Intellectual Property: Washington

THE FIRM This group has become the clear market leader in this region. Sources praise its depth of resources, consistent quality and superlative client service. The team has expertise across the range of IP disciplines, including patent prosecution, patent litigation and trademark and copyright work.

Sources say: "A standout group." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ramsey Al-Salam is "a top-notch litigator: he breaks down the nuances of complex cases and makes them real for his clients." Jerry Riedinger possesses "amazing technical knowledge, making him an excellent patent litigator." He recently led the team in securing a significant summary judgment decision for Nintendo. Paul Parker specializes in prosecution work. Clients praise him as "smart, highly strategic and, above all, a pleasure to work with." Elizabeth McDougall chairs the firm's IP litigation group and has specialist expertise in Internet-related disputes.

THE FIRM Black Lowe & Graham celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2009, and sources are impressed by how far it has come in that time. Based in Seattle, this IP boutique covers the full gamut of IP matters, across patents, trademarks and copyrights.

Sources say: "The firm has made tremendous strides in a relatively short space of time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Lawrence Graham remains the group's most recognizable practitioner. He is an excellent choice for patent litigation.

THE FIRM This five-partner IP group is able to draw upon the national, 100-strong practice group for support.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stuart Dunwoody chairs the IP practice and specializes in litigation. Warren Rheaume litigates copyright, trademark, noncompetition and trade secret cases.

THE FIRM Dorsey & Whitney delivers excellent results in the full spectrum of IP matters. Regional and national clients call upon the Seattle-based team for patent, trademark and copyright prosecution and litigation. While the Washington practice undoubtedly benefits from its status as part of a national firm, its prestige in the Northwest market is based on the excellent attorneys it has on the ground in the region.

Sources say: “The team can be relied upon to deliver in terms of both performance and price.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ed Bulchis is one of the region’s leading patent prosecution attorneys. Clients praise "his technical background, which allows him to communicate well with the technicians." Paul Meiklejohn is the group’s leading IP litigator. Clients appreciate his “listening skills and desire to understand our business.” Peers acknowledge his phenomenal track record. Brian Park is one of the brightest stars of the team’s next generation of attorneys. He focuses predominantly on litigation. Patchen Haggerty is the group’s lead trademark attorney.

THE FIRM This group predominantly operates out of Seattle, but also has IP expertise in its Spokane office. Sources praised the group's ability to cover the full range of its clients' IP needs, from prosecution to litigation, while also offering niche areas of expertise; its cyber law practice is particularly notable.

Sources say: “It combines national strength with local expertise.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Bateman heads the group’s well-regarded cyber law practice. "He has state-of-the-art knowledge of all things spam, security and phishing-related.” David McDonald heads the IP group and is highly regarded for his expertise in software litigation.

THE FIRM Christensen O’Connor has long been a fixture of the Northwest IP market. The boutique excels in prosecution matters.

Sources say: “An incredibly strong patent prosecution practice.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kevan Morgan advises clients on matters related to electrical engineering, telecoms, RFID, software, Internet and medical instrumentation technologies. Managing partner Jerry Nagae takes on patent, trademark, copyright and licensing matters.

THE FIRM This firm's reputation is closely associated with Silicon Valley. It offers a full-service approach to nationwide issues, and clients praise its business-oriented outlook.

Sources say: “It provides real-life advice: the lawyers give us detail when we need it, but are also fantastic at providing brevity when we ask straightforward questions.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Aaron Hendelman handles trademark and copyright work. “The subtlety of his advice and his realistic vision make him a star.”

THE FIRM This Seattle-based IP boutique is celebrated for its patent expertise. It is particularly noted for its niche in the biotech sector.

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Ferron handles patent, trademark and copyright matters and specializes in licensing work.

THE FIRM This compact regional group impresses sources with its ability to cover a broad range of both IP transactions and disputes.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Shannon Jost is the team's leading litigator, while Leslie Ruiter is noted for her expertise in trademark prosecution.