|
Karl Klassen helps companies and inventors procure, monetize and enforce their patents. Karl regularly counsels corporations in patent strategies in both the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, and handles freedom to operate analyses and other intellectual property due diligence and patent licensing matters. He has extensive experience advising clients on mechanical technologies, consumer products, interconnected devices and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems.
Medical technology matters are a significant part of his practice. Karl has significant experience conducting both investor-side and company-side IP due diligence, procuring patents for medical companies and managing patent portfolios. He has particular experience with spinal implants, aesthetic treatments, energy emitting catheters (e.g., radiofrequency catheters, light emitting catheters, etc.), artificial intelligence (AI), respiratory technology (e.g., intrabronchial valves and intrabronchial catheters, etc.), photodynamic therapy, cardiac technology and tissue processing and imaging equipment. Many of the companies Karl works with emanated from practicing physicians, medical device incubators and academic institutions. He also co-authored a book published by the American Bar Association regarding IP strategies to help medical device entrepreneurs protect and launch medical products.
Karl regularly advises entrepreneurs on IP strategies for successful exits or commercialization across a range of industries and technologies, including medical devices, mobile applications, AI and machine learning, connected devices and consumer products. He focuses on implementing strategies tailored for each early-stage venture to further that venture’s business goals. Many of the companies Karl advised have been backed by venture capitalists and ultimately acquired by publicly-traded companies.
Karl is at the forefront of IP-backed financing. He has experience cultivating and leveraging IP portfolios serving as assets for lending. His patent monetization practice encompasses value-driven portfolio management, mining mature patent families and partnering with patent litigation counsel for enforcement.
Prior to becoming a patent attorney, Karl gained industry experience as an engineer at a CAD/FEA software company and worked on medical technologies, automotive technology, aerospace technology, injection molding systems, semiconductor processing equipment and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems.
Professional Recognition
- Listed in Washington Law and Politics, “Rising Stars of Washington Law,” 2012
Related Employment
- Seed IP Law Group PLLC, Seattle, WA, Associate, 2006 - 2011
- Knobbe Martens Olson and Bear, LLP, Irvine, CA, Associate, 2002; 2003 - 2006
- Townsend and Townsend and Crew, LLP, (now Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP), Palo Alto, CA, Summer Associate, 2001
- Unigraphics Solutions Inc., Cypress, CA, Applications Engineer, 1999 - 2000
