Alternative Energy

Seed IP has extensive experience implementing comprehensive strategies that protect innovations in the alternative energy industry. We collaborate closely with clients to develop creative solutions that align their intellectual property with their business objectives. The breadth of our technical expertise, along with our dedication to protecting IP assets, makes our professionals the ideal partner for your company.

Our alternative energy expertise:

  • Hybrid and electric vehicles
  • Electric charging stations
  • Electric motors and generators
  • Hydrogen fuel cells
  • Wind turbines
  • Electric power grids
  • Solar power
  • Biofuels
  • Clean technology
  • Geothermal

Alternative Energy

Professionals

Blake K. Kumabe

Partner

Partner

Blake K. Kumabe

As a patent attorney focused on electrical engineering matters, Blake brings not only well-rounded technical experience having worked for leading aerospace and telecommunication companies, but as a patent examiner for the USPTO. While there he honed his skills reviewing patent applications in the field of resource allocation and inter-process communications for computer systems and acquired a keen understanding of how successful patent applications are drawn. Now, as a partner with Seed IP, Blake collaborates with his clients on strategic IP issues, and counsels them on patent prosecution, due-diligence of their patent portfolios, as well as patent infringement and validity opinions. Blake has a natural affinity for a wide range of technologies including semiconductors, electrical & computer hardware, wireless telecommunication systems, medical devices, electric vehicles, and display devices.

Blake received a M.S. and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington. He was awarded a J.D. (magna cum laude) from Seattle University School of Law where he served as Associate Editor for the Seattle University Law Review. Blake also received the National Order of Scribes Award for Excellence in Legal Writing and the CALI Award for Legal Writing.

Consumer Products & Services, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Semiconductors, Software & Internet, Telecommunications
Patent, Strategic Counseling, Trade Secrets
Bobby B. Soltani

Partner

Partner

Bobby B. Soltani

Bobby focuses his practice on helping clients with U.S. and foreign patent prosecution filings and the development of robust patent portfolios. With a deep background in electrical engineering, Bobby specializes in translating complex prosecution matters into understandable legal strategies that align with his clients’ business interests. He also excels at patent infringement and invalidity opinions, licensing, and strategic portfolio management. Bobby represents a diverse range of clients, from innovative startups to multinational corporations, ensuring their intellectual property assets are effectively secured and managed.

Bobby hails from the great state of Oklahoma, and received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma (2001), followed by an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma State University (2003). He then returned to OU for his J.D. at the University of Oklahoma College of Law (2007).

 

Alternative Energy| Consumer Products & Services| Electrical Engineering| Electronics & Semiconductors| Medical Devices| Software & Internet| Telecommunications| AI, ML, and Robotics
IP Agreements & Licensing, IP Litigation & Enforcement, Patent, Strategic Counseling, Trade Secrets
Bradley J. Zentz

Partner

Partner

Bradley J. Zentz

Bradley previously served for eight years as Associate and Senior Associate in the firm’s Mechanical Engineering and Trademark Groups. His practice focuses on U.S. and foreign patent clearance, prosecution, and enforcement of mechanical-related technologies and domestic and international trademark procurement. He received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington in 2013, focusing on structural engineering. Brad was awarded a J.D. (with Honors) from the University of Washington School of Law in 2017.

Alternative Energy, Consumer Products & Services, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering
IP Agreements & Licensing, Patent, Strategic Counseling, Trademark
Brooke W. Quist

Partner

Partner

Brooke W. Quist

Brooke focuses on strategically counseling his clients on intellectual property matters and portfolio development, including patent, trademark, and copyright law. He routinely works on patent procurement, due diligence investigations, enforcement, and licensing, as well as other transactional intellectual property matters.  

Brooke received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Southern California in 1992. He received his J.D. from University of Texas at Austin in 1997.

Alternative Energy, Consumer Products & Services, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Semiconductors, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Devices, Software & Internet,Telecommunications
Copyright, IP Agreements & Licensing, IP Litigation & Enforcement, Patent, Strategic Counseling, Trade Secrets, Trademark
Christopher D. Bayne

Senior Associate

Senior Associate

Christopher D. Bayne

Christopher has over 13 years of experience as a patent professional representing clients primarily in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and material technology sectors. He focuses his practice on patent preparation and prosecution, global portfolio strategy and management, and providing legal opinions. In 1996, Chris received his M.S. in Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where his research focused on the design and synthesis of self-complimentary molecules capable of molecular self-assembly. Chris also practiced as a business litigator in Honolulu, Hawaii, upon receiving his J.D. from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai´i (Mānoa) in 2009. He received a B.S. in Chemistry from California State University in 1994. Chris served in the United States Navy as a nuclear propulsion plant operator aboard an Ohio-class submarine.

David C. Conlee

Of Counsel

Of Counsel

David C. Conlee

David's practice focuses on foreign and domestic patent prosecution as well as infringement and invalidity studies. He received a B.S. in Physics (with an emphasis in Nanotechnology) and a minor in Mathematics from Brigham Young University in 2005. David also received an M.E. in Electrical Engineering (emphasizing Integrated Circuit Design and Fabrication) from the University of Utah in 2007. He was awarded his J.D. from the J. Reuben Clark Law School of Brigham Young University in 2010.

Alternative Energy, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Semiconductors, Nanotechnology, Telecommunications
Patent
Hai Han, Ph.D.

Partner

Partner

Hai Han, Ph.D.

Hai Han focuses her practice on U.S. and foreign chemical and pharmaceutical patent matters with special emphasis on small molecules. She’s trusted by her clients for her valuable insights as a strategic counselor, for IP management and patent procurement.  

Hai received a B.S. in Chemistry from Peking University (China) in 1992 and a Ph.D. in Organic and Physical Organic Chemistry from Brown University (1997). She also conducted post-doctoral research at the Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University (1998) and holds a J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law (2003).

Alternative Energy, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Semiconductors, Medical Devices, Nanotechnology, Pharmaceuticals
IP Litigation & Enforcement, Patent, Strategic Counseling, Trade Secrets
Jessica S. Gritton

Of Counsel

Of Counsel

Jessica S. Gritton

Jessica is an experienced IP attorney with a broad technical background in both the physical and life sciences. She is experienced in all phases of patent portfolio management with particular expertise in the assessment of patent portfolio strengths and weaknesses, technology transactions, and patent disputes within the pharmaceutical industry. Jessica received an M.S. in Biology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2006, and a B.S. in Physics from University of Utah in 2002.She received her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2010.

Jianping Zhang

Partner

Partner

Jianping Zhang

Recognized in both the U.S. and China as a patent attorney, Jianping assists clients with all aspects of worldwide patent portfolio development and monetization, including drafting and prosecuting patents, licensing, and preparing opinions on patent infringement/validity. His practice focuses on electrical and electronic arts in a wide range of technical areas, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, video CODEC, robotics, digital/analog circuitry, MEMS, RF, telecommunications, data/signal processing, semiconductors, software, and electrical devices.

With a technical background in Electrical Engineering (BS in 1992), Jianping obtained law degrees in both the US (JD in 2005) and China (LLM in 1999, 3 year program).

Alternative Energy, Consumer Products & Services, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Semiconductors, Nanotechnology, Software & Internet,Telecommunications
IP Agreements & Licensing, IP Litigation & Enforcement, Patent, Strategic Counseling
John J. Wakeley

Partner

Partner

John J. Wakeley

John’s clients call on him for help with patent prosecution in the electrical and mechanical arts. His practice covers a wide range of technologies including computer hardware and software, network communications protocols, medical devices, data encryption, integrated circuit manufacturing, optical systems, image processing devices, hydraulic pumps, and electric motors. John received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University (1990), an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Monmouth University (1995), and an M.T.M. in Technology Management from Stevens Institute of Technology (2001). John earned his J.D. from Seton Hall University (2007).

Alternative Energy, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Semiconductors, Medical Devices, Software & Internet, Telecommunications
Patent, Strategic Counseling, Trade Secrets
Karl R. Hermanns

Partner

Partner

Karl R. Hermanns

Karl Hermanns' practice focuses on pharmaceutical and biotechnology patent matters, emphasizing strategic management of patent portfolios, early-stage company counseling, investment due diligence, and competitive patent analysis. He graduated with both a B.S. and an M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Washington and received his J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law.

Alternative Energy, Chemistry, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals
IP Agreements & Licensing, Patent, Strategic Counseling, Trade Secrets
Kevan L. Morgan

Partner

Partner

Kevan L. Morgan

Kevan's practice is focused on the U.S. and foreign patent prosecution of electrical engineering and computer software matters, including IP agreements and licensing, and strategic portfolio management. He received a B.S. (magna cum laude in Electrical Engineering from Utah State University (1993), and a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Utah State University (1993), with minors in History and Portuguese. Kevan holds a J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law (1996).

Alternative Energy, Consumer Products & Services, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Semiconductors, Industrial Design, Medical Devices, Software & Internet, Telecommunications
IP Agreements & Licensing, Patent, Strategic Counseling, Trade Secrets, Trademark
Michael A. Chernoff

Associate

Associate

Michael A. Chernoff

Mike focuses his practice on patent prosecution in the mechanical engineering sector. He earned a B.S. (magna cum laude) in Mechanical Engineering, and a minor in Aeronautical Engineering, from Trine University in Angola, Indiana, in 2016. Mike received his J.D. (cum laude) from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 2021.

Michael P. Cooper

Partner

Partner

Michael P. Cooper

Michael's practice is focused on U.S. and foreign patent prosecution of chemistry and biotechnology matters and related IP diligence matters.

Alternative Energy, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Pharmaceuticals
IP Agreements & Licensing, Patent, Strategic Counseling, Trade Secrets
Michelle M. LeCointe

Partner

Partner

Michelle M. LeCointe

Michelle LeCointe focuses her practice on U.S. and international IP transactions, strategies, and patent procurement. She has a wealth of experience in a broad array of technologies including pharmaceuticals, biologics, protein therapeutics and antibodies, medical devices, medical diagnostics and research materials, manufacturing processes, as well as lithium and sodium ion rechargeable batteries. She frequently counsels clients on IP agreements, corporate IP due diligence, U.S. and international patent applications, post-grant contested proceedings, non-infringement and invalidity opinions, and patent litigation.

Michelle received a B.A. (magna cum laude) in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard University, in 1997. She received her J.D. from Columbia Law School, as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, in 2000.

Shi (Michelle) Liu, Ph.D.

Partner

Partner

Shi (Michelle) Liu, Ph.D.

Michelle's practice focuses on patent prosecution, global portfolio management, and strategic counseling on patentability, freedom to operate, and patent landscape and white space analysis in chemistry, electrical engineering, and materials fields. Her technical expertise spans a broad range of technologies, including semiconductors, materials science, batteries, electronics, optoelectronics, medical devices, nanotechnology, polymer science, organic chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Michelle leverages her multidisciplinary technical background to help clients develop and implement effective patent strategies that align with their business goals. She advises a diverse range of clients, from emerging startups and universities to large corporations.

Alternative Energy,Biotechnology,Chemistry,Electrical Engineering,Electronics & Semiconductors,Medical Devices,Nanotechnology,Pharmaceuticals
IP Litigation & Enforcement, Patent, Strategic Counseling, Trade Secrets
Syed M. Abedi

Partner

Partner

Syed M. Abedi

Syed’s practice focuses on U.S. and international patent and trademark prosecution, enforcement, licensing and litigation matters. He received a B.Eng in Aerospace Engineering from Ryerson University and a M.Eng. in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where his graduate research focused on acoustic emissions monitoring of space shuttle external tanks. Syed earned his J.D. from Seattle University School of Law (2012), where he served as a judicial extern to Honorable Thomas S. Zilly, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington. Syed graduated magna cum laude.


Consumer Products & Services, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Devices
Copyright, IP Litigation & Enforcement, Patent, Strategic Counseling, Trade Secrets, Trademark, Internet Policy & Law
Timothy L. Boller

Senior Partner

Senior Partner

Timothy L. Boller

Tim Boller's practice focuses on electrical patent prosecution and intellectual property litigation. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering (1986) and received a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center (1994).

Alternative Energy, Consumer Products & Services, Electrical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Software & Internet, Telecommunications
IP Agreements & Licensing, IP Litigation & Enforcement, Mediation, Patent, Strategic Counseling, Trade Secrets
Toby J. Ligon

Partner

Partner

Toby J. Ligon

Toby focuses his practice on patent prosecution of chemistry, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical matters. Toby received his B.S. (2007) and M.S. (2009) degrees, both in Chemistry, from Western Washington University. Toby received his J.D. cum laude from Seattle University School of Law in 2016, where he was honored with the Presidential Scholarship Award and the Washington State Bar Association Intellectual Property Scholarship Award, and made the Dean’s List.

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Syed M. Abedi

Seed IP partner Syed Abedi to speak at Licensing Executives Society (LES) Annual Meeting — October 17-19, 2022