After being frustrated trying to get the drawstring back into my favorite pants, I invented the EZstringer™, a plastic device that quickly restrings drawstrings back into hoodies, sweatpants, bathing suits, cargo pants and anything with a drawstring. I knew that I needed a patent, so I started interviewing patent law firms and soon found that they were too expensive for my already tight budget, and I felt they were eager to just run me through the mill, with no shared passion or excitement.

Ironically, during this time, I met Steve Lisa while I was working in the commercial real estate industry, and found out that he had a patent law firm in Chicago where I live. After I presented my idea to Steve, he told me about the patent clinic that he’d started at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. He thought this would be a great project for the students to work on, and so I was introduced to the Lisa Foundation Patent Law Clinic.

Working with the clinic has been an extraordinary experience. From the start, the students and faculty have been so patient with all of my inquiries and concerns. Their professionalism is top-notch with their quick responses and expertise in patents by the faculty that oversees the students. Their advice went above and beyond, and pushed me to stretch my own creativity in order to capture all my ideas. The Clinic was also able to help me with my application for a trademark, which is crucial in securing the branding of my product.

The students in the Clinic were as passionate and excited to learn about my idea as I was to protect it and move forward as quickly as possible. The result of my patent application surpasses what most new inventors can afford and in a time frame unheard of. I just started the production of EZstringer™, and am getting ready to launch nationwide in major household catalogs this spring. I couldn’t have made it this far so quickly without the Lisa Foundation Patent Law Clinic. They have truly become an integral part of my journey, and I love sharing my exciting news with them as I advance forward with the EZstringer™.

I’m grateful for the opportunity that I have had to work with the Clinic. As a former engineering student at ASU, it is an honor to be able to give back and donate to the Clinic. I highly recommend the Lisa Foundation Patent Law Clinic to anyone who ever has an idea and is not sure where to start. I know they will be in good hands

          Noel Ross, President