Karl R. Hermanns, IP Attorney in Seattle, Washington
Seattle, WA
Trusted ip attorney serving Seattle.
Practices in
Are you Karl R. Hermanns?
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Quick answer
Karl R. Hermanns is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on IP.
- Based in
- Seattle, WASHINGTON
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- IP
- Handles IP matters from Seattle, WASHINGTON.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Patent Law (Seattle) (2019).
About Karl R. Hermanns: Karl R. Hermanns is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on IP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Karl R. Hermanns
Karl concentrates on ip. Each area below outlines the kind of case Karl handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
IP cases in Seattle, Washington
Karl takes ip matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karl agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Karl R. Hermanns — Attorney of Washington ip experience
Karl R. Hermanns is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on IP.
BACKGROUND
Karl Hermanns' practice focuses on pharmaceutical and biotechnology patent matters, emphasizing strategic management of patent portfolios, early-stage company counseling, investment due diligence, and competitive patent analysis. He graduated with both a B.S. and an M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Washington and received his J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law.
EXPERIENCE
Karl was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Washington School of Law and the University of Washington Chemistry Department, where he taught patent preparation and prosecution courses, and a course entitled “Intellectual Property for Scientists,” respectively.AFFILIATIONS
Karl is admitted to the Washington State Bar, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth and Federal Circuits and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He is also a past president of the Intellectual Property Section of the Washington State Bar Association.
Karl's approach to ip cases
BACKGROUND Karl Hermanns' practice focuses on pharmaceutical and biotechnology patent matters, emphasizing strategic management of patent portfolios, early-stage company counseling, investment due diligence, and competitive patent analysis. He graduated with both a B.S. and an M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Washington and received his J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law.…
The kind of cases Karl takes
Karl reviews new inquiries case-by-case for ip matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Karl R. Hermanns's legal education and bar admissions
University of Colorado at Boulder
J.D. · 1988
University of Washington
— · 1984
University of Washington
BS · 1983
Karl studied at J.D. in University of Colorado at Boulder, — in University of Washington, and BS in University of Washington.
Law school and academic background
Karl completed J.D. in University of Colorado at Boulder, — in University of Washington, and BS in University of Washington. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Karl runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Karl R. Hermanns
Karl has received 18 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Patent Law (Seattle)
2019
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Patent (Seattle)
2013
Best Lawyers in America — Patent Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trade Secrets Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Patent
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2005-2026
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top Rated AV Preeminent™ Intellectual Property Lawyer, Martindale-Hubble, 2002-2025
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed in IP Stars (Managing Intellectual Property) for Patents, 2013-2025
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA, "Notable Practitioner," Intellectual Property: Patent (Washington), 2017-2025
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Recommended, IAM Patent 1000, Prosecution: Washington, 2017-2025
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Selected to Washington Super Lawyers, 2002-2021
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed in Seattle Metropolitan‘s “Top Lawyers” Issue, 2010
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 40 Washington IP Super Lawyers, 2006-2008
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Washington’s Most Amazing Attorneys, 2006
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Patent Law (Seattle) (2019). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Patent (Seattle) (2013). Best Lawyers in America — Patent Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Trade Secrets Law (2026).
Locations
Karl R. Hermanns's office in Seattle
Karl's primary office is at 701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 5400, Seattle, Washington, 98104-7064. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Karl R. Hermanns
Karl has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Karl R. Hermanns — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new ip attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Karl usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Karl charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Karl's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Karl will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a ip attorney in Seattle, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many ip matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Karl
Karl discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in ip practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every ip matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Karl confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Karl's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many ip practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Karl R. Hermanns
How much does it cost to hire Karl for a ip case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Karl walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Karl offer a free consultation?
Karl charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Karl's office. Some ip attorneys offer free consults — check Karl's current terms during booking.
How long do ip cases in Washington typically take?
Simple ip matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Karl gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Karl take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
Karl is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Karl will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Karl?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Karl will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Karl accepting new ip clients right now?
Karl's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
IP attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington
Karl handles ip matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified ip attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated ip attorneys in Washington
If Karl's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these ip attorneys in Seattle handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.