For more than 45 years, Sterne Kessler has helped clients protect, transfer, and enforce their intellectual property (IP) rights.

We are passionate about IP law, focusing on the full range of IP services globally, including litigation, patent and trademark prosecution, IP strategy, opinions, and transactional support.

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Our team of attorneys, patent agents, and technical specialists include some of the country’s most respected practitioners of IP law.

Many of our IP professionals hold advanced degrees, including 60+ Ph.D.s in science and engineering disciplines. Our people are the cornerstone of our success, enabling us to provide exceptional service and results to our clients. Leveraging robust technical platforms, protocols, and systems, we offer a comprehensive suite of services to meet our clients’ diverse needs.

Meet Our Professionals

The world’s most innovative companies trust Sterne Kessler with their most complex intellectual property matters.

We work with Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, start-ups, inventors, venture capital firms, and universities. Our clients are making discoveries, building brands, and creating inventions that impact our daily lives. Whether prosecuting a patent or trademark, managing a worldwide portfolio, or litigating a bet-the-company case at trial, we are committed to delivering practical solutions and excellent client service.

Meet Our Clients

The IP experts at Sterne are technically savvy, make an effort to master the science, and are experts in patent law and IP business matters.

Client Comments 2024 Chambers USA

The Sterne Kessler team are organized, focused and have delivered results. They are highly technical yet know how to convey the happenings of the matters to us at a level we can understand.

Client Comments 2024 Chambers USA

An impressive IP boutique which is highly valued for its ability to prepare and prosecute utility, design and covered business method patents.

Editor Comments 2024 Chambers USA

Sterne Kessler’s pro bono practice helps empower disenfranchised and impoverished communities to promote and protect their IP assets.

We are focused on integrating legal concepts from IP law with economic, social, and cultural human rights, and we work with many deserving organizations and underserved communities—both locally and internationally.

Learn About Our Pro Bono Practice

We foster an inclusive, dynamic, and vibrant workplace that embraces diversity and welcomes everyone.

With over 400 dedicated professionals, including attorneys and staff, we are committed to delivering exceptional service to our clients and nurturing a supportive and inclusive work environment for all. We earned the Midsized Mansfield Certification in 2023 for our commitment to diversity in leadership.

Learn About DEI at Sterne Kessler

Our Office

Our award-winning office space in the heart of Washington, D.C. features a contemporary design, open floor plan, and modern yet comfortable furnishings. Cutting-edge technology and flexible workspaces enable us to collaborate seamlessly with our clients and each other.

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