Steven D. "Steve" Lawrenz

BACKGROUND

Before entering law school, Steve worked on operating system development for IBM. After beginning his legal career at Seed IP, Steve helped to found Perkins Coie LLP's patent procurement practice, and served as Technology Committee chair. He returned to Seed IP in 2019 to lead its software patent practice.

EXPERIENCE

Steve Lawrenz is an AV-rated (Martindale-Hubbell®) patent attorney who works closely with his clients to develop business-aligned and highly-strategic patent portfolios in computer software, artificial intelligence, and Internet technologies. Earned experience has also given Steve the insight to provide special scrutiny to subject-matter eligibility issues. He’s frequently asked to evaluate third-party patent portfolios, counsel clients on avoiding patent infringement, and advise on the merits of acquiring particular patent assets. Steve also has a keen eye for identifying assets for licensing and enforcement in client patent portfolios, and advises on patent infringement counterclaims, and patent asset divestment.

Steve is a well-regarded authority on Patent Trial and Appeal Board procedures – particularly appeals from examiners’ rejections – and is proficient at preparing and prosecuting design patent applications, both for user interface elements and physical articles.

AFFILIATIONS

Steve is admitted to the Washington State Bar and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.

Steve is a member of the Washington State Patent Law Association. He also serves on the University of Illinois College of Law, Seattle Alumni Chapter board.