Richard G. Sharkey specializes in U.S. and international patent matters pertaining to biotechnology and chemistry. Richard's practice is directed primarily toward client counseling, including providing patentability, validity and infringement opinions, and patenting and licensing technology.

Richard participated in Seed and Berry's prosecution of Ex Parte Allen, in which the U.S. Patent Office Board of Appeals ruled that genetically engineered animals are patentable subject matter. He has lectured to companies and academic institutions on international patent protection. Richard received an A.B. (cum laude) in Biology from Washington University (1974) and a Ph.D. in Chemistry (biochemistry thesis) from the University of California-San Diego (1980). He received his J.D. from the University of Washington (1987).

Richard's professional experience includes work as a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. During his tenure there, he published articles pertaining to biochemistry, toxicology, neurobiology and membrane biology. Richard is a member of the Washington State Bar and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. His professional affiliations include the American Intellectual Property Law Association, the Licensing Executives Society, and the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association. Richard has been listed in "Best Lawyers in America" since 2005 and has been selected as a Washington Law & Politics "Super Lawyer" annually since 2004.

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