If you’ve explored the world of InnovationCafe.us, you’ve probably wondered, “Who’s behind this?” My name’s Gary Shuster, and I’m delighted you’re here. In this post, I’ll take you through my journey from a seventh-grade Apple II hackerto a Harvard-educated IP lawyer—and everything in between.
A Love of Tinkering (and Hacking) from the Start
I’ve been captivated by technology and invention for as long as I can remember. In 7th grade, I dove head-first into 6502 assembly language on the Apple II platform. This led me to rewrite parts of the Apple II operating system—well before I knew anything about intellectual property law. Back then, it was all about tinkering with hardware, software, and anything else I could get my hands on.
UCLA, Sociology, and the Patent Bar Surprise
I completed my undergrad at UCLA—graduating Summa Cum Laude in Sociology. Ironically, that choice would later block me from taking the U.S. Patent Bar, which typically requires a science or engineering background. I’ve since become well aware of the nuances of patent regulations, but at the time, it was a rude awakening.
It’s particularly ironic because, despite not being able to sit for the Patent Bar, I’ve amassed over 250 issued U.S. patents as an inventor. It just goes to show that the legal path isn’t always straightforward, even for those with creativity and technical know-how.
Harvard Law and Early Career Detours
Post-UCLA, I headed to Harvard Law, where I graduated Magna Cum Laude. My dream was to be a prosecutor or environmental lawyer—ideally on the non-corporate side. Unfortunately, the economic slowdown of the time made those public interest roles scarce. The one environmental opening I found was half legal work, half door-to-door canvassing, and they weren’t even certain they’d scrape together the $18,500 annual salary.
So, with limited options, I took a job in the Los Angeles office of a high-paid New York law firm. My environmental aspirations took a backseat when I learned that their environmental practice group did not have enough work to keep me busy full time, and I ended up doing commercial litigation. A far cry from the plan, but it set in motion a series of events that’d bring me full circle to my passion: inventing.
Falling in Love with Patents
Everything changed when I was assigned to a patent litigation case—Starsight vs. Gemstar—which ultimately ended (like many big patent disputes) in a merger. Through that experience, I realized how thrilling invention can be, and I discovered I had a knack for coming up with creative solutions.
Though I kept my law career, I embarked on a parallel path: I began inventing. There was no question that IP creation and IP legal work was my calling—it aligned perfectly with my lifelong tinkering spirit.
Bridging Legal Work and Creative Spark
Over the years, I’ve played many roles:
- Outside Counsel to startups
- General Counsel for emerging companies
- IP Advisor to established businesses and individual creators
I love what I do—perhaps too much. There’s always a temptation to help fellow inventors pro bono, simply because seeing new ideas come to life excites me. But we all have to pay the bills, so a balance must be struck.
Today: Coleman & Horowitt and Innovation Café
Now I’m with Coleman & Horowitt, continuing to offer legal advice to startups, companies, and pretty much anyone creative in need of counsel. Meanwhile, through InnovationCafe.us, I share insights on inventing, intellectual property, and creative thinking.
- Inventor of over 250 issued U.S. patents
- Harvard Law magna cum laude
- Enthusiastic about all things IP and invention
That’s me, Gary Shuster—an IP lawyer with a hacker’s heart, a background in sociology, and a fierce belief that creativity propels us forward, whether we’re in a garage workshop or a high-stakes courtroom. If you’re looking to protect your next big idea or turn a spark of innovation into a legal strategy, I’m here to help. I can be reached at gary@shuster.com
Final Thoughts
InnovationCafe.us is more than a blog or a resource; it’s my way of ensuring that my passion for inventing, creating and IP law can reach and inspire other dreamers and doers. If that sounds like you, then we already have something in common. Welcome, and I can’t wait to see what you’ll create next.