Boris Kobrin

About Boris Kobrin

As a PhD Physicist and serial entrepreneur with over 30 years in deep tech, I provide expert Intellectual Property analysis and strategic consulting to law firms, venture capital groups, and hardware companies.The complexity of modern electronics, optics, and nanotechnology makes standard patent analysis insufficient. You need an advisor who understands the underlying physics of the invention to accurately assess Freedom to Operate (FTO), validity, and infringement risks.My Background: I am not just an analyst; I am an inventor. With 40+ granted US patents and a history of commercializing breakthrough technologies like Rolling Mask Lithography (RML®) and NanoWeb® metamaterials and transparent conductors, I understand the lifecycle of an IP asset from conception to acquisition. I successfully led the IP strategy for Rolith, Inc. through its acquisition by Meta Materials, proving the value of a robust, defensible patent portfolio. How I Help Clients: I bridge the gap between R&D teams and legal counsel, offering services that include:• Litigation Support & Expert Witness: serving as a Technical/Scientific Advisor for complex patent disputes, providing clear claim charts, invalidity contentions, and expert reports. • Patent Landscape & FTO Analysis: Deep-dive technical research to clear products for market launch in crowded sectors like LiDAR, micro-optics, and micro-LEDs.• Technical Due Diligence: Assessing IP quality and risks for M&A transactions and VC investments, identifying problems and evaluating manufacturing feasibility. • Fractional CIPO Services: Building and managing IP portfolios for startups, ensuring alignment with business goals and exit strategies.Technical Areas of Expertise:• Sensors & Hardware: LiDAR, Micro-LEDs, Touch Sensors, Piezoelectrics, Haptics, E-paper displays, Smart Glass. • Optics & Photonics: Metamaterials, Diffractive and Micro-optics, Plasmonics, Wafer-Level Optics; • Semiconductors & Lithography: Nanoimprint Lithography (NIL), MEMS, Thin Film Deposition (CVD/ALD) and Etching, 3D printing, Inkjet printing; Large area nanopatterning; seamless mask/mold; maskless patterning; Roll-to-Roll (R2R), Roll-to-Plate (R2P); Transfer printing.• Microfluidics: low cost fabrication, replication; hybrid systems; electrowetting & electrophoretics• Surface Treatments & Coatings: texturing & patterning, surface energy control (hydrophobic, hydrophilic, super-hydrophobic, oleophobic), biocompatibilityI am currently open to consulting engagements and advisory roles.

Experience

1. Co-founder

   Ball Photonics, Inc

   Jan 2023 — Present

   Invented a novel concept for ultra-sensitive multi-channel FMCW LiDAR device, enabling enhanced detection and control for unmanned vehicles on the road, air and sea. Building IP portfolio. Building a prototype to demonstrate technology.

Education

• Institute of Chemical Physics, Moscow, Russia

  Ph.D.

• Georgian State University, Tbilisi, Georgia

  Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Skills

• Entrepreneur
• Polymers
• Photovoltaics
• Mems
• Thin Films
• Business Development
• Materials
• Innovation Management
• Competitive Analysis
• Start-Ups
• Management
• Patent Law
• Product Development
• Characterization
• Semiconductors
• Cleantech
• Manufacturing
• Strategic Partnerships
• Program Management
• Silicon
• Solar Cells
• Nanofabrication
• Materials Science
• Failure Analysis
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Competitive Intelligence
• Technology Companies
• Nanotechnology
• New Business Development
• R&D
• Entrepreneurship
• Project Management
• Display Technology
• Business Strategy
• Optics
• Photonics
• Technological Innovation
• Patents
• Technology Scouting
• Lithography