We believe that the best way to become an expert in something is to dedicate your career to it. That’s why we have exclusively focused on technology and intellectual property law for the past 83 years. Klarquist Sparkman is one of the oldest and largest full service intellectual property boutique firms in the Northwest. The world has changed since the firm was founded in 1941, but our passion for technology and science has not. We are proud of our long history and look forward to continuing our role as a leading intellectual property law firm serving our national and international clients in matters as diverse as the human imagination.
Klarquist provides legal services to a broad range of clients, from solo inventors and mid-size companies, to some of the largest, most prestigious companies in the world. Whether you are part of a large, well-established company with sophisticated in-house IP counsel or a small company just starting to develop and identify your IP, we understand that your IP is vital to the operation and value of your business. We also recognize that not every business is the same. That’s why our team—many of which have worked in industry as engineers, scientists, or in-house IP counsel—seeks to provide you with real-world solutions that meet your particular IP needs. We take great pride in fostering long lasting relationships with our clients. Some clients have been with the firm for more than half a century.
We are committed to continuous improvement on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and frame our approach around three key areas:
Recruiting, retaining, and investing in diverse talent. We recognize the entry barriers to women, people of color, and other minority groups in the STEM and legal fields, which impacts the diversity of the IP profession as a whole. In response to this, Klarquist actively seeks out opportunities to connect with diverse talent, through diversity-focused job fairs and other venues. We also offer a Summer Associate Diversity Fellowship to law students of diverse backgrounds and experiences, as well as a Post-Doc Diversity Fellowship to diverse individuals in the STEM fields who are interested in pursuing patent law. The firm is a member of Portland’s Partners in Diversity chapter, whose mission is to attract, retain, and develop diverse professionals of color in our area. We invest in our diverse professionals through our mentorship program, and by considering the value of diverse perspectives when building client service teams.
Improving our internal dialogue about diversity & inclusion. Klarquist’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee focuses on identifying ways to improve diversity and inclusion within the firm and our community. In addition to seeking out feedback from members of the firm, the committee also hosts moderated discussion sessions on DE&I topics to elevate conversation about these matters.
Supporting diverse causes and organizations in our community. Klarquist dedicates a portion of our annual giving budget to nonprofits focused on elevating historically disadvantaged communities and promoting diversity in STEM fields, and sponsors a number of annual events hosted by organizations focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Klarquist and its attorneys often receive top national recognition for our intellectual property services. Our success is a tribute to the firm’s high standards for work and ethics, and our meticulous hiring and internal training practices. Below are some of the awards and recognition that the firm and its attorneys have recently received.