Darryl E. Scott - Attorney
Mr. Scott's professional journey began in his hometown of La Porte, Texas, and has led him to his current residence in Houston. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology and a minor in Information Technology from the University of Houston-Central. He also has a Doctoral degree from South Texas College of Law- Houston, where he gained recognition for his advocacy skills in mock trial competitions nationwide.
He has over 20 years of professional IT strategy and transformation experience and is currently registered to file and prosecute patent applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Mr. Scott's legal career is marked by extensive trial experience in diverse areas of law, including employment discrimination, personal injury, criminal, and family law. His wealth of knowledge in complex contract negotiation and business development equips him to consult fellow attorneys on using technology in the evolving legal landscape.
After many years of specialized training and practice in intellectual property law, he's crafted a passion-driven practice utilizing his engineering, technology, and litigation skills to empower and protect his clients' intellectual property rights.
JoAnna Luna - Of Counsel Attorney
JoAnna Luna specializes in technology and licensing transactions, information security, trademarks, and international intellectual property protection.
JoAnna served on AIPPI’s Standing Committee on IT and the Internet from 2014 to 2017. She is a Barrister member of the Nancy F. Atlas Intellectual Property Inn of Court and ChIPs, an international organization dedicated to advancing women in IP.
JoAnna was the only IP attorney at the American Bureau of Shipping, a global leader in classification services for the marine and offshore industry, where she spent nearly ten years managing complex commercial and technology-related matters and overseeing the IP portfolio. She started her career at the law firm Claro & Cia in Santiago, Chile. During her time at Claro, she published papers with AmCham Chile and the Inter-American Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI), gaining extensive experience in national-phase patent and trademark prosecutions, trademark litigation, and domain name dispute resolution, as well as in complex cross-border mergers and acquisitions.
JoAnna holds a B.A. in International Studies and French from Baylor University and graduated from South Texas College of Law in 2010, where she was Editor-in-Chief of Currents: The International Trade Law Journal. In 2012, she earned dual LL.M. in international law from Universidad de Chile and Ruprecht-Karls Universitat Heidelberg, thanks to the Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship Program. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, teaching Information Security and Law.
Daniel Polk - Patent Agent
Daniel Polk, Pharm.D., combines a robust background in pharmacy with keen expertise in patent law, making him a unique asset at the intersection of healthcare and intellectual property.
Daniel's journey began at Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, where he earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree magna cum laude. His passion for patient care and medication management led him to Walgreens, where he served as a Pharmacy Manager. As a preceptor, Daniel demonstrated exceptional leadership, training, and developing graduate and summer interns. He also spearheaded the HIV Center of Excellence and Compounding Center of Excellence initiatives, showcasing his commitment to specialized patient care.
In 2016, Daniel transitioned to Aetna as a Clinical Pharmacist. Here, he honed his skills in resolving coverage determinations and prior authorizations for Medicare D patients. His expertise in assessing the appropriateness of therapy based on various factors made him a valuable team member. His ability to quickly learn and apply new policies further distinguished him in this role.
Daniel's expertise extends beyond pharmacy into patent law and prosecution. He possesses an in-depth understanding of patent law, including conducting prior art searches, reviewing international search reports, and analyzing patent landscapes. His analytical skills and strong written and verbal communication abilities allow him to convey complex issues clearly and effectively. His dual expertise enables him to bridge the gap between healthcare innovation and intellectual property protection, ensuring that new advancements are effective and legally secure.
Tihut (Hani) Adane - Administrative Assistant
Hani Scott is a native of Awassa, Ethiopia. Hani received her certificate of diploma from the Ethiopian Airline Aviation Academy located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Hani is fluent in both Amharic and English. Before joining the firm, Hani applied her skills at the largest airport in Africa - Ethiopian Airlines. While employed with Ethiopian Airlines, Hani managed customer relations for international travelers, resolving a countless array of issues from varying degrees of travelers.
Intellectual Property law requires an international understanding of the law and the ability to receive, identify, and assist our domestic and international clients with clear and concise communication. Hani brings a unique perspective and ability to our firm and, thus, our clients.
