Seed IP Law Group

Seed IP Law Group: Patent Litigation Summary

Firm Overview:
Seed Intellectual Property Law Group LLP is an established IP boutique firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1962, the firm operates from a single office and has grown to include over 50 patent attorneys and patent agents. While not an AmLaw 100 firm, Seed IP is recognized as a leading regional IP practice. It has been ranked by U.S. News - Best Lawyers® with Tier 1 metropolitan rankings in Seattle for Patent Law, Litigation-Patent, and Litigation-Intellectual Property. Vault has also recognized Seed IP as a "Best Intellectual Property Specialty Law Firm."

IP Litigation and Technology Specialty:
Seed IP's litigation practice covers all areas of intellectual property, including patent, trademark, and copyright infringement, as well as trade secret disputes and unfair competition. The firm's technical expertise is broad, with attorneys and agents holding advanced degrees in fields ranging from electrical and mechanical engineering to biochemistry, software, and pharmaceuticals. Chambers USA notes the firm's particular strength in patent prosecution and client counseling in the biochemistry, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sectors, while also highlighting its experience in electrical engineering and computer software matters.

Litigation Practice and Side Preference:
The firm represents a diverse client base, from individuals and startups to large multinational corporations. Based on the limited data provided, the firm has been tracked on the defendant side, serving as local counsel for Valve Corporation. The firm's broader description suggests a practice that serves operating companies in protecting and defending their intellectual assets, though a definitive plaintiff/defendant side preference cannot be established from public information.

Notable Cases and PTAB Practice:
Seed IP's patent litigators appear in federal courts nationwide and handle appellate matters. A notable tracked case is Ironburg Inventions Ltd. v. Valve Corporation, where the firm acted as local counsel for the defendant, Valve. This case involved a patent on a video game controller and resulted in a jury verdict of willful infringement and over $4 million in damages against Valve. The case also involved a significant Federal Circuit appeal that clarified the standards for IPR estoppel. Seed IP maintains an active practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), handling inter partes reviews (IPRs) and other post-grant proceedings. The firm staffs a dedicated PTAB team that combines the expertise of its litigators and patent prosecutors. The specific volume of the firm's IPR filings is not publicly reported.

Key Partners:
Several partners are noted for their roles in the firm's IP practice.

• Russell C. Pangborn, listed in the tracked case, focuses on trademark and technology law, including enforcement and litigation.
• Marc C. Levy is a key contact for the firm's IP Litigation & Enforcement practice.
• Kevin S. Costanza's practice includes litigation in the mechanical engineering, trademark, and copyright fields.
• Chambers USA recognizes Kevan Morgan as an experienced patent prosecutor for electrical engineering and computer software and Karl Hermanns for his work with biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients.