Patent

Anna's practice focuses on U.S. and foreign biotechnology and pharmaceutical patent matters including patent preparation and prosecution, as well as freedom-to-operate and patentability analyses. She received a Ph.D. (2007) in Biophysics from the University of Cambridge, UK. Anna also earned an M.S. (2003) in Chemistry(first class) and a B.S. (2002) in Chemistry (first class), both from the University of Cambridge, UK.

She received a Ph.D. (2007) in Biophysics from the University of Cambridge, UK. Anna also earned an M.S. (2003) in Chemistry (first class) and a B.S. (2002) in Chemistry (first class), both from the University of Cambridge, UK.

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Baha's practice focuses on electrical/electronic engineering and software patent procurement, and patent analysis, and due diligence matters. He received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering (2002) from Temple University and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering (2005) from Villanova University. He was honored as Valedictorian of the College of Engineering at Temple University.

Bilal focuses his practice on patent preparation and prosecution of software and internet technology matters. He received his B.S. (magna cum laude) in Computer Science from North Central College (2016) and his J.D. (cum laude) from the University of Illinois College of Law (2019). While attending the University of Illinois College of Law, Bilal received the Joseph M. Barich Excellence in Patent Law Award and the Rickert Award for Excellence in Legal Writing, both in 2019.

Blake's practice focuses on the U.S. and foreign patent prosecution of electrical engineering and computer software matters. He received an M.S. (2009) and a B.S. (2006) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington. Blake was awarded a J.D. (magna cum laude) from Seattle University School of Law in 2015, 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.

Bobby's practice focuses on the U.S. and foreign patent prosecution of electrical engineering and computer software matters and patent litigation, infringement opinions, licensing, and strategic portfolio management. He received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma (2001), and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma State University (2003). Bobby holds a J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law (2007).

Brad's practice focuses on the U.S. and foreign patent prosecution of mechanical-related technologies and trademark prosecution across all industry groups. He received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington in 2013, focusing on structural engineering. He was awarded a J.D. (with Honors) from the University of Washington School of Law in 2017.

Brooke focuses her practice on the U.S. and foreign biotechnology patent matters, including patent procurement, licensing, and strategic portfolio management. She received a B.S. (summa cum laude) in Biology from the University of South Florida (2000) and a Ph.D. in Biology (with distinction) from Georgetown University (2005). Brooke was awarded a J.D. with High Honors and Order of the Coif from the University of Washington School of Law (2014).

Brooke's practice focuses on strategic intellectual property counseling and portfolio development, patent procurement, due diligence investigations, enforcement, and licensing, as well as other transactional intellectual property matters.

Brooke counsels clients in various aspects of patent law, trademark law, copyright law, and related intellectual property matters. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern California in 1992 and his J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in 1997.

Carl focuses his practice on patent prosecution in the computer science and telecommunications sectors. He earned a B.A. in Computer Science from Williams College in 2018. Carl’s senior thesis was on machine learning, with a focus on multitask learning in few-shot scenarios, particularly in image classification. He received his J.D. from University of Washington School of Law in 2023.

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Christopher has over 10 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.

Daniel’s practice includes the preparation and prosecution of U.S. and international patent applications in the biotechnology/life sciences areas. Daniel also specializes in freedom-to-operate analysis and strategic counseling concerning the patent-related aspects of product life cycle management. He has a technical background in microbiology, cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, genetics, and biochemistry. Daniel earned a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and holds a J.D. (cum laude) from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he earned a Law and Technology concentration with honors.

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.

David's practice focuses on electrical, software, and mechanical patent matters, including obtaining, licensing, and litigating patents. He has a great deal of practical experience providing strategic planning to protect a client's technology. He can prepare a strategy to assist your company in obtaining patent coverage on your key inventions. If you need to enforce these patents or defend a lawsuit against your company, he has extensive experience assisting companies protecting themselves and their IP.

Duncan’s practice focuses on the U.S. and foreign patent prosecution of mechanical-related technologies, including medical devices and consumer products. He received a B.S. (summa cum laude) in Civil Engineering in 2008 and an M.S. in Civil Engineering in 2009, both from Oregon State University. Duncan also holds a J.D. with High Honors and Order of the Coif from the University of Washington School of Law in 2012.

Russ Tarleton has assisted clients in the procurement and enforcement of patents, trademarks, and copyrights for almost 30 years. Before attending law school, Russ worked as a court reporter in federal and state court and as a technician with National Semiconductor maintaining microchip manufacturing equipment. 

Russ received a B.S. in Aeronautics (cum laude) from Utah State University (1982) and was awarded his J.D. by the University of Utah (1986). Russ received his Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington (1998).

Eileen Sun's practice focuses on patent preparation, prosecution, and portfolio management for companies in the biotechnology sector, including immunotherapeutics, peptide therapeutics, antisense therapeutics, vaccines, molecular diagnostics, metabolic engineering of microorganisms, and drug formulations. She also assists clients in freedom-to-operate and patentability analyses for products in development and intellectual property due diligence.

Emily focuses her practice on IP litigation and enforcement, as well as patent prosecution, in a variety of technology areas. Emily received her J.D. from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in 2021, where she was heavily involved with the IP community and secured asylum for four children through the Bluhm Legal Clinic’s Children and Family Justice Center. She received a B.S. (with distinction) in Engineering from Harvey Mudd College in 2014.

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Emma focuses her practice on trademark prosecution, copyright matters, and intellectual property licensing and enforcement. She earned a B.S. (magna cum laude) in Biochemistry from University of Puget Sound in 2018. Emma received her J.D. from University of Washington School of Law in 2023.

Eric Harwood is the Chair of Seed’s Chemistry and Biotechnology Group. His practice focuses on chemical, pharmaceutical, and life science patent prosecution, strategy, and diligence matters. Eric earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of California at Davis (summa cum laude), and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Organic Chemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle. He received a J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law, where he now serves as an Adjunct Professor.

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Hai Han focuses her practice on U.S. and foreign chemical and pharmaceutical patent matters with a special emphasis on small molecules.

Hayley devotes her time to strategic intellectual property (IP) counseling for her clients with a focus on efficient and effective patent prosecution, licensing, and validity and infringement studies. With a background in electrical engineering and thirteen years of experience working in IP with a wide range of technologies, including the electrical, software, and mechanical arts, Hayley can confidently assist any company, both domestically and internationally, with their IP and patent strategy.

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Nathan Lee's practice focuses on patent prosecution of technologies related to electrical engineering and computer science. He received a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Seoul National University in 2008 and earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Korea National Open University in 2014. Nathan received his Master of Laws (LL.M.) from UC Berkeley School of Law.

Janaki focuses her practice on patent preparation and prosecution of biotechnology and pharmaceutical matters. She received her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Temple University School of Medicine in 2018 and a B.S. in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics from the University of Maryland in 2007.

Jared Barrett has extensive experience in trademark and mechanical-related patent matters, including portfolio management and strategy. Jared received his B.S. (magna cum laude) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington in 2001, and was awarded his J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law in 2007.

Jeff's practice is focused on strategic intellectual property counseling, patent procurement, and enforcement, licensing, and patent assertion management services to chemical, mechanical, and electro-mechanical companies. He provides these services across a broad range of multi-disciplinary industry sectors, including alternative energy, energy distribution, green technology, semiconductor, wired and wireless communication, transportation, chemical, and medical device industries. He received a B.S. (cum laude) in Chemical Engineering (1982) from the University of Idaho and holds a J.D. (1985), also from the University of Idaho.

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.

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Recognized in both the U.S. and China as a patent attorney, Jianping helps clients on all aspects of worldwide patent portfolio development and monetization, including drafting and prosecuting patents and preparing opinions on patent infringement validity. His practice focuses on electrical and electronic arts, including digital/analog circuitry, MEMS, R.F., telecommunications, data/signal processing, semiconductors, software, and electrical devices. 
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In 1992, Jianping earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Beijing Institute of Technology (Beijing, China). He received an L.L.M. from China University of Political Science and Law (Beijing, China) in 1999. Jianping received an M.A. in Criminal Justice from University at Albany (Albany, NY) in 2002. He then received his J.D. (cum laude) from Albany Law School (Albany, NY) in 2005.

John Morgan's practice is focused on biotechnology patent prosecution, freedom-to-operate analysis, and due diligence. He has additional experience in the chemical and mechanical arts. John received a B.S. in biology from the University of Puget Sound in 2006, focusing on genetics and molecular biology. Prior to attending law school, John spent five years as a researcher at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research center in Seattle, Washington, where he studied the genetic mechanisms underlying brain development and cell growth.

John's practice focuses on patent prosecution in the electrical and mechanical arts. He received an M.T.M. in Technology Management from Stevens Institute of Technology (2001), an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Monmouth University (1995), and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University (1990). John earned his J.D. from Seton Hall University (2007).

Karen Henckel's practice focuses on patent preparation and prosecution in the mechanical and electro-mechanical arts. Karen also counsels clients in other intellectual property law areas, including opinions, agreements, and licensing. She received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington and a J.D. from Arizona State University.

Karl's practice focuses on U.S. patent prosecution of computer engineering and computer software matters. His expertise includes drafting and prosecuting utility and design patents in the United States. Karl has drafted and prosecuted patents in many different technical fields, including distributed systems and cloud computing, audiovisual content distribution and set-top boxes, automobile head units, smart signs, video encoding, wireless power systems, social networks, online content management and delivery, image processing, noise reduction/cancellation, drone technology, networks, telecommunications, email systems, video games, and other software/hardware related technologies.

Karl R. 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.

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).

Kevin Costanza's practice focuses on mechanical patent prosecution, trademark clearance, and registration, and intellectual property licensing. He received a B.S. in Engineering from the University of California at Irvine in 1990, concentrating on mechanical engineering and material sciences. Kevin received his J.D. (cum laude) from Seattle University School of Law in 1995.

Melina focuses her practice on patent prosecution in the electrical engineering sector. She earned a B.S. (magna cum laude) in Physics from University of Pennsylvania in 2022.

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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.

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

Michelle LeCointe's practice centers on U.S. and international IP strategies and patent procurement as well as IP agreements for a broad array of technologies, with a focus on pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices, and rechargeable batteries. She also has substantial experience in corporate IP due diligence, U.S. and international 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.

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Paul focuses his practice on patent preparation and prosecution in electrical engineering and electronics and semiconductors. He received his B.S.E.E. (2000) from the University of Southern California-Los Angeles and his M.S.E.E. (2003) from National Taiwan University, Taipei.

Becky helps biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies (including U.S., European and Chinese companies) obtain strategic patent protection for their technologies, minimize patent infringement risks, and facilitate their IP-related business transactions. She drafts and prosecutes patent applications related to various technologies, such as immunotherapeutics, proteins, genes, small molecules, pharmaceutical compositions, disease diagnosis and treatment, nucleic acid analysis, medical devices, and transgenic animals and plants. Becky also provides patentability, validity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement analyses and opinions in these areas.

Sam has expertise in U.S. and international patent matters pertaining to life science, chemical, and medical device technologies. Before joining Seed IP, Sam was a partner at Stoel Rives LLP (2006-2014) and served as senior intellectual property counsel at NPS Pharmaceuticals in Salt Lake City, Utah (2004-2006), as a patent attorney at Johnson & Johnson/ALZA Corp. in Mountain View, California (2001-2004), and as a patent agent and associate patent attorney at Task Britt in Salt Lake City (1998-2001).

Michelle's practice is focused on patent procurement, licensing, and strategic intellectual property portfolio management in electrical and chemical matters.

Examples of expertise include semiconductors, materials science, batteries, electronics, optoelectronics, medical devices, nanotechnology, polymers, organic chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Michelle has successfully drafted and prosecuted numerous patent applications of U.S. and international patent matters for clients ranging from small startups to large global corporations.

She received a B.S. in Polymer Chemistry from Sichuan University (1992), an M.S. in Polymer Chemistry and Physics from Jilin University (1995), a second M.S. in Organic Chemistry from Northeastern University (1999), and a Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering/Nanotechnology from University of Washington (2003). Michelle holds a J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law (2011).

Shoko's practice focuses on preparing and prosecuting patent applications in electronics, telecommunications, optics, software, and mechanical engineering. She has extensive experience in counseling in general intellectual property matters, including patents and trademarks, developing strategic patent portfolios, conducting a due-diligence review of patent portfolios, preparing patent infringement and validity opinions, preparing patent assertion material, and intellectual property licensing negotiation and agreements. Shoko received a B.S. in Physics from the University of Washington in 1998 and her J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law in 1997.

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Steve Lawrenz works with his clients to develop highly-strategic patent portfolios in computer software, artificial intelligence, and Internet technologies. He evaluates third-party patent portfolios to counsel on avoiding patent infringement. He also advises on the merits of acquiring particular patent assets. Additionally, Steve mines client patent portfolios to identify assets for licensing, patent infringement counterclaims, and divestment. He is an authority on Patent Trial and Appeal Board procedures--particularly appeals from examiners’ rejections--and is experienced at preparing and prosecuting design patent applications, both for user interface elements and physical articles.

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.

Tessa focuses her practice on U.S. patent prosecution in the life sciences sector and electrical engineering. She earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of Washington in 2014.

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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).

Toby specializes in 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.

Toshiko Takenaka's practice focuses on domestic and foreign intellectual property matters. She counsels clients in various aspects of patent law and trademark law, litigation, and intellectual property matters. Toshiko received her LL.B. from Seikei University-Tokyo in 1981. She received her LL.M. in 1990 and Ph.D. in Comparative Law in 1992 from the University of Washington School of Law.

Will’s practice focuses on patent prosecution, freedom-to-operate analysis, and due diligence in the life sciences sector. He earned a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Washington in 2012. Will received his J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law in 2023, with a Concentration Track in Intellectual Property.

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Yiheng focuses his practice on patent procurement, prosecution, licensing, and strategic intellectual property portfolio management in software and other computer-related matters.  He received a B.Eng. in Computer Science and Technology from Tsinghua University (2001) and an M.S. in Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining from Carnegie Mellon University, School of Computer Science (2004). Yiheng holds a J.D. from the University of California, Davis School of Law (2013), where he received multiple Witkin Awards for Academic Excellence.

Vincent focuses his practice on patent prosecution in the electrical engineering and computer science sectors. He earned an M.S. in Electrical Engineering: Systems from the University of Michigan in 2015, and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from National Taiwan University in 2015. Vincent received his J.D. from University of Washington School of Law in 2022.

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Zachary Sakoi's practice focuses on patent prosecution of semiconductors, semiconductor packaging, semiconductor packaging methods, and mechanical engineering and mechatronics technologies. Zach received his J.D. from Seattle University School of Law in 2018. He served as Vice President of the Intellectual Property Law Society, was a member of the Asian Pacific Islander Law Student Association, and participated in the Trademark Law Clinic at the Ronald A. Peterson Law Clinic. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, from the University of Washington, in 2015, and was on the Dean's List.