The law behind those game-changing new inventions we crave may not always seem exciting, but intellectual property (IP) law practice is busier than ever, and client needs are evolving in interesting ways. IP-intensive industries account for around 40% of U.S. GDP and 33% of the country’s total employment. What’s more: 70% of the value in the largest global and publicly listed companies is due to the intangible assets of their IP portfolios. As science and technology continue to advance, so does the practice of patent attorneys.
In response to client growth and to position itself for the future, Minneapolis-based IP law firm Patterson Thuente IP has added two well-respected partners to the firm’s management team. Attorneys Jeffer Ali and Daidre Burgess were named Principals, effective this month.
Litigation Practice Chair and the newest to the team, Ali has nearly 30 years of litigation experience. Starting her law career at Patterson Thuente in 2005 as a law clerk, Burgess is a respected leader in the firm’s patent prosecution practice. Together, they have more than 40 years of combined experience in both IP and patent law.
“Our business is growing and changing. Coming out of the pandemic, that fact is more apparent than ever. We wanted to add fresh perspective at the top to help focus our vision relative to client service, practice offerings, technology, and culture,” said Tom Dickson, CEO and Managing Partner of Patterson Thuente IP. “Both of these outstanding attorneys are respected by our clients and their colleagues. As Principals, they will help our firm remain a strong player into the future.”
Burgess left an engineering role at 3M to pursue law school and started her career in patent law at Patterson Thuente IP.
“From the beginning of my legal career, the firm has provided me unlimited opportunities to develop a successful practice. Most importantly, early exposure to both prospective and existing clients and their IP needs has allowed me to develop long-lasting client relationships and a deep understanding of their businesses,” Burgess said. “I’ve always appreciated the firm’s commitment to growing and supporting junior attorneys along their journeys to partner and beyond, and I’m excited and energized to be a part of that commitment.”
Burgess received her J.D. from the William Mitchell College of Law and a bachelor’s in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota.
With key additions over the last year, Ali has succeeded in advancing Patterson Thuente’s litigation team and positioning the firm’s practice for future growth.
“We have a lot of interesting enforcement-related work and litigation from both institutional and new clients. I am impressed by the firm’s commitment to having a litigation practice to offer clients a full-service option, and I am committed to building a team of smart lawyers who are focused on what is best for our clients,” Ali said
Ali received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Michigan.