Department profile
Christensen O'Connor Johnson Kindness, PLLC

Intellectual Property: Patent Prosecution

USA Guide 2026 : Washington


Christensen O'Connor Johnson Kindness, PLLC

Rankings

About

Provided by Christensen O'Connor Johnson Kindness, PLLC

COJK's attorneys manage all aspects of intellectual property law, providing intellectual property legal services to its local, regional, national, and international clients for over nine decades. The firm delivers exceptional patent, trademark, copyright, licensing, and related IP counseling, opinions, and litigation services to clients across a diverse array of industries and technologies.

Areas of Practice

  • Patents: We write strong, defensible patents through a deep understanding of technology and IP law.
  • Trademarks: We assist clients to select strong and distinctive marks to help build and protect an organization’s brand.
  • Copyrights: We skillfully apply copyright law to situations involving the latest technologies, working with authors, creators, and owners of original works to protect their IP rights.
  • Licensing & Agreements: We draft, interpret, and negotiate sophisticated, intricate agreements that garner strong returns on IP assets.
  • Litigation & Dispute Resolution: COJK litigators understand the inherent risks of litigation, whether to a to a product line, a business unit, or an entire business. We work with clients to develop litigation strategies that advance their business goals.
  • International Network: COJK maintains a strong global network of IP law firms and patent and trademark offices to ensure the best legal protection for our clients, both domestically and internationally. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Intellectual Property: Patent Prosecution - Washington


What the Team is Known For

Christensen O'Connor Johnson Kindness is a well-established boutique IP firm particularly recognized for its work in patent preparation, prosecution and litigation. Also offers experience in trademarks, copyright, licensing and due diligence matters across an extensive range of industries, drawing upon the experience of former engineers and scientists among its ranks. Clients range from consumer goods manufacturers through sustainable packaging companies to academic institutions and medical research centers.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Christensen O'Connor Johnson Kindness provided IP services to Avalanche Energy, assisting the startup in protecting the intellectual property related to its small-scale solutions for fusion power.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team is highly responsive, exceptionally committed to great service and has a high skill level. The team is also extremely knowledgeable about the industry.

    Intellectual Property: Patent Prosecution respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Jerald E. Nagae
    Band 1Jerald E. Nagae

    Jerald E. Nagae

    Jerald Nagae has a wealth of experience in acting for and advising clients on the full gamut of intellectual property matters, from portfolio management and transactions to complex litigation.

    • Jerry is great and his years of experience reflect in his knowledge and ability to navigate the IP world.

      Intellectual Property: Patent Prosecution respondentUSA
    • Jerry is an exceptional attorney.

      Intellectual Property: Patent Prosecution respondentUSA
  • Band 2Melissa A. Nowak
    Band 2Melissa A. Nowak

    Melissa A. Nowak

    Melissa Nowak has a diverse IP practice covering both trademark and patent issues. She is known for her work with clients in the technology and gaming sectors.

    • Melissa Nowak's client service, level of sophistication and commercial vision are very strong. She has a common sense approach to tackling legal problems.

      Intellectual Property: Patent Prosecution respondentUSA
  • Band 3George E. Renzoni, Ph.D.
    Band 3George E. Renzoni, Ph.D.

    George E. Renzoni, Ph.D.

    George Renzoni regularly handles patent procurement and technology licensing matters in the life sciences sector for domestic and international patent portfolios.

    • George Renzoni's client service, level of sophistication and commercial vision are very strong. George is a pleasure to work with and has been a revered and respected partner.

      Intellectual Property: Patent Prosecution respondentUSA
  • Band 3John D. Denkenberger
    Band 3John D. Denkenberger

    John D. Denkenberger

    John Denkenberger, managing member of the firm, is noted for his contentious IP practice. He is adept at handling disputes concerning patents, trademarks and trade secrets in both state and federal courts.

  • Band 3L. Rhys Lawson, Ph.D
    Band 3L. Rhys Lawson, Ph.D

    L. Rhys Lawson, Ph.D

    Rhys Lawson is well known for advising on numerous patent matters. He works with a range of clients in different sectors, such as cosmetics, clean energy and education.

  • Band 4Margie Aoki
    Band 4Margie Aoki

    Margie Aoki

    Margie Aoki is a well-respected patent attorney, often advising clients on technologies related to food processing equipment, alternative and clean energy and pharmaceuticals.

Ranked Individuals at Christensen O'Connor Johnson Kindness, PLLC (6)

Washington

  • Profile image of Jerald E. Nagae

    Jerald E. Nagae

    Intellectual Property: Patent Prosecution

    View profile
  • Profile image of George E. Renzoni, Ph.D.

    George E. Renzoni, Ph.D.

    Intellectual Property: Patent Prosecution

    View profile
  • Profile image of L. Rhys Lawson, Ph.D

    L. Rhys Lawson, Ph.D

    Intellectual Property: Patent Prosecution

    View profile
  • Profile image of Melissa A. Nowak

    Melissa A. Nowak

    Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets

    View profile
  • Profile image of John D. Denkenberger

    John D. Denkenberger

    Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets

    View profile

Members

Provided by Christensen O'Connor Johnson Kindness, PLLC

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership