Attorney
Heather creates business-focused IP licensing and settlement strategies from early research through development, commercialization, asset divestitures, and M&A diligence. As a registered patent attorney with litigation experience in patent, copyright, trade secret, and trademark matters, she brings practical risk assessment to prosecution, portfolio development, licensing campaigns, complex technology transactions, and cross-border agreements with major technology companies, universities, and research organizations.
She is known for practical, business-centric legal advice and for building strong working relationships with engineers, compliance and privacy professionals, marketing, procurement, IP teams, standards groups, outside counsel, and university relations. Heather also improves efficiency and consistency through templates, negotiation guides, customized training, and thoughtful use of AI-enabled tools to streamline workflows while supporting quality, compliance, and sound legal judgment.
Before law school, Heather conducted molecular biology research at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the University of Iowa, and the Veterans Administration Medical Center. She brings that technical foundation to research-heavy and regulated industries, helping clients resolve difficult IP and licensing issues with pragmatic, risk-optimized strategies.
Admitted
Supreme Court of Illinois
Illinois State Bar
Illinois State Courts
U.S. District Court, Northern District Illinois
Texas State Bar
Contributions & Recognitions
Super Lawyers Magazine
a Thomson Ruters publication
Named an Illinois “Rising Star” in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015
the Neuro Bureau
Co-Founder | 2010-2013
portoluz
Board of Directors | 2009-2013
Chicago Kent College of Law
Adjunct Professor | Legal Writing IV : Intellectual Property | 2007-2013
Scientific contributions
As a scientist, Heather contributed to research articles and poster presentations in peer reviewed journals, including: Blood | Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis | American Society of Hematology | American Society of Microbiology
Education
2005 | Juris Doctor | magna cum laude
Georgia State University College of Law
Heather served on the Law Review, winning writing and editing awards.
She also served as an officer in the Association of Women Law Students, Intellectual Property Law Society, and American Constitution Society.
2002 | Master of Science in Biology
Georgia State University | Molecular Biology and Chemistry
1997 | Bachelor of Science in Biology
University of Iowa | Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Experience
Schafer IP Law
IP Attorney | 2010-present
Bloomberg BNA
Contributor
Patent Litigation Strategies: Third Edition, Chapter 28 – Patent Defenses | 2010
Second Edition, Chapter 25 – Patent Defenses, Supplement | 2006-2009
Brinks Hofer Gilson and Lione
Associate | 2005-2010
Law Clerk | 2004-2005
Summer Associate | 2004
Emory University
Research Specialist
Hematology/Oncology | 1999-2002
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Emerging Infectious Diseases Fellow
Respiratory Diseases | 1998-1999
Identify the IP that creates value, align protection with funding and growth goals, and build a tiered plan that prioritizes what should happen now, next, and later.
Secure and maintain rights around inventions, brands, creative works, software, and confidential business assets.
Draft and negotiate agreements that translate IP into marketplace relationships while preserving ownership, value, and long-term flexibility.
Heather Schafer’s background in molecular biology and intellectual property law supports work across biotechnology, software, computer hardware and networking, consumer goods, chemical compositions, manufacturing, biofuels, athletic equipment, cosmetics, and other technology-driven ventures.
Paralegal
Lynn Rose Aaronson supports clients and attorneys in managing intellectual property matters with accuracy, organization, and care. She assists with patent and trademark docketing, helps track important deadlines, and supports the smooth handling of IP portfolios so clients and legal teams can stay focused, informed, and on schedule.
Education
Postgraduate Certification, Paralegal
Oct 2022 – Jun 2023
Certified in litigation; training in intellectual property law.
Post Baccalaureate Student, Natural Sciences
Biology, Botany & Chemistry
Jan 2013 – Dec 2013
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Geography
Environmental Resource Management
2003 – 2007
Minor in Spanish. Activities included UT Recycling Club, volunteer work with Ecology Action, and work-study in the UT Recycling department.