About Patterson Thuente

A Legacy of Protecting Innovators

From our Minnesotan roots to international reach, we’ve spent over 40 years helping inventors and businesses protect what matters most: their ideas.

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For inventors, their patent is their baby. You don’t tell someone their baby’s ugly.

Jim Patterson

Our Team

Protecting your intellectual property through personalized and strategic legal counsel.

James H. Patterson

James H. Patterson

Founder
(612) 670-5307
patterson@ptslaw.com
David Justmann

David Justmann

Intellectual Property Attorney
(715) 410-4658
justmann@ptslaw.com
Paul B. Savereide

Paul B. Savereide

Patent Attorney
(612) 812-7474
savereide@ptslaw.com
Richard L. Sutton

Richard L. Sutton

Patent Attorney
(763) 300-8054
suttonr@ptslaw.com

Our Milestones

Our story is marked by milestones that reflect growth, innovation, and commitment.

Great Uncle Frank & The Linwood

From a young age, Jim Patterson was inspired by his Great Uncle Frank, a respected judge in Nova Scotia. Spending time at the family residence, The Linwood, sparked Jim’s early fascination with law and justice.

Naval Academy

Jim enrolled at the Naval Academy, where he honed discipline, leadership, and a commitment to service—values that would shape his legal career.

Began at Dorsey & Whitney

Starting his legal career at Dorsey & Whitney, Jim gained foundational experience in complex legal matters and built a reputation for diligence and integrity.

Founded Patterson Thuente (St. David’s Day)

On St. David’s Day, Jim established Patterson Thuente, creating a firm dedicated to protecting intellectual property with both strategic insight and personal care.

Pro Bono Advisory Council Chair

Jim’s commitment to accessible justice led him to serve as Chair of the USPTO’s Pro Bono Advisory Council, ensuring underrepresented inventors receive expert guidance.

Principal Founder of Jimmy V. Reyna Inn of Court

As a principal founder, Jim helped foster legal excellence and mentorship through the Jimmy V. Reyna Inn of Court, shaping the next generation of IP attorneys.

Hennepin County Chair: John McCain for President

Demonstrating civic engagement, Jim served as Hennepin County Chair for John McCain’s presidential campaign, integrating public service with professional responsibility.

The Linwood Purchased

Later in life, Jim purchased The Linwood, preserving his family legacy and honoring the influence of his Great Uncle Frank on his personal and professional journey.

Joined Husch Blackwell

Jim temporarily joined Husch Blackwell, further expanding his experience in large-scale legal practice and complex IP matters.

Firm Re-Acquired

Reacquiring Patterson Thuente allowed Jim to continue his vision of a boutique, client-focused IP firm with global reach.

AI Patent Law Specialization

Recognizing the future of technology and innovation, Jim now leads the firm into AI patent law specialization, staying at the forefront of cutting-edge intellectual property practice.

Our Mission

To provide exceptional intellectual property services, combining decades of legal expertise with a client-centric approach.

We empower businesses and individuals to protect, manage, and monetize their most valuable assets through tailored strategic counsel while ensuring access to high-quality legal representation for all.

Our Vision

To be the leading provider of innovative and accessible intellectual property solutions, helping clients achieve long-term success by safeguarding their creations and ideas.

We are rooted in a legacy of integrity, inclusion, and service, advocating for both businesses and underserved inventors in a dynamic global marketplace.

Explore Careers

Our Values

We are guided by principles that define how we serve our clients and collaborate with each other. Our values are the foundation of every strategy, decision, and outcome we pursue.

Integrity

Our actions and decisions are guided by honesty, transparency, and a commitment to always act in the best interests of our clients. With integrity as the foundation of our work, we foster trust and long-lasting relationships.

PROVEN EXPERTISE

We embrace new technologies, ideas, and approaches to deliver solutions that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations. By staying ahead of what’s coming, we help our clients navigate the evolving landscape of intellectual property.

Equity

We are committed to ensuring that everyone—regardless of background or resources—has access to the high-quality legal representation they deserve. We believe that innovation and intellectual property ownership  should be accessible to all.

Collaboration

Success is never a solo effort. We work closely with our clients and colleagues to create a unified approach toward achieving goals. Through mutual respect and shared expertise, we maximize our collective potential and ensure the best outcomes.

Service

Our work goes beyond just providing legal counsel; our role is to guide, protect, and empower our clients by offering them tailored solutions to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Testimonials

"Patterson Thuente helped us turn our ideas into assets that drive real business value."
"Their guidance in IP law gave me confidence as an individual inventor."
"We trust them to protect our innovations globally—every time."

Protect & Leverage
Your Intellectual Property

Whether you’re an entrepreneur with your first invention or a global business managing a complex IP portfolio, Patterson Thuente is here to guide you.

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