History Definition in Dictionary

History

In 1978 at 26, Rob Sterne founded Sterne Kessler. Today, the firm is one of the highest-ranked intellectual property law firms in the world.

In 1978, at just 26 years old, Robert Greene Sterne set out to create a different kind of law firm — one that would recognize the contribution every person makes and one that would place a high value on technical competency and service. It took just a few years and the addition of Edward Kessler, Jorge Goldstein, and Samuel Fox to reach that initial goal with the establishment of Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox in Washington, D.C.

Now, over four decades later, the firm has grown from two attorneys to over 150 attorneys and 250 professional staff serving clients around the globe — and guided by the founding principles of teamwork, respect and quality of service with an emphasis on scientific and technical knowledge.

Learn More About Sterne Kessler

2023
Mansfield Indicia

In May 2023, Sterne Kessler earned the Midsized Mansfield Certification (2021-2023), which acknowledges cultivating and achieving more diverse and inclusive leadership. The firm was among more than 70 midsize law firms recognized for their commitment to diversity.

2020
Banner celebrating 1000 PTAB Matters

Sterne Kessler hit the milestone of handling 1,000 matters at The Patent Trial and Appeal Board, less than ten years after its establishment. 

2019
Photo of Sterne Kessler employees on Zambia trip in 2019

A four-person delegation from the firm traveled to Lusaka, Zambia in support of the "SKGF Cares" partnership with World Bicycle Relief (WBR). 

2018
40th Anniversary Logo

Marked the firm’s 40th anniversary

Launched new website featuring updated logo

2017
Appeals Court Facade

Significant growth of firm’s Trial & Appellate Practice. The firm handled almost 100 Federal Circuit Appeals and was one of most active at the USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).   

2015
Firm of the Year 2016 Logo

Named first-ever PTAB "Firm of the Year" by Managing Intellectual Property magazine.

2014
Sterne Kessler Renovated Reception Area

Renovated our offices located in the historic former Greyhound Bus Terminal, including the installation of our famous barista bar.

2012
Patent Officer Litigation

Firm published Patent Office Litigation, a two-volume set. It was written in response to the biggest changes in patent law in 60 years stemming from the 2012 AIA.

2011
350 in silver numbers

Launched the Grid Industry Group and passed the 350 employee mark

2009
Best Places to Work Logo

Recognized by the Washington Business Journal as one of the 50 best companies to work for in the Greater Washington area.

2008
Logo for Sterne Kessler 30th anniversary

Firm celebrated its 30th anniversary and reached the 100 attorney mark

2007
Supreme Court Building

Co-counsel for KSR v. Teleflex at the U.S. Supreme Court

2006
Recycling Circle

Launched the CleanTech Industry Group

2004
Stem Cells

The Sterne Kessler Stem Cell Taskforce was formed

2003
Nanotechnology

Launched the Nanotechnology Practice Group

2001
200 in gold numbers

Passed the 200 employee mark

1999
PhD written in notebook with coffee and glasses

Developed the "technical specialist" position in response to demand for highly qualified, technically adept candidates.

1995
Code

Instrumental in In re Beauregard, the case that led to the USPTO developing guidelines for patenting software.

1994
Movie slate and reel

Office featured in the Hollywood blockbuster movie "True Lies". A scene was filmed at Sterne Kessler.

1993
Sterne Kessler Office Building from the Street

Moved into the historic Greyhound Bus Terminal at 1100 New York Avenue, NW

1991
Microchips

Began representation of first Silicon Valley client

1988
immunoassay

Secured a win on appeal in In re Wands, still today the fundamental decision on enablement for biological patent claims.

1984
Sterne Kessler founding directors

Samuel L. Fox joined the firm, and the name became Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox.

Growth constituted a move to 1225 Connecticut Avenue, NW

1983
Jorge Goldstein

Jorge A. Goldstein joined the firm

1981
Shaking hands

Edward J. Kessler joined the firm

1980
1980

Office moved to 910 17th Street, NW

1978
1978

The firm is founded by Robert Greene Sterne on October 2 with one other attorney.