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 talented individuals. We recognize that women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups encounter barriers to entry in STEM and legal fields, which significantly impacts the diversity of the IP profession. In response, Klarquist actively seeks opportunities to connect with talented individuals from underrepresented groups through diversity-focused job fairs and other avenues. The firm is a member of Portland’s Partners in Diversity chapter, a partner of Patent Pathways, and is Mansfield Rule Certified for 2021-2023. We offer Summer Associate and Post-Doc Diversity Fellowships to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to diversity. Furthermore, we invest in the career development of our professionals through our Sponsorship Program.
Improving our internal dialogue about DEI. Klarquist’s DEI Committee focuses on identifying ways to improve diversity and inclusion within the firm and our community. In addition to seeking feedback from members of the firm, the committee hosts moderated discussion sessions on a variety of DEI topics to further elevate awareness and conversation within the firm and community.
Supporting diverse causes and organizations in our community. Klarquist dedicates a portion of our annual budget to organizations focused on elevating historically disadvantaged communities and promoting diversity in STEM fields. We sponsor several annual events hosted by organizations focused on DEI and host quarterly events for PDX Women in Tech & Law, a networking group founded by Klarquist women attorneys.
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.