Randolph Henry Bretton

Randolph Bretton brings a rare mix of scientific training and intellectual property law experience to inventors, universities, and research-based businesses. His practice focuses on patent, trademark, and copyright protection, with special strength in biotechnology and medical technologies. He helps clients document ideas, assess legal positions, and move applications forward with care.

Randolph earned a BS in Biology from Northeastern University. He earned a Ph.D. in cell biology from the University of Vermont. He attended Saint Louis University Law School in 2002 and earned a Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University Law School in 2005, after preparing patent applications through an internship and SLU’s Technology Transfer Office.

Randolph began building his intellectual property background in the 1990’s as a Principal Research Scientist at Storz Ophthalmic Company in Saint Louis. His research on proliferative diseases of the eye led to eight issued patents covering surgical instruments, a targeted cytotoxin, an intraocular lens, and a drug delivery device.

Randolph gained practical patent insight by assisting with the prosecution of those applications. That work showed him how strong records, careful testing, and unpublished data can support an invention when the USPTO raises objections. He uses that knowledge to guide scientists, engineers, and business teams through common mistakes in the patent process.

Randolph has handled patent work for university and Pharmaceutical clients, including matters involving medical school research and global portfolio planning. At Polsinelli Shalton Flanigan & Suelthaus, he continued drafting and prosecuting patent applications, worked with universities and a major pharmaceutical company, and served part-time inside a legal department.

Randolph also has deep research and development experience. He worked in laboratories connected with Harvard Medical School, Yale, Washington University, and Saint Louis University Schools of Medicine. His scientific work covered angiogenesis, extracellular matrix studies, Dermatology, Hematology, Ophthalmology, cornea research, lens research, retina research, and stem cell preparation.

Randolph Bretton helps clients protect ideas by joining legal judgment with a scientist’s understanding of how inventions develop. He works with individual inventors, technology transfer offices, and corporate Research & Development teams to prepare stronger applications, protect business value, and make intellectual property issues easier to understand at each stage.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, The Law Office of Randolph Bretton
• Member, The Missouri Bar

Licensed State

• Missouri

Education

• University of Vermont
  Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)
• Saint Louis University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Northeastern University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges