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.

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Baha's practice focuses on electrical and software patent procurement, patent analysis, and patent due diligence. He received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering (2002) from Temple University, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering(2005) from Villanova University, and a J.D. from Seattle University School of Law (2023).

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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.

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.

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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).

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 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.

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 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'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.

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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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 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).

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. She has assisted clients on a great number of patent applications covering a wide range of technologies, including the electrical, software, and mechanical arts. With a background in electrical engineering, Hayley can confidently assist any company, both domestically and internationally, with their IP and patent strategy.

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Nathan Lee is a seasoned patent attorney with a multidisciplinary background in electrical engineering, computer science, and law. His practice bridges complex technical innovation with nuanced legal strategy, particularly in high-tech sectors. With international legal experience and a deep understanding of global patent systems, Nathan delivers practical, business-focused solutions in an increasingly interconnected IP landscape.

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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 focuses his practice on IP enforcement, defense, and litigation matters across all industry groups. In 1999, he received a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering with Highest Honors from Georgia Institute of Technology, where he focused his studies on communication networks and signal processing. Jeff received an M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley in 2001, where he focused his studies and research on communication networks. He was awarded his J.D. from the University of California - Berkeley School of Law in 2005.

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.

Keenly interested in the confluence of science, business, and law, John has supported through his patent practice innovations for cancer and a variety of other diseases(infectious, neurodegenerative, lysosomal storage, autoimmune, genetic), as well as cellular agriculture. His passion for science stems from his time as a researcher at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, where he studied cell signaling and tissue patterning in the developing vertebrate brain, as well as cell growth genes in an invertebrate model. John appreciates supporting his clients’ efforts to improve human health and sustainable practices. He also has experience in the chemical and mechanical arts.

John received his J.D. summa cum laude from Seattle University School of Law (2014) and his B.S. from the University of Puget Sound.

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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).

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Karl's practice focuses on patent prosecution of computer engineering and computer science matters. His expertise includes drafting and prosecuting utility and design patents in the United States and in many foreign jurisdictions. Karl has drafted and prosecuted patents in many different technical fields, including: telecommunications, 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, AI-related systems, noise reduction/cancellation, drone technology, networks, email systems, video games, and other software-related technologies. Karl’s broad range of patent experience allows him to communicate efficiently and effectively with inventors, in-house counsel, and executives. Karl excels in providing portfolio management and developing drafting and filing strategies for single inventors, startups, and multinational corporations.

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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.

Kaz focuses his practice on chemistry and organic chemistry matters. Kaz received his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2016, and a B.S. (cum laude) in Chemistry from St. Francis College in 2007.

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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 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.

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Becky specializes in biotechnology and pharmaceutical patents. She works closely with companies in these industries to develop strategic patent protection for their technologies. She helps her clients minimize their patent infringement risks, and facilitates smooth IP-related business transactions. Her expertise includes managing patent portfolios for a variety of technologies such as immunotherapeutics, proteins, nucleic acid isolation and analysis, pharmaceutical compositions, disease diagnosis and treatment, medical devices, and transgenic animals and plants. Additionally, Becky offers patentability, validity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement analyses and opinions in these areas.

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. 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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Before entering law school, Steve worked on operating system development for IBM. After beginning his legal career at Seed IP, Steve helped to found Perkins Coie LLP's patent procurement practice, and served as Technology Committee chair. He returned to Seed IP in 2019 to lead its software patent practice.

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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. Prior to joining Seed IP, Yiheng was an attorney at a large IP boutique, and at an international general practice firm. He received a B.Eng. in Computer Science and Technology from Tsinghua University (2001) and a M.S. in Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining from Carnegie Mellon University, School of Computer Science (2004). He holds a J.D. from University of California, Davis School of Law (2013) where he received multiple Witkin Awards for Academic Excellence.

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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.