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Silicon Valley Patent Attorney Stephen M. De Klerk Moves to Sonnenschein
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Palo Alto, CA -- Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP announced today that patent attorney Stephen M. De Klerk has joined Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP in the law firm’s Silicon Valley office as a partner its national Intellectual Property & Technology Group. He comes to Sonnenschein from Blakely Sokoloff Taylor & Zafman LLP.
De Klerk’s practice focuses on patent procurement, strategic portfolio development, and broader intellectual property counseling for clients in computer-related industries, primarily enterprise and Internet software. As a registered patent attorney, his expertise extends to the procurement of patents internationally. He also provides patent validity and infringement opinions and assists clients with technology licensing.
"Not only is Steve highly regarded by his clients for his expertise in software-related technologies, he has close ties to venture-funded companies and the venture fund partners who invest in them," said Carol Anne Been, chair of Sonnenschein’s Intellectual Property & Technology Group. "He is a great addition to our team, both on the West Coast and nationally, further expanding our capabilities in the software arts and helping to solidify our reputation within the Silicon Valley patent community."
"Sonnenschein provides an excellent platform upon which to grow my business," stated De Klerk. "In particular, the firm’s strong corporate and venture technology practices will allow me to better meet the legal needs of my early stage company clients and to deepen my relationship with them."
De Klerk is a graduate of the University of South Africa School of Law. Prior to law school, he served as an officer in the elite Parachute Brigade in the South African Defense Force. He also worked as engineer designing enterprise software and ballistics, having received an undergraduate degree in engineering from the University of Stellenbosch.
At Sonnenschein, we are committed to providing the highest-quality legal and counseling services for all of our clients, all of the time. They include many of the world's most admired businesses, nonprofits and individuals. Through integrated, inter-office teamwork, we help them to prosper and grow. For more information, visit www.sonnenschein.com.
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