About Us

At Quill & Disc, patents are our business. Whether the invention increases everday leisures and luxuries, or increases the length of someone's life, we strive to deliver sensible, effective patent solutions to our customers. We are a Minnesota Corporation, established in the Spring of 1996 by Al and Julie Watkins.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office once observed that: "The information that passes through our Office on any given day may well be the cure for cancer or AIDS, improved technologies or new forms of communication and transportation. The information contained in patent and trademark applications has revolutionized the world and will continue to do so in the future." We appreciate the opportunity to be a part of these technology developments and advancements.

Al Watkins passed the Patent Bar and is registered to practice patent law as an agent before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Reg. No. 31,676. He began his career thirty years ago as a Patent Examiner at the US Patent and Trademark Office in the electrical engineering area, where he searched the patent files for similar concepts, and then made recommendations on whether patents should be granted on the invention, or changes that could be made to obtain the patent grant.

After five years in private patent practice, he was recruited to develop the intellectual property of CTS Corporation, a one-hundred year old Indiana-based multi-national corporation. During his seven year tenure, he worked cooperatively to focus and advance chemical, electrical, and mechanical technology development; identify market opportunities; evaluate and, where appropriate, assist in closing a variety of corporate acquisitions; and internationally protect the intellectual property of the corporation.

For the past fifteen years, he has focused his effort on helping individuals and businesses patent, develop, and license or sell their inventions. He has been a frequent presenter and guest lecturer for the Small Business Development Centers, Saint Cloud State University engineering courses, Harold Anderson Entrepreneurial Center, Fasttrack Program, and various inventor organizations. He is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association, National Association of Patent Practitioners and the Patent and Trademark Office Society.