Guerry Grune

Guerry Grune, PhD, is a distinguished chemical and mechanical engineer with over 40 years of experience in research, invention, intellectual property management, and sustainable technologies. He began his career at IBM in Research Triangle Park, where he contributed to pioneering developments in token ring LAN cabling systems, fiber optic technologies, and corrosive gas testing facilities. Progressing through roles at ABB Corporation as a Fellow Engineer, focusing on advanced coatings, adhesives, and life cycle assessments, and at Mitsubishi Chemical America as Manager of Optical Photoreceptor Development and later Director of Intellectual Property, Grune built a reputation for bridging engineering innovation with commercialization.

As Principal of ePatentManager.com since 2004, he has provided comprehensive IP services to NC State University, Fortune 500 companies like Solvay and Linde, and startups, helping scale ventures from inception to billions in sales through patent portfolio development and licensing. Currently serving as Founder & CEO (and CTO) of 3rd Rock Essentials, Grune applies his expertise in non-endocrine disrupting personal care products, chelated metal oxides, and sustainable formulations, particularly in safe sunscreen technologies. An Adjunct Professor at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering, he teaches courses on intellectual asset management, patent law, thermodynamics, life cycle assessment, and sustainable products for green energy transitions.

With over 100 US and international patents, more than 50 publications, and extensive thought leadership in polymer science, electrophotography, and ESG principles, Grune has served as an expert witness, consultant on IP valuation, and lecturer on green technologies, consistently driving innovation from lab to market.