Firms

Gold Tier

  • Klarquist Sparkman LLP

Silver Tier

  • Alleman Hall Creasman & Tuttle
  • Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP
  • Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt
  • Stoel Rives LLP

Alleman Hall Creasman & Tuttle

A new inclusion in the IAM Patent 1000 this year, Alleman Hall Creasman & Tuttle is endorsed by the market for its proficiency in domestic and international patent prosecution. The boutique is especially celebrated for its expertise in Asian markets. “Smart and strategically savvy” operator Mark Alleman, for example, is intimately familiar with the Japan business and innovation scenes: he travels regularly to the country and has previously practised there as a licensed foreign lawyer. Working primarily before the USPTO, the “sharp and practical” Jason Creasman is also highlyrated.

Klarquist Sparkman LLP

Klarquist Sparkman is unique, as its compact size proves no obstacle to its ability to compete with – and best – any of the national patent litigation elite. First and foremost, the litigators here know the substantive law better than anyone; they have helped to advance it and follow its development with a gimlet eye – just look at the firm’s Patent Defences website for evidence. The team also utilises sophisticated tracking systems that enable busy in-house counsel to stay informed on strategy and case progress; and, to top it all off, possess finely honed trial and advocacy skills. Recent case highlights are too plentiful to cover extensively here, but include a win on summary judgment on behalf of WaveForm Technologies against Dexcom – a case it took over from a much larger US-based international firm – and a ruling of invalidity for indefiniteness of patent claims asserted against client Mentor Graphics by E-System Design. Instrumental in the WaveForm success were John Vandenberg, Scott Davis and Kristin Cleveland, each of whom brings something special to the table. Vandenberg is distinguished by the depth and richness of his patent law knowledge – he recently testified before the Senate on patent eligibility reform as the only one of 45 witnesses not representing a single entity – and is hailed as a “fast thinker with a nose for the most efficient way to tackle difficult problems. Davis “assesses the best strategies” and has a talent for “understanding and simplifying complex technology”; while Cleveland is an authority on patent damages who excels at connecting with the right experts and helping to flesh out their testimony. Another litigator to keep in mind is Jeffrey Love – not least thanks to the commercial trial attorney’s touch he brings to IP disputes. Clients observe that “Klarquist has many outstandingly talented practitioners who produce top-quality work for a very reasonable price”. In prosecution, William Noonan, Gregory Scott, Sheree Rybak and Kyle Rinehart perform flawlessly for prestigious industry trendsetters day in, day out. Eminent physician and patent attorney Noonan provides exceptional leadership to the life sciences group, which includes protein engineering and vaccines maven Scott and diagnostics and plant patents expert Rybak; Rinehart is their counterpart in the software arena. When it comes to post-grant actions, the firm makes its combined prosecution and litigation expertise count. Experienced on both sides of the divide, Andrew Mason oversees a burgeoning PTAB caseload. He knows how to create bulletproof petitions and, as a result, can easily find and exploit the cracks in those of others. Mason also plays an important mentorship and training role at thefirm.

Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP

Miller Nash Graham & Dunn has a rich history of commercial legal practice, but has only recently come to prominence as a patent player, thanks to its 2018 merger with boutique Marger Johnson. A strategic companion for companies through all phases of prosecution, litigation and commercialisation, the set can serve as an effective one-stop shop for innovators. Julie Reed supports business development as effectively as she meets legal needs, making her a stellar choice for companies large and small as they develop and launch newtechnologies.

Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt

Thriving in their general practice environment, Schwabe’s IP lawyers focus on intellectual property as a commercial asset; they procure patent rights with long-range business outcomes in mind and are proactive in identifying and helping clients to take advantage of IP monetisation opportunities. This all comes naturally to people like Justin Brask, a patent analyst, prosecutor and strategist par excellence and award-winning former Intel Corporation researcher and inventor; and “sophisticated practitioner” and passionate technologist Steven Prewitt. In disputes, too, the team – including seasoned first-chair trial attorney Scott Eads and registered patent attorney and experienced litigator Brenna Legaard – shows careful consideration for the bottom-line impact ofcases.

Stoel Rives LLP

In Portland, the robust corporate practice at Stoel Rives reaps benefits from the insight of its patent experts on technology and IP-intensive deals. However, these specialists don’t just play a supporting role, but collectively maintain a vibrant and wide-ranging standalone patent practice which is a source of pride for the firm. Engaged in rights procurement, patent strategy, licensing and enforcement – and running a side-line in international trade regulation – Kassim Ferris is impressively well rounded. A sleuth when it comes to hunting down prior art and someone who really understands the competitive landscape, he is highly effective at writing patent claims, guiding clients on freedom to operate issues and giving general business advice. Another entrepreneurial mind is Robert Teel, whose effective streamlining of routine aspects of patent practice has increased the value proposition for patrons. He spends a lot of time on site with regional innovators and is a consummate relationship builder. The top litigator on deck, Steven Lovett is prized for his “straightforward approach, exceptional thoroughness, ability to manage costs and tailoredservice”.

Other recommended experts

Matthew Phillips is a “very seasoned inter partes review expert” and all-round “authority on post-grant proceedings”. The Laurence & Phillips practitioner is rated for his dexterity representing patentowners.

Recommended Individuals

  • Mark Alleman - Alleman Hall Creasman & Tuttle
  • Justin Brask - Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt
  • Kristin Cleveland - Klarquist Sparkman LLP
  • Jason Creasman - Alleman Hall Creasman & Tuttle
  • Scott E Davis - Klarquist Sparkman LLP
  • Scott Eads - Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt
  • Kassim M Ferris - Stoel Rives LLP
  • Brenna K Legaard - Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt
  • Jeffrey S Love - Klarquist Sparkman LLP
  • Steven T Lovett - Stoel Rives LLP
  • Andrew M Mason - Klarquist Sparkman LLP
  • William D Noonan - Klarquist Sparkman LLP
  • Matthew Phillips - Laurence & Phillips IP Law 
  • Steven Prewitt - Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt
  • Julie L Reed - Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP
  • Kyle Rinehart - Klarquist Sparkman LLP
  • Sheree Rybak - Klarquist Sparkman LLP
  • Gregory Scott - Klarquist Sparkman LLP
  • Robert Teel - Stoel Rives LLP
  • John D Vandenberg - Klarquist Sparkman LLP