Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is a law firm specializing in the protection, transfer and enforcement of intellectual property rights. Since its founding in 1978, Sterne Kessler has grown to become the sixth largest IP specialty law firm in the United States. The firm, based in Washington, DC, currently employs over 150 attorneys, patent agents and technical specialists, including over 50 with masters degrees and an additional 50+ with a doctorate in science or engineering. The firm's integrated practice helps clients develop IP strategy and freedom-to-operate; prepare and prosecute patents and trademarks globally; and defend and enforce patents at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, U.S. Supreme Court, and all forums in between.