Sterne Kessler and 18 Directors Recognized in the 2026 IAM Patent 1000

Washington, D.C. (June 2, 2026) – Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox has been ranked among the nation’s leading intellectual property law firms in the 2026 IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals. The firm achieved top rankings in key practice areas in the DC metro area and nationally, including patent litigation, patent prosecution, post-grant proceedings, and patent transactions. In addition, 18 directors were individually recognized across several practice areas, demonstrating the firm’s deep bench of talent and industry-leading expertise.

The editorial commentary highlights that “Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is a premier IP boutique that brings together deep technical expertise and a fully integrated approach across prosecution, litigation and transactions,” and “The team is particularly renowned for its dominance before the PTAB and its ability to seamlessly align portfolio strategy with enforcement and commercial objectives.” In addition, the firm is recognized for its “deep bench of scientifically trained practitioners” and being “well placed to handle complex, high-value matters across life sciences, electronics, and consumer products.”

For the 15^th consecutive year, Sterne Kessler is “highly recommended” for both patent prosecution and patent transactions in DC. The firm also earned “silver” band recognition for patent litigation. Nationally, Sterne Kessler ranked “highly recommended” for post-grant proceedings and “recommended” for patent prosecution.

The Sterne Kessler directors featured on the list include:

• Richard D. Coller III (DC Recommended – prosecution)
• Tracy-Gene G. Durkin (DC Silver Band – litigation; DC Highly Recommended – prosecution; National Recommended – design patents)
• Eldora L. Ellison, Ph.D. (DC Bronze Band – litigation; National Highly Recommended – post-grant proceedings)
• Donald J. Featherstone (DC Recommended – prosecution)
• Jorge A. Goldstein, Ph.D. (DC Highly Recommended – prosecution; DC Recommended – transactions)
• Todd M. Hopfinger (DC recommended – Next Generation)
• Michael Joffre, Ph.D. (DC Bronze Band – litigation)
• Carla Ji-Eun Kim (DC Recommended – prosecution)
• Michael Q. Lee (DC Highly Recommended – prosecution; DC Recommended – transactions)
• Michael B. Ray (DC Recommended – transactions)
• John Christopher “J.C.” Rozendaal (DC Silver Band – litigation)
• Robert E. Sokohl (DC Silver Band – litigation; DC Recommended – prosecution; DC Recommended – transactions)
• Michael D. Specht (DC Recommended – prosecution; National Recommended – post-grant proceedings)
• Eric K. Steffe (DC Recommended – prosecution)
• Deborah Sterling, Ph.D. (DC Recommended – prosecution)
• Robert Greene Sterne (DC Silver Band – litigation; DC Recommended – transactions; National Recommended – post-grant proceedings)
• Dennies Varughese, Pharm.D. (DC Bronze Band – litigation)
• Daniel E. Yonan (DC Silver Band – litigation; National Recommended – International Trade Commission)

View Sterne Kessler’s full editorial and profile in the 2026 IAM Patent 1000.

About Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox

Based in Washington, D.C., Sterne Kessler is a leading intellectual property law firm providing strategic IP services to clients worldwide. With more than 170 attorneys, the firm offers integrated capabilities across patent and trademark prosecution, strategic counseling, post grant proceedings, and litigation before federal district and appellate courts and the International Trade Commission. Since 1978, Sterne Kessler has served as a trusted partner to innovative companies, startups, inventors, universities, and investors, helping them protect, enforce, and maximize the value of intellectual property. The firm is committed to delivering practical, business driven solutions that support innovation and long term strategic objectives.