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Seed IP Law Group PLLC names two new partners
Carol D. Laherty and Mae Joanne Rosok became equity partners of Seed IP Law Group
effective January 1, 2009. Carol and Mae both specialize in U.S. and foreign
biotechnology intellectual property matters, including patent procurement,
licensing, and strategic planning. Carol earned both a B.S. in Biology and
Economics and a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University
of Michigan. She holds a J.D. (cum laude) from the University of Washington.
Mae Joanne received a B.A. in Microbiology (magna cum laude) and a M.S. in
Chemistry (biochemistry thesis) from the University of Montana. She holds
a J.D. from Seattle University School of Law (magna cum laude) where she
served as a Research and Technical Editor on the Seattle University Law
Review. (Jan. 1, 2009)
Washington Law & Politics
magazine names four Seed IP attorneys as "Rising Stars"
for 2009
Seed IP associate attorneys Carol D. Laherty, Qing (Becky)
Lin, Mae Joanne Rosok and Emily Woodson Wagner have been selected
as 2009 “Rising Stars” by Washington Law & Politics
magazine. All “Rising Stars” are nominated and selected
by the most recent “Super Lawyer” honorees. A “Rising
Star” designation is a distinguished accolade that is
bestowed upon those attorneys who have either been in practice
for less than 10 years or are under the age of 40. (Dec.
1, 2008)
Seed IP Law Group welcomes new associate
The firm's Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Group has recently welcomed
Hayley J. Stevens as a new associate attorney. Hayley received a B.S. (cum laude)
in Electrical Engineering, with an emphasis in digital design, from the University
of Florida. She was awarded her J.D. from Willamette University College of Law.
(Oct. 1, 2008)
IP Law & Business
magazine selects Attorney Richard G. Sharkey as one of the
"Best Lawyers in Biotechnology"
Principal Attorney Richard G. Sharkey, Ph.D., of Seed IP's
Biotechnology and Chemistry Group, is featured in the September
issue of IP Law & Business magazine as one of the
"Best Lawyers in Biotechnology" for 2008. This annual list
is a showcase exclusively for lawyers, each of whom has been
selected by their peers within the same industry. IP Law
& Business is a monthly magazine for the intellectual
property community that addresses vital issues for practitioners
at law firms and corporations. While Dr. Sharkey is honored
to be selected for inclusion as one of the "Best Lawyers in
Biotechnology", he quickly states "... it is really a
tribute to a team of people at Seed IP Law Group as a whole
and to the Biotechnology and Chemistry Practice Group in particular.
They are dedicated to providing quality IP services in a creative
and supportive environment. Thanks to all." We proudly
congratulate Dr. Sharkey on receiving this distinguished accolade.
(Sept. 1, 2008)
Seed IP Law Group PLLC announces Gary L. Tomlinson as its new
Executive Director
Seed IP Law Group has named Gary L. Tomlinson as its new Executive Director.
Prior to joining Seed IP, Gary worked as the Executive Director for Seattle-based firm
Christensen O'Connor Johnson Kindness PLLC for over 17 years, where he gained
extensive management experience and established many professional relationships in
the Seattle business community. At Seed IP, Gary will take on a lead role in the
firm's strategic and organizational planning and be responsible for the general
management of the firm, including financial planning, personnel administration,
systems and facilities. He will oversee business development, marketing, and hiring
and will sit on the firm's management and compensation committees. Gary received his
B.A. (1970) and his M.B.A. (1974) from the University of Washington. We proudly
welcome Mr. Tomlinson to Seed IP and we are looking forward to sharing many
professional years with him. (August 18, 2008)
Seed IP named one of "Washington's Best Workplaces" for 2008
by Puget Sound Business Journal
Puget Sound Business Journal recently named Seed
IP Law Group PLLC as one of "Washington's Best Workplaces"
for 2008 in its second annual survey. The program was launched
last year to identify and recognize the best practices in
the hiring and retention of great people. After an extensive
and rigorous process, which included more than 300 nominees
and the completion of surveys by nominee-company employees
across the state, workplaces in four different categories
have been identified as Washington's best, based on their
various employee benefit offerings, leadership culture and
work/life balance philosophies. Representing the Puget Sound
area and beyond, the finalists (20 small companies, 20 medium-sized
companies, 20 large companies, and five nonprofits) best exemplify
Puget Sound Business Journal's important role in
drawing attention to innovations and excellence in the management
of our region's primary and best resource: its people. (July
31, 2008)
Multiple Seed IP attorneys take part at 2008 Center for Advanced Study and
Research in Intellectual Property (CASRIP)
The CASRIP Summer Institute offers education and training in the fundamentals
of U.S. and international intellectual property law. Held annually on the
campus of the University of Washington School of Law, CASRIP is a two-week
long event which also includes a special two-day program called the High
Technology Protection Summit Conference. This conference gathers together
experts from around the world to discuss cutting-edge legal issues in
intellectual property law. Seed IP principal attorneys Kevin S. Costanza and
Emily Woodson Wagner, along with associate attorneys Nathaniel E. Durrance
and Carol D. Laherty, took part as lecturers and panelists during the 2008
CASRIP conference. Also taking part was Sean M. O’Connor, Associate
Professor at University of Washington School of Law, who additionally serves
as the Associate Director for both CASRIP and the Program in IP Law & Policy.
Professor O’Connor is Of Counsel to Seed IP. (July 25, 2008)
Washington Law & Politics magazine selects four Seed IP
attorneys as "Super Lawyers" for 2008
Seed IP partners William T. Christiansen II, William O. Ferron,
Jr., Karl R. Hermanns and Richard G. Sharkey were all recently
selected by Washington Law & Politics magazine
as “Super Lawyers” for the year 2008. Each of these
attorneys has been a multiple-year “Super Lawyer”
honoree. This designation is a prestigious honor based upon
peer recommendation. (June 1, 2008)
Seattle Business Monthly selects Seed IP
as one of the "54 Best Places to Work"
Seed IP Law Group has been selected as one of the "54 Best Places to Work" by Seattle
Business Monthly as part of its June 2008 cover story. The companies, which include
small, medium, large and nonprofits, representing the Puget Sound area and beyond,
are chosen in part for having the best management practices, great benefits and
innovative perks so that employees are kept challenged and engaged. (May 15, 2008)
Seed IP Law Group’s success
spurs addition of new attorneys and agents
Seed IP Law Group’s strong reputation for exceptionally high
quality legal work and client service has contributed to the
firm's continuing expansion. As a result, the firm has attracted
two attorneys and a patent agent during the past month. The
firm’s Electrical Engineering/Computer Science Group has expanded
its capabilities with the addition of Andy M. Han, formerly
an associate at Dorsey & Whitney. The firm has also recently
hired Professor Sean M. O'Connor, a specialist in intellectual
property matters and Associate Professor of Law at the University
of Washington School of Law. Professor O'Connor will be Of
Counsel with the firm. Our growing Biotechnology and Chemistry
Group has benefited from the addition of Patent Agent Mary
Anne Mashruwala.
(May 1, 2008)
Five Seed IP attorneys
named as “Top 40 IP Super Lawyers” for 2008 by Washington
Law & Politics magazine
Seed IP partners David V. Carlson, William T. Christiansen,
William O. Ferron, Jr., Karl R. Hermanns and Richard G. Sharkey
were all recently selected by Washington Law & Politics
magazine as “Top 40 IP Super Lawyers” for year 2008.
Each of these attorneys has been a multiple-year “Top 40 IP
Super Lawyer” honoree. This designation is a prestigious
honor based upon peer recommendation. (Apri1 15, 2008)
The Best of the U.S.
announces the inclusion of three Seed IP attorneys on its
2008 list of the best IP attorneys in the United States
Seed IP Law Group PLLC is proud to announce that William O.
Ferron, Jr., Karl R. Hermanns and Richard G. Sharkey were
recently selected for inclusion on the 2008 list of the best
intellectual property attorneys in the United States in The
Best of the U.S. The professionals included in The
Best of the U.S. list have displayed an exemplary commitment
to their profession, their community and to their clients.
The Best of the U.S. recognizes professionals who
continue their education in an effort to stay current in their
chosen profession and who continue to distinguish themselves
among their peers. The Best of the U.S. LLC is an
independent research firm that provides a free internet search
engine listing the “Best of Class” service providers throughout
the United States, at www.BestofUS.com. (March
31, 2008)
Intellectual Property
Today magazine ranks Seed IP within the Top 100 in nationwide
"Top Patent Firms" survey for 2007
Intellectual Property Today magazine has ranked Seed
IP Law Group at #75 in its annual "Top Patent Firms" survey.
The data, gathered from reporting nationwide firms, is based
upon the total amount of United States patents issued in 2006
where the law firm, or member of the firm (i.e. partner/associate),
is listed as the legal representative for the issued patent.
Seed IP issued 356 patents in 2007. Seed IP has consistently
been among the Top 100 in this annual survey. (March 1,
2008)
Best Lawyers in America lists three Seed IP attorneys in its 2008 directory
Seed IP Law Group PLLC is proud to announce that attorneys William O. Ferron, Jr.,
Karl R. Hermanns and Richard G. Sharkey were recently selected by the
"Best Lawyers in America" publication for inclusion on its list of the
best IP attorneys in the U.S. for 2008. Mr. Ferron has received this
honor annually since 1995; Mr. Hermanns and Mr. Sharkey both since 2005.
(January 1, 2008)
Seed IP Law Group PLLC names two new partners
Seed IP Law Group has promoted Qing (Becky) Lin and Emily
Woodson Wagner to partner. Becky specializes in biotechnology
patent matters, including U.S. and international patent prosecution
and strategic planning of patent portfolios. She earned a
B.S. in Cell Biology at Lanzhou University, an M.S. in Plant
Physiology at The Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology at the University
of Missouri-Columbia, where she was awarded a Molecular Biology
Fellowship. Becky received her J.D. (cum laude) at the University
of Washington. Emily specializes in U.S. and foreign chemical
patent matters, including patent procurement, licensing and
strategic management of intellectual property portfolios.
Emily received a B.A. in Chemistry (summa cum laude) from
Bowdoin College and her J.D. from Harvard Law School. (January
1, 2008)
Washington Law & Politics
magazine names four Seed IP attorneys as
"Rising Stars" for 2008
Seed IP associate attorneys Carol D. Laherty, Mae Joanne Rosok,
Emily Woodson Wagner, and partner Jim White, have been selected
as 2008 “Rising Stars” by Washington Law & Politics magazine.
A distinguished accolade, a “Rising Stars” honor is bestowed
upon those attorneys who have been in practice for under 10
years or are under the age of 40. All “Rising Stars” are nominated
and selected by the current year's “Super Lawyer” honorees.
(Nov. 1, 2007)
New USPTO Rules Recommended
Action Prior to November 1, 2007
On August 21, 2007, the United States Patent and Trademark
Office (USPTO) issued a final rules package on August 21,
2007 limiting the ability to file continuing applications
(the “2+1 Limit”), and limiting the number of
claims that can be filed in an application (the “5/25
Limit”). The new rules go into effect on November 1,
2007, although many provisions are already applicable.
These new rules significantly impact patent prosecution
strategy, particularly your ability to file multiple continuation
applications and present claims to subject matter that the
USPTO considers to be “patentably indistinct.”
As a result, we recommend that you contact the attorney handling
your patent portfolio to discuss how the new rules may impact
your patent filings.
Since the new rules have been announced, we have had an
opportunity to study the rules package in more detail,
including discussions with the USPTO and other sources, and
provide the following additional comments on actions you may
wish to take before the November 1, 2007 effective date.
Read More...
Several Seed IP attorneys
take part at 2007 Center for Advanced Study and Research in
Intellectual Property (CASRIP)
The CASRIP Summer
Institute offers education and training in the fundamentals
of U.S. and international intellectual property law. Held annually
on the campus of the University of Washington School of Law,
CASRIP is a two-week long event which also includes a special
two-day program called the High Technology Protection Summit
Conference. This conference gathers together experts from around
the world to discuss cutting-edge legal issues in intellectual
property law. Principal Seed IP attorneys David V. Carlson and
Karl R. Hermanns, both adjunct professors at the UW Law School,
along with principal attorney Ellen M. Bierman, all took part
as lecturers and panelists during the 2007 CASRIP conference.
(July 23, 2007)
Seed IP Law Group’s success spurs
addition of new associates
Seed IP Law Group’s strong reputation for exceptionally high
quality legal work and client service has contributed to the
firm’s continuing expansion. As a result, the firm has attracted
several excellent attorneys, patent agents, and technical
advisors over the past eighteen months. The firm’s Biotechnology/Chemistry
Group has expanded its capabilities with the addition of
Dr. Roy Diaz, Dr. Michael McDonald and Mark Rogel. Our growing
Computer Science/Electrical Engineering Group has benefited
from the addition of Raymond Armentrout, Benedict Dugan, Dr.
Eric Ringer, and Stevan Stark. Our Trademark and Mechanical
Engineering Group has added Jared Barrett, Nathaniel Durrance,
Jason Evans, Karl Klassen, and Nima Seyedali. (July 15,
2007)
Seed IP Law Group PLLC names new partner
Seed IP Law Group has promoted Carol J. Roth to partner. Carol
has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical patent field
and, prior to joining Seed IP in 2001, was Patent Counsel
at Berlex Biosciences, where she procured and maintained Berlex’s
patent portfolio. (July 1, 2007)
Seed IP is among the Top 25 in nationwide "Top Trademark Firms"
survey for 2006
Intellectual Property Today magazine has ranked
Seed IP Law Group at #23 in its annual "Top Trademark Firms"
survey. The data, collected nationwide, is based upon the
total amount of U.S. trademark registrations issued in 2006
where the law firm, or member of the firm (i.e. partner/associate),
is listed as the legal representative for the registration.
Seed IP issued 358 trademark registrations in 2006. In recent
years, Seed IP was positioned at #41 (for 2005) and at #69
(for 2004). (May 1, 2007)
Five Seed IP attorneys named as “Super Lawyers”
for 2007 by Washington Law & Politics magazine
Seed IP partners David V. Carlson, William T. Christiansen,
William O. Ferron, Jr., Karl R. Hermanns and Richard G. Sharkey
were all recently selected by Washington Law & Politics
magazine as “Super Lawyers” for the year 2007.
Each of these attorneys has been a multiple-year “Super
Lawyer” honoree. This designation is a prestigious honor
based upon peer recommendation. (April 1, 2007)
Intellectual Property
Today magazine ranks Seed IP within the Top 100 in nationwide
"Top Patent Firms" survey for 2006
Intellectual Property Today magazine has ranked Seed IP Law Group at
#91 in its annual "Top Patent Firms" survey. The data, gathered from
reporting nationwide firms, is based upon the total amount of United States
patents issued in 2006 where the law firm, or member of the firm
(i.e. partner/associate), is listed as the legal representative for
the issued patent. Seed IP issued 380 patents in 2006. Seed IP has consistently
been among the Top 100 in this annual survey. (March 1, 2007)
Seed IP has four attorneys
named as “Rising Stars” by Washington Law & Politics
magazine for 2007
Seed IP associate attorneys Carol D. Laherty, Mae Joanne Rosok,
Emily Woodson Wagner and partner Jim White were each selected
as 2007 “Rising Stars” by Washington Law & Politics
magazine. A distinguished accolade, a “Rising Stars” honor
is bestowed upon those attorneys who have been in practice
for under 10 years or are under the age of 40. All “Rising
Stars” are nominated and selected by the current year’s “Super
Lawyer” honorees.
Best Lawyers in America
lists three Seed IP attorneys in its 2007 directory
Seed IP partners William O. Ferron, Jr., Karl R. Hermanns
and Richard G. Sharkey have all been chosen as being amongst
the best lawyers in America by the “Best Lawyers in America”
publication. Mr. Ferron has received this honor annually since
1995; Mr. Hermanns and Mr. Sharkey both since 2005.
IP receives Trademark Insider Award for #1 Seattle-area
Regional Trademark Law Firm
Seed IP has been recognized as the top Seattle-area trademark
law firm for 2005 by NameProtect's Trademark Insider, a quarterly
publication that provides complete U.S. trademark industry
analysis, rankings of leading trademark law firms and practitioners,
and analysis of trademark filing activity. In addition to
the firm's recognition, Seed IP Attorney William O. Ferron,
Jr. received a "National Attorney Award" placing
him at #20 on the "Top 50 Trademark Attorneys" list
in Trademark Insider's 2005 Annual Report. Read
More...
Seed IP is top-rated
intellectual property law firm in the country
Seed IP is the best Seattle-based intellectual property law
firm and the most highly rated small IP firm in the country,
according to a survey conducted by Managing IP Magazine. "We've
always prided ourselves on providing world-class IP services
and being among the top patent and trademark firms in the
nation," said Bill Ferron, Seed's Managing Director and CEO.
"Being recognized by intellectual property attorneys around
the world as the best in the Northwest, and as the best small
firm in the country, validates our efforts. It's especially
gratifying because this is our 40th year in the business,
and we're stronger than ever." Read
More...
Seed IP creates scholarships
to honor founders on firm's 40th anniversary
To celebrate 40 years of success, Seed IP is creating two annual scholarships to honor its founders, Richard W. Seed and Benjamin J. Berry. Seed IP Founders Scholarships will award $10,000 beginning in 2003 to students at the University of Washington and Seattle University Schools of Law. "We think it's very important to train the next generation of intellectual property attorneys so that we can continue to build on the legacy started by Ben Berry and Dick Seed," said Bill Ferron, Seed's Managing Director and CEO. "Only through strong support of higher education will our country continue to be a leader in the world."
Seed IP wins first of its kind victory in Canadian Internet domain name scam
Seed IP, representing Red Robin International, Inc., has blocked an Internet domain name scam in the first case of its kind under new Canadian Internet policies. "Somebody tried to sell our client something very valuable that they already owned," said Kevin Costanza, Seed IP senior attorney who handled the case. "We were the first to use the new Canadian rules to protect our client's trademark, prevent any confusion the bogus domain might have created and to keep others from pulling similar scams." Read More... |
