Three IP Lawyers Launch DC Boutique Focused on AI and Tech Law
Ross Dannenberg, Scott Kelly and Kirk Sigmon have launched KellDan Law, a boutique intellectual property firm in Washington DC. All three were previously partners at national IP firm Banner Witcoff.
The firm advises on patent strategy, AI governance, licensing, product development and emerging technology regulation. It will also take on legal counsel for companies building, acquiring and deploying AI systems.
KellDan breaks from the traditional billable hour model, instead offering fixed fees and fractional counsel arrangements. The founding team brings more than 70 years of combined legal experience and includes former software developers and startup founders.
Who's Leading the Firm
Dannenberg, the managing partner, spent nearly 26 years at Banner Witcoff handling thousands of software patent matters. He founded a video game and software company in 2015 and is recognized as an expert on video game law. His practice focuses on IP procurement, counseling and enforcement in software and digital technologies.
Kelly serves as head of practice. He was a USPTO examiner before joining Banner Witcoff in 2013 and advises on patent validity, infringement and IP portfolio strategy. He also worked as a software developer and founded an intelligent patent search engine company in 2011, which was later acquired.
Sigmon is chief innovation officer. He began his career at Morrison Foerster in Tokyo and handles patent matters across US, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and European jurisdictions. He made partner at Banner Witcoff in 2020 and has worked on AI, communications and regulated technology patents.
Paul Rivard, a former Banner Witcoff life sciences partner, will join the firm next month.
PatentAgility Tool Launches With Firm
KellDan is releasing PatentAgility, a free suite of patent analysis tools developed by Sigmon. The tools use AI, machine learning and natural language processing to help innovators analyze patents and patent families more efficiently.
Sigmon said the tool was designed to make patent analysis faster and more accessible. Beta testers have provided positive feedback.
Broader Trend in IP Boutiques
KellDan's launch reflects a broader shift in the IP market. Earlier this month, three lawyers from Brown Rudnick, Mintz Levin and Skadden founded Miletus Intellectual Property Management in Washington DC, combining legal advice with asset management services.
In New Hampshire, two IP boutiques merged to form 14-partner Secant IP. In January, a Philadelphia patent prosecution firm and trademark attorney Andrew Katz joined forces to form Belles Katz.
For legal professionals working with technology companies, understanding AI for Legal and staying current with AI learning paths for patent agents has become increasingly relevant as firms adapt their service models and tools.
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