Richard L. Sutton

For Richard Sutton, intellectual property law isn’t just a career: it’s a lifelong calling. Having grown up around Patterson Thuente, his connection to the firm and the IP industry began before he was even born. His mother was part of Patterson Thuente’s founding team, and as a child, Richard could often be found roaming the office halls—absorbing the energy, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to define the firm today.

As time progressed, Richard’s early exposure evolved into hands-on experience. Through high school and college, he took on a variety of roles at the firm, including receptionist, office assistant, file room clerk, and patent proofer. During law school, he clerked for nearly two years, gaining practical experience and a deeper understanding of patent prosecution and client service.

After earning his Juris Doctor from Mitchell | Hamline School of Law in 2017 and passing both the patent bar and the Minnesota state bar, Richard joined the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in Virginia as a Patent Examiner. For three years, he examined applications in an art unit focused on electrical computers, digital processing systems, and memory technologies, giving him valuable insight into how patents are evaluated from the inside out.

Richard returned to Patterson Thuente when the opportunity arose to reconnect with the firm that shaped his professional beginnings. Initially joining as Of Counsel, he was promoted to Associate within nine months, and he continues to build his practice following the firm’s merger with Husch Blackwell.

With technical roots in electrical engineering and professional experience spanning both sides of the patent process, Richard brings a balanced, practical perspective to his work. He has supported clients across a wide range of technologies, including computers and electronics, medical devices, mechanical systems, and electric vehicles.
Richard earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University in 2013.

“I believe that having seen the patent process from both perspectives—as an examiner and as an attorney—allows me to deliver comprehensive, strategic guidance that helps clients advance their innovations with confidence.”