Steve’s practice is focused on the development and analysis of patent portfolios. For large-cap companies, he provides strategic advice on portfolio positioning, including comparative analysis of competitor portfolios, identification of patents in a portfolio for sale or other monetization, and selection and purchase of patents to fill portfolio gaps. For start-ups and mid-cap companies, he assists clients in identifying, developing, and protecting key intellectual property assets in a manner consistent with the client’s business goals. Steve also has significant experience in the creation of corporate intellectual property programs. Although his practice broadly encompasses software and electrical technologies, Steve has particular experience in mobile computing devices, Internet and telecommunications technologies.
While at Amazon.com Inc., Steve led the group responsible for the creation and management of the worldwide patent, trademark and domain portfolio of the company. His practice included pre-litigation dispute resolution and acquisition due diligence in all areas of intellectual property.
Named "Patent Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in America, 2020
Professional Recognition
- Named IAM Global Leader, 2020 – 2024
- Named Best Lawyers' Seattle, "Patent Lawyer of the Year," 2017, 2020
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Litigation - Patent; Patent Law, 2013 – 2024
- Recommended in Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000, 2013 – 2023
- Listed as a "Washington Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyers Magazine, 2004 – 2019
- Listed in Washington Law & Politics, “Rising Stars of Washington Law,” 2004
Community Involvement
- Pacific Science Center, Board Member
Related Employment
- Amazon.com Inc., Seattle, WA, Associate General Counsel - Intellectual Property, 2001 – 2006
- Teledesic LLC, Bellevue, WA, Deputy General Counsel, 2000 – 2001, Intellectual Property Counsel 1997 – 2000
- Christensen, O'Connor, Johnson & Kindness PLLC, Seattle, WA, Associate, 1993 – 1997