Nathan Scherer

Security Consultant

Sammamish, Washington, United States25 yrs 10 mos experience

Most Likely To SwitchAI ML Practitioner

Key Highlights

Expert in global patent strategy and management.
Proven track record in AI/ML legal issues.
Strong cross-functional leadership in IP risk management.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a seasoned IP strategist in the technology sector, specializing in AI/ML and data governance.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Intellectual Property StrategyPatent Portfolio ManagementRisk ManagementAi/ml Legal IssuesData And Ip GovernancePatent ProsecutionFreedom To Operate (fto) AnalysisPatent DraftingPatent MiningLicensing SupportProduct ComplianceElectrical Safety Testing

Other Skills

Technical StandardsTechnology AnalysisLicensingIntellectual PropertyPatent LitigationCopyright LawCorporate LawElectronicsLegal WritingMedical DevicesPatentabilityPatentsProsecutionTrademarksLitigation

About

I’m a senior IP strategist and patent counsel with nearly 14 years at Amazon shaping how technologies are protected, scaled, and responsibly commercialized. My work has spanned Amazon’s Grand Challenge organization (an incubator for breakthrough, startup-style initiatives), as well as Amazon Ads, Private Brands (product clearance and design protection), and AI/ML programs. I’ve helped shape and protect early-stage innovation from concept to launch, evaluating emerging technologies and AI initiatives to guide IP alignment and mitigate risk. I’ve managed portfolios of thousands of global assets, led invention harvesting and portfolio optimization initiatives, and partnered with product, engineering, science, trademark, and cross-functional teams to manage IP and data-related risk across emerging technologies. I’m now focused on applying that experience to help organizations build, protect, and scale innovation in the age of AI and data-driven technology. Focus areas: • Global patent portfolio strategy and management • AI/ML, emerging technology, and open-source risk assessment • IP diligence, trade secret protection, and risk management • Cross-functional leadership and outside counsel management • Portfolio optimization and innovation culture development I believe the best IP strategies don’t just defend innovation. They shape where it’s headed.

Experience

Amazon

2 roles

Sr. Corporate Counsel, Patents

Promoted

Apr 2015 – Present · 10 yrs 11 mos · Greater Seattle Area

Led IP strategy and portfolio management for multiple Amazon businesses, including Advertising, Private Brands, Grand Challenge, AI/ML, Payments, and core e-commerce technology. Developed global patent, design, and trade-secret strategies that protected innovation while enabling speed and scale across emerging technologies.
Built and executed IP strategies for confidential Grand Challenge initiatives operating like internal startups; authored strategy documents reviewed with senior legal and business leadership to align on risk, protection, and long-term innovation goals.
Created and led the patent and design clearance program for Amazon’s Private Brands, developing a scalable risk-review process that balanced IP, operational, and reputational considerations.
Advised on open-source, data-use, and AI/ML matters, including reviews of public datasets, open-source licenses, and outside-activity proposals.
Explored and applied generative-AI tools to enhance the quality of analysis and work product, improve efficiency, and strengthen IP-portfolio management.
Managed outside counsel and team members, mentoring attorneys and legal professionals and fostering innovation culture through training and development programs.
Contributed to Amazon Legal's inclusion and professional-development initiatives, including Day 1 Legal Academy, pro bono service, and team-culture programs.
Supported confidential Grand Challenge initiatives across diverse scientific and technical domains, rapidly learning new and complex technologies to identify protectable innovation and guide portfolio direction. Partnered with product, engineering, science, and business leaders to align IP strategy with launch priorities, accelerating decision-making and reducing risk. Developed and refined category-level review and escalation frameworks to improve consistency and transparency in risk assessments for new products.

Intellectual Property StrategyPatent Portfolio Management

Corporate Counsel, Patents

Jan 2012 – Apr 2015 · 3 yrs 3 mos · Greater Seattle Area

Schwabe williamson & wyatt

Summer Associate

Jul 2005 – Sep 2005 · 2 mos · Portland, Oregon, United States · On-site

Worked with the patent prosecution team on application drafting and office action responses across software and mechanical technologies. Gained early experience translating technical inventions into legal strategy and understanding the business value of IP protection.

Patent ProsecutionPatent Drafting

Stoel rives llp

Patent Attorney

May 2005 – Dec 2011 · 6 yrs 7 mos · Portland, Oregon, United States · On-site

Practiced patent and technology law with a focus on software, electrical, and mechanical innovations. Drafted and prosecuted U.S. and international patent applications, conducted freedom-to-operate and infringement analyses, supported IP due diligence for corporate transactions, and assisted in patent litigation and pre-litigation strategy. Collaborated with inventors, in-house counsel, and engineering teams to develop strategic protection for emerging technologies.

Patent ProsecutionFreedom to Operate (FTO) Analysis

Intel

Intern

May 2004 – May 2005 · 1 yr · Hillsboro, Oregon, United States · On-site

Supported patent mining and licensing projects across wireless, power, and system-architecture technologies. Contributed to both offensive and defensive licensing efforts involving wireless products, thermal solutions, displays, storage, and computing systems.

Patent MiningLicensing Support

Underwriters laboratories

Project Engineer

Aug 1999 – Aug 2003 · 4 yrs · Camas, Washington, United States · On-site

Conducted safety evaluations for industrial, medical, and information technology equipment, reviewing schematics, assessing compliance with electrical and fire-safety standards, and generating certification reports. Designed and delivered technical training for industry professionals. Representative technologies included medical and dental devices, industrial control systems, and computing hardware.

Product ComplianceElectrical Safety Testing