Kyle Yarberry

Of Counsel

yarberry@watershediplaw.com

Kyle Yarberry has over ten years’ experience as a patent professional, first as a patent agent and then as a patent attorney in private practice, most recently as a partner in a Seattle IP law firm. Kyle’s patent experience includes utility and design patent portfolio development, patent acquisition and enforcement strategy to protect revenue streams, prosecution, litigation, opinions, and administrative proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). He earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Methodist University and his J.D. from The University of Michigan Law School. His technological experience includes wireless devices, image sensors, medical devices, aircraft systems, UAVs, AI-enhanced surgical systems, nanofluidics instruments, machinery, toys, amusements, sports equipment, and other technologies. Patents written and prosecuted by Kyle have a track record of delivering value through licensing and enforcement.

Kyle is the founding attorney of IPkey PLLC, the Watershed affiliate law firm with expertise in global patent prosecution.

  • Education

    EDUCATION

    THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LAW SCHOOL, Ann Arbor, MI
    J.D., May 2016

    SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY, Dallas, TX
    B.S., Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics, May 2008

  • Experience

    EXPERIENCE

    IPKEY PLLC, Bainbridge Island, WA
    Founding Attorney, May 2022 – Present

    Execute patent acquisition and portfolio development strategies for growth stage enterprises to drive revenue and protect market share using utility patents, design patents, and utility models.

    CHRISTENSEN O’CONNOR JOHNSON KINDNESS PLLC, Seattle, WA
    Member, January 2022 – May 2022
    Associate, May 2018 – January 2022

    Managed international patent portfolios, prepared and prosecuted patents applications for a wide range of technologies. Advised clients on patent and trade secret strategies, supplier and employment agreement considerations, and freedom to operate. Prepared clearance, freedom-to-operate, non-infringement, patentability, invalidity, and patent landscape opinions. Represented clients in federal patent, trademark, and trade secret lawsuits, inter partes reviews (IPRs) before the PTAB, and opposition proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).

    BRINKS GILSON AND LIONE, Chicago, IL
    Associate, September 2016 – May 2018

    Prepared and prosecuted patent applications for a Fortune 100 footwear manufacturer and one of America’s largest medical device manufacturers. Drafted pleadings, invalidity contentions, and claim construction briefs in e-cigarette patent infringement cases and IPRs before the PTAB.

    MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH, Milwaukee, WI
    Summer Associate, Intellectual Property Group, June 2014 – July 2015

    Drafted and prosecuted patent applications. Prepared patent invalidity and product clearance opinions.

    SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION, Houston, TX
    Associate, Energy & Natural Resources Group, November 2009 – June 2013

    Conducted due diligence on over 50 asset-based and unsecured loan transactions ranging in size from less than $100M to over $4B to finance E&P, pipeline, refining, and oilfield service companies. Developed external relationships as front office contact for 15-20 energy companies and for syndication agents and outside counsel. Managed key internal processes as the loan portfolio from < $1B in assets to over $4B, including credit approvals, review of credit agreements and guarantees, closings, and portfolio monitoring. Trained analysts to prepare comprehensive credit analysis, including industry research, borrowing base valuations, and financial statement projections.

    ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO., Dallas, TX
    Analyst, Wireless Services Equity Research, July 2008 – July 2009

    Improved the team’s research by increasing the size, scope, and consistency of channel checks. Authored a weekly client newsletter to communicate the team’s research and industry news.