K&L Gates
Firm overview:
K&L Gates runs one of the most internationally connected patent practices in the market, with patent lawyers and technical professionals based across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. That footprint allows the firm to manage large, multi-jurisdictional patent portfolios while keeping strategy consistent from one market to the next. Clients turn to the team not only to secure patent protection, but to shape portfolios that can support licensing programmes, monetisation efforts and transaction-driven outcomes.
Patent lawyers at K&L Gates work closely with colleagues in corporate and regulatory practices on technology transfers, licensing arrangements and mergers and acquisitions where intellectual property is central to deal value. When patents are challenged, the firm has dedicated teams ready to handle inter partes reviews and other proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, often coordinating those efforts with parallel litigation and international actions to maintain a unified strategy.
The firm also continued to refine its global platform in 2025, pairing structural changes with longer-term investment in emerging technologies. One example is its new academic partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, which named three doctoral candidates as 2025–26 K&L Gates Presidential Fellows. At the same time, K&L Gates undertook a strategic consolidation of its China operations, closing its long-standing Beijing office and moving that work into Shanghai. The decision formed part of a broader reassessment of the firm’s real-estate footprint, while preserving on-the-ground capability for clients with patent and technology interests in China.
Team overview:
The patent practice is anchored by senior lawyers with experience in prosecution, portfolio strategy and commercial IP counselling, supported by a broad bench across the firm’s international offices.
In Charlotte, Aaron Morrow plays a key role in patent procurement and portfolio management, advising clients on filing strategy, freedom-to-operate and opinion work, as well as IP due diligence. His practice often involves technically demanding subject matter, including biochemistry, food science and nutritional compositions, and he is frequently brought in to help align patent portfolios with product development and business planning.
Based in Chicago, Robert Barrett draws on decades of experience across patent prosecution, licensing and portfolio counselling. He has advised multinational brands such as Nestlé, Wrigley, Methode Electronics and Kyocera, and is valued for his ability to connect patent strategy with commercial planning and monetisation over the life of a portfolio.
In Chicago, Jason Engel adds further depth to the firm’s prosecution and counselling capabilities. He focuses on building and managing global patent portfolios, with experience spanning software, electronics and emerging technologies. Engel advises clients on international filing strategy and portfolio optimisation, helping them navigate complex cross-border patent issues.
Samuel Breeze, who joined the firm’s Seattle office as a partner in 2025, strengthens the team’s international reach and technical bench. His practice complements the firm’s broader prosecution and counselling offering, particularly for clients operating in fast-moving, innovation-driven sectors.
Key matters:
- Midas Green Technologies (July 2025)
K&L Gates secured Director review and a denial of institution of an inter partes review petition relating to US patent No. 10,405,457. The decision strengthened the client’s patent enforcement position in parallel litigation pending in the Western District of Texas, underscoring the firm’s ability to align PTAB strategy with district court outcomes.
- CPC Patent Technologies v Apple (Certiorari Petition, September 26, 2025)
K&L Gates filed a petition for a writ of certiorari with the US Supreme Court on behalf of CPC Patent Technologies, following Federal Circuit decisions in Nos. 2024-1278 and 2024-1354. The filing places the firm at the centre of a high-profile patent appeal involving Apple and reflects its appellate capabilities in complex, precedent-sensitive disputes.
Clients:
CPC Technologies, Midas Green Technologies
