately held and publicly traded businesses, that rely on us for consistent IP support. Our work spans drafting and filing U.S. and international applications, conducting patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses, advising on competitive positioning, and supporting innovation across business units.
In addition, we’ve helped many businesses grow from early-stage startups to competitive players in their industries—adapting our approach to meet the evolving needs of each client as they scale. This has included building foundational patent portfolios, advising on IP strategy for funding rounds and partnerships, and coordinating filings to support long-term growth.
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How our work spans key technology sectors
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A Stable Team Built for Excellence
What sets Schmeiser Olsen apart is the stability and talent of our team. Many of our attorneys and professionals have worked together for nearly two decades, creating a level of continuity that clients deeply value. This consistency, paired with strong technical and legal capabilities, means clients know what to expect—reliable communication, high-quality work, and a team that understands their business and preferences. It’s a key reason why so many of our corporate clients have remained with us for decades.
Our team includes patent attorneys, agents, and former USPTO Examiners with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, chemistry, life sciences, electrical engineering, and software. This technical depth enables us to quickly grasp complex subject matter and craft patent strategies that align with both legal standards and commercial realities.
This foundation of expertise informs every stage of our prosecution practice—from efficient inventor interviews to strategic claim drafting and thoughtful Office Action responses. We tailor our approach to meet the expectations of in-house counsel and to support the long-term value of every patent we help secure.
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In Memorium
Albert L Schmeiser
1953 – 2025
Albert “Al” Schmeiser’s remarkable career was defined by his passion for innovation, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his unwavering commitment to helping others achieve their goals. Though he initially set out to become a physician, his path led him to patent law—a field that allowed him to combine his scientific curiosity with his legal acumen.
After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Pure Science in 1975, Al pursued a Juris Doctorate at LeMoyne College, graduating in 1978. Recognizing the opportunity to become a patent attorney with additional chemistry coursework, he embraced the challenge and never looked back. His career began at a traditional intellectual property firm in Albany, NY, but Al quickly realized that he wanted something different—a family oriented environment where employees could thrive in their careers and the personal pursuits. In 1983, he co-founded Schmeiser, Morelle & Watts, and later, in 1994, he and his partner Arlen Olsen restructured the firm as Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts.
Throughout his career, Al worked with companies ranging from startups to Fortune 100 organizations, providing invaluable counsel on intellectual property, business strategy, negotiations, and litigation. He was a sought-after lecturer, mentor, and advisor who found true fulfillment in empowering entrepreneurs and business owners. His ability to identify strategic opportunities set him apart, and he took great pride in helping others navigate the complexities of intellectual property law.
Beyond law, Al’s entrepreneurial spirit extended into business ownership, including franchises such as Bahama Bucks in Arizona and Subway locations in New York. His commitment to service was evident in his leadership as President of the Board of Directors for the Arizona Hemophilia Association, where he helped oversee a medical clinic in Phoenix. As a hemophiliac himself, he had a deep, personal understanding of the challenges others faced and worked tirelessly to support them.
Al also shared his knowledge as an adjunct professor of patent law in Arizona, further shaping the next generation of legal minds. His life was shaped by overcoming trials—born with a life expectancy of just 11 years, he defied the odds with resilience and an unbreakable spirit. His guiding philosophy was simple yet profound: “It’s all about the heart.” Whether as a mentor, attorney, or friend, Al dedicated himself to helping others achieve their dreams, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, generosity, and determination.
He will be deeply missed, but his impact will live on in the lives of those he inspired.
Regional Offices Supporting a Nationwide Client Base
18 E. University Drive Suite 101
Mesa, AZ 85201
480.655.0073
22 Century Hill Drive, Ste. 302
Latham, NY 12110
518.220.1850
33 Boston Post Road W, Ste. 410
Marlborough, MA 01752
508.303.2003
11 Schoen Place, 7th Floor
Pittsford, NY 14534
585.389.0951
4208 Six Forks Road, Suite 1000 – #164, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.500.9167