Klarquist Sparkman

Klarquist Sparkman: Patent Litigation Summary

Date: 2026-05-09

Firm: Klarquist Sparkman, LLP
Headquarters: Portland, Oregon
Offices: Portland, OR; Santa Rosa, CA; Reno, NV

Klarquist Sparkman, LLP is a full-service intellectual property boutique law firm headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1941, it is one of the oldest and largest IP firms in the Pacific Northwest, with a professional staff of approximately 50-100 attorneys and patent agents. The firm is not an AmLaw-ranked general practice firm, but is consistently recognized as a top-tier IP firm in Oregon by Chambers and Partners and ranked among the best IP boutique firms nationally by Vault. Klarquist represents a wide range of clients, from individual inventors and universities to major corporations like Microsoft, Amazon, and Nike.

The firm's patent litigation practice covers a broad spectrum of technologies, including software and internet technology, life sciences and biotechnology, medical devices, mechanical engineering, and consumer products. Its litigators have experience in federal courts nationwide, handling disputes over patent infringement, trade secrets, and other IP matters. The authoritative case data shows the firm acting as lead counsel for plaintiff Valve Corporation in a dispute involving gaming controller technology. The firm's public case history and website indicate a practice that represents both plaintiffs and defendants.

Klarquist has a significant and successful track record in high-stakes litigation and post-grant proceedings. Notably, partner John D. Vandenberg successfully argued for Nautilus Inc. before the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark patent definiteness case, Nautilus, Inc. v. Biosig Instruments, Inc. The firm also has a highly regarded practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), where it represents both petitioners and patent owners in inter partes review (IPR) and other post-grant proceedings. Chambers USA notes the firm's successful representation of Microsoft in filing multiple IPRs against InterDigital. The firm's website highlights a top-three national ranking for its IPR practice from the research firm Patexia.

Key partners in the patent litigation practice include John D. Vandenberg, who is consistently ranked as a top IP litigator in Oregon and is noted for his expertise in the technology sector. Other prominent litigation partners recognized by industry publications include Scott E. Davis and Jeffrey S. Love.