Patterson + Sheridan, LLP: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Patterson + Sheridan, LLP is a full-service intellectual property (IP) law firm established in 1996, specializing in the protection and enforcement of IP assets for technology innovators ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies. The firm has secured over 33,000 patents and filed more than 1,000 trademark applications, demonstrating its significant impact in the IP sector.

Mission and Vision

The firm's mission is to provide comprehensive IP services that enable clients to maximize the value of their innovations. Its vision is to be a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of IP law, offering strategic guidance that aligns with clients' business objectives.

Primary Area of Focus

Patterson + Sheridan focuses on a wide array of IP services, including patent preparation and prosecution, trademark and brand protection, litigation and dispute resolution, technology licensing, and IP-driven transactions. The firm serves industries such as biotechnology, chemical, clean technology, communications technology, consumer products, medical devices, nanotechnology, oil and gas, industrial products, financial technology, and optics.

Industry Significance

Recognized for its technical expertise and client-centric approach, Patterson + Sheridan has been ranked among the top IP law firms in the United States. Notably, it was ranked 30th for the number of patents prosecuted per year in the most recent rankings of the nation's top IP law firms.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

The firm's core objectives include delivering high-quality IP services, fostering long-term client relationships, and maintaining a deep understanding of clients' technologies to provide tailored legal solutions.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Patterson + Sheridan specializes in:

Patent Preparation and Prosecution: Crafting and securing patents to protect clients' innovations.

Trademark and Brand Protection: Safeguarding brand identities through comprehensive trademark services.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Defending and enforcing IP rights in various legal forums.

Technology Licensing and IP Transactions: Negotiating and structuring agreements to leverage IP assets.

Mergers and Acquisitions: Providing IP due diligence and strategic guidance in M&A transactions.

Risk Assessment and Compliance: Identifying and mitigating IP-related risks to ensure compliance.

Key Technologies Utilized

The firm employs advanced technologies in patent analytics, IP management software, and legal research tools to enhance service delivery and maintain a competitive edge.

Primary Markets and Conditions Targeted

Patterson + Sheridan targets markets where innovation is paramount, including technology, biotechnology, energy, and consumer products. The firm is adept at navigating complex IP landscapes, ensuring clients' assets are effectively protected and leveraged.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a privately held firm, Patterson + Sheridan does not publicly disclose detailed financial information or funding history.

Total Funds Raised

Specific figures regarding total funds raised are not publicly available.

Recent Funding Rounds

The firm has not participated in recent funding rounds, as it operates without external investment.

Notable Investors

Being a privately held entity, Patterson + Sheridan does not have publicly known investors.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The firm reinvests its earnings into expanding its services, enhancing technological capabilities, and supporting community initiatives.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Patterson + Sheridan does not develop products but focuses on providing IP services to clients across various industries.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

The firm is not involved in clinical trials or product development; its role is to protect and enforce clients' IP rights throughout these processes.

Target Conditions

The firm's services are applicable to a wide range of industries and technologies, including software, biotech, medical devices, financial technology, consumer products, and industrial engineering.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

As a service provider, Patterson + Sheridan's milestones are aligned with clients' product development timelines, ensuring timely IP protection and enforcement.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

The firm utilizes proprietary IP management systems to streamline patent prosecution and trademark registration processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

Significant Scientific Methods

Patterson + Sheridan employs advanced patent analytics and machine learning algorithms to assess patent portfolios, identify infringement risks, and inform strategic decisions.

AI-Driven Capabilities

The firm integrates AI-driven tools for legal research, document review, and predictive analytics to support litigation strategies and IP portfolio management.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

Todd Patterson: Co-founder and Managing Partner, with extensive experience in patent law and a background in electrical engineering.

Bruce Patterson: Co-founder and Partner, specializing in patent prosecution and litigation, with a background in mechanical engineering.

David Lovell: Partner, focusing on patent litigation and IP transactions, with a background in chemical engineering.

Kendall Lowery: Chief Talent Officer, responsible for talent acquisition and development, with a background in human resources management.

Leadership Changes

Recent leadership changes include the appointment of Kendall Lowery as Chief Talent Officer in 2024, reflecting the firm's commitment to strengthening its human resources capabilities.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The IP law firm market is characterized by increasing demand for specialized services, particularly in technology-driven sectors. Firms like Patterson + Sheridan are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend due to their technical expertise and comprehensive service offerings.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include Fish & Richardson, a large patent firm with a significant presence in Silicon Valley, and other boutique IP firms specializing in technology sectors. Patterson + Sheridan differentiates itself through its deep technical knowledge, client-centric approach, and strategic use of technology.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Significant Collaborations

The firm has established long-term partnerships with clients such as Applied Materials, IBM, Disney Pixar, ExxonMobil, and Western Digital, providing integrated IP services that align with clients' business strategies.

Partnerships or Alliances

Patterson + Sheridan collaborates with academic institutions and industry organizations to stay at the forefront of IP law developments and technological advancements.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

The firm focuses on maintaining a balance between personalized client service and operational efficiency, leveraging technology to enhance service delivery while preserving the high-touch approach valued by clients.

Major Competitors

Major competitors include large firms like Fish & Richardson and other specialized IP boutiques. Patterson + Sheridan's competitive advantages include its technical expertise, client-focused culture, and innovative use of technology.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

The firm aims to expand its presence in emerging technology sectors, enhance its AI capabilities for IP analytics, and continue to build on its reputation for high-quality client service.

Future Business Directions

Patterson + Sheridan plans to explore international markets, particularly in regions with growing technology industries, to offer its IP services globally.

Opportunities for Expansion

The firm sees opportunities in sectors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology, where IP protection is critical to business success.

Current Strengths

The firm's strengths include its deep technical knowledge, experienced leadership team, and a strong portfolio of long-term client relationships, positioning it well to achieve future objectives.