Ann DeFranco

Ann DeFranco is an aerospace engineer turned patent attorney who helps innovators protect and maximize the value of their intellectual property across a broad range of technologies, including artificial intelligence, software, telecommunications, cloud computing, and advanced engineering applications. Drawing on both her legal and technical backgrounds, she partners with startups, emerging companies, and established businesses to develop patent strategies that align with business objectives and support long-term growth.

In her work with Sheridan Ross, Ann focuses on patent preparation and prosecution for technologies involving generative AI, computer vision, wireless communication networks, cloud computing environments, satellite and autonomous systems, virtual and augmented reality, industrial automation, biomedical technologies, and mechanical devices. She also advises clients on trademark matters and broader intellectual property strategy.

Before becoming an attorney, Ann worked as a research engineer for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Space Systems/Loral, contributing to sophisticated aerospace and technology programs. She also served as an instructor in the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her engineering background enables her to quickly understand complex technologies and communicate effectively with inventors, engineers, executives, and in-house counsel.

Ann earned her law degree, cum laude, from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, where she received the Northwestern Pritzker Entrepreneurship Prize and served as a judicial extern for Judge Sharon J. Coleman of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. She holds master’s degrees in aerospace engineering from both the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Michigan, and a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, cum laude, from the University of Michigan.

Ann is admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and is licensed in Colorado.