Sterne Kessler Goldstein Fox

In the area of patent law, we represent a broad base of emerging companies, Fortune 500 companies; universities and individual inventors spread across the U.S. and across the globe. The patents that we acquire for them are sometimes their most important assets.

We have extensive experience in preparing and prosecuting patent applications. We prosecute and enforce utility and design patents for companies with extensive, active patent portfolios, to small, start-up companies that rely on the patent system to obtain funding and to head off competition.

Our experience with patents does not end with patent preparation and prosecution. We apply our knowledge of the Patent Laws and workings of the Patent Office to advise you on post-issuance practice including reissue applications, reexamination proceedings, and the use of interference to resolve priority of invention and inventorship disputes. We also apply our knowledge of preparation and prosecution to the analysis of issued patents including claim interpretation for infringement and validity opinions.

Scientifically Skilled Attorneys

Our attorneys and agents are carefully recruited for their technical expertise that often includes advanced technical degrees, significant industry experience or both. All of our attorneys are either registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or are registration eligible (and are in the process of becoming registered). Many have previously worked as Patent Examiners and have unique insights into the inner workings of the Patent Office.

Our patent professionals have expertise in a broad range of technologies including:

• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics 
• Computer hardware & software
• Internet technology
• Communications
• Medical equipment
• Consumer products
• Microfluidics
• Nanotechnology
• Bionanotechnology

Personal Touch

Located in Washington, DC, our proximity to the Patent Office allows us to give each patent application the individual, hands-on attention that is often necessary to move it through the labyrinth of the Patent Office. We routinely conduct personal interviews with patent examiners and meet with Patent Office clerical staff to keep a patent application moving smoothly from filing to issuance. When necessary we use procedures such as petitions to make special to expedite examination and issuance of a patent application.