Atty. David P. Sheldon
David Sheldon’s strong background in computer science and technical experience in software engineering help him assist his clients with patent drafting, prosecution, and counseling for software-related inventions. David's experience includes drafting patents for various complex technologies, including machine learning/artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicle control systems, bioinformatics, and medical devices.
Profile Summary
About David P. Sheldon at a glance
David P. Sheldon is a ip attorney based in Seattle, Washington, practicing at Christensen O'Connor Johnson Kindness PLLC. Admitted to practice in Washington, State Bar Association. Educated at University of California Los Angeles (J.D., 2007) and Northwestern University (B.S., 1999). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Patent Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Intellectual Asset Management, (2026). Serves clients in Seattle, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Want to Get Service From This Attorney?
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About
- David Sheldon’s strong background in computer science and technical experience in software engineering help him assist his clients with patent drafting, prosecution, and counseling for software-related inventions
- David's experience includes drafting patents for various complex technologies, including machine learning/artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicle control systems, bioinformatics, and medical devices
- David frequently helps his clients navigate the complicated issues surrounding the eligibility of software for patent protection and also advises his clients on other vital intellectual property issues relating to software products, including open-source licensing and developing comprehensive strategies for protection of software using copyright, trademarks, design patents, and trade secrets to supplement utility patent protection
- Within COJK, David serves as chair of the patent practice group
- David also leads the firm’s artificial intelligence committee, which is exploring the use of artificial intelligence tools to improve the efficiency of delivering legal services while maintaining client confidences and other professional responsibilities
- David is recognized by Intellectual Asset Management’s guide, IAM Patent 1000 — The World's Leading Patent Professionals and is named to the list of The Best Lawyers in America for his work in patent law
- Prior to joining COJK, David worked in various computing-related roles, including designing and coding software testing utilities for Microsoft
Practice Areas Explained
David P. Sheldon's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David P. Sheldon handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.
David P. Sheldon is one of 94,505 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in Washington →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Washington
Practicing law in Washington. Legal matters in Washington are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Seattle are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Washington state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Washington brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Washington courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Washington attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Seattle or all attorneys in Washington.
Frequently Asked
Common questions about David P. Sheldon
Where is David P. Sheldon's law office located?
What practice areas does David P. Sheldon handle?
Where did David P. Sheldon go to law school?
How can I contact David P. Sheldon for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has David P. Sheldon received?
Practice Areas
Education
Awards
Bar Admissions
Reviews
No reviews yet.