John Bretscher

A seasoned patent attorney with a rare blend of legal, engineering, and business experience, John Bretscher helps clients turn innovative ideas into protected, profitable business assets that fuel growth. With a background in software, telecommunications, AI, and process control, he brings deep insight into both the technical and legal sides of innovation.

He has built and led major patent portfolios for companies seeking to protect what sets them apart and stay ahead of competitors. John has worked on high-impact industry projects, contributed to widely adopted technologies, and is an inventor himself—with 16 patents to his name. His practical, business-minded approach helps clients turn complex IP challenges into clear, strategic decisions.

John is a strong communicator and an effective interdisciplinary collaborator. Through his experience managing large patent portfolios, he’s developed a skill for asking the right questions to the right people—helping teams get aligned and get to the heart of both technical and legal challenges. He works comfortably with engineers, attorneys, and business owners alike. Whether he’s evaluating patent filings or preparing IP opinions, John moves projects forward with clarity, focus, and a sharp understanding of what matters most to clients.

John’s academic background reflects his wide-ranging expertise—he holds a J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law, a Master’s in Computer Science/AI from DePaul University, an S.B. in Physics from the University of Chicago, and an Associate’s in Engineering Science from Harper College.

He is excited to bring his expertise to OLG—helping clients protect, strengthen, and strategically leverage their intellectual property in ways that fuel innovation and align with their venture’s long-term success. Welcome, John!