Keth Ditthavong
Co Founder at Ditthavong & Steiner, P.C.- Claim this Profile
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English Native or bilingual proficiency
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Lao Elementary proficiency
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French Elementary proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Leondo Phifer
Keth is a rare combination of highly skilled, entrepreneurial and professionally cool. He has fostered a fun, growth-oriented culture at his firm and has high expectations of his associates and business partners. Having worked with him many years independently on select patent matters, I know firsthand his commitment to excellence. Two of my early observations of Keth from the time we started working together were: 1) his insistence that the patent narrative be coordinated around a sound claim strategy; and 2) his use of what I coined as his "brand consistency" model. Regarding the first observation, some firms surprisingly do not reign in the claim approach upfront as a prerequisite for guiding the writing effort. However, Keth requires this of his team to ensure a more cohesive patent application with targeted drawings conveying the core/claimed innovation are produced. As for the second observation, let's just say Keth schooled me upfront about his procedural and stylistic preferences when it comes to patent drafting, illustration and claim construction. Whether based on client policy (which he often created for the client) or unique to Ditthavong & Steiner, this proved he was serious about his firm consistently producing quality work product that bore the firm's signature craftsmanship. Just as importantly, it spoke volumes to me about his leadership and vision. I could tell he was thinking beyond just cranking out the applications of today; he was focused on the needs of the client and what he wanted his firm to grow into tomorrow. With business interests inside and outside the legal industry, he has tremendous insight on matters across a variety of fields. And while he is a consummate professional, he is also very laid back and easy to talk to. I'd highly recommend Keth to anyone looking for a well-rounded, passionate, skilled attorney with a keen entrepreneurial mindset.
Michael McCabe, Jr.
Keth is a brilliant patent strategist who is fully conversant in many complex technologies and knows how to get great results for his clients.
Leondo Phifer
Keth is a rare combination of highly skilled, entrepreneurial and professionally cool. He has fostered a fun, growth-oriented culture at his firm and has high expectations of his associates and business partners. Having worked with him many years independently on select patent matters, I know firsthand his commitment to excellence. Two of my early observations of Keth from the time we started working together were: 1) his insistence that the patent narrative be coordinated around a sound claim strategy; and 2) his use of what I coined as his "brand consistency" model. Regarding the first observation, some firms surprisingly do not reign in the claim approach upfront as a prerequisite for guiding the writing effort. However, Keth requires this of his team to ensure a more cohesive patent application with targeted drawings conveying the core/claimed innovation are produced. As for the second observation, let's just say Keth schooled me upfront about his procedural and stylistic preferences when it comes to patent drafting, illustration and claim construction. Whether based on client policy (which he often created for the client) or unique to Ditthavong & Steiner, this proved he was serious about his firm consistently producing quality work product that bore the firm's signature craftsmanship. Just as importantly, it spoke volumes to me about his leadership and vision. I could tell he was thinking beyond just cranking out the applications of today; he was focused on the needs of the client and what he wanted his firm to grow into tomorrow. With business interests inside and outside the legal industry, he has tremendous insight on matters across a variety of fields. And while he is a consummate professional, he is also very laid back and easy to talk to. I'd highly recommend Keth to anyone looking for a well-rounded, passionate, skilled attorney with a keen entrepreneurial mindset.
Michael McCabe, Jr.
Keth is a brilliant patent strategist who is fully conversant in many complex technologies and knows how to get great results for his clients.
Leondo Phifer
Keth is a rare combination of highly skilled, entrepreneurial and professionally cool. He has fostered a fun, growth-oriented culture at his firm and has high expectations of his associates and business partners. Having worked with him many years independently on select patent matters, I know firsthand his commitment to excellence. Two of my early observations of Keth from the time we started working together were: 1) his insistence that the patent narrative be coordinated around a sound claim strategy; and 2) his use of what I coined as his "brand consistency" model. Regarding the first observation, some firms surprisingly do not reign in the claim approach upfront as a prerequisite for guiding the writing effort. However, Keth requires this of his team to ensure a more cohesive patent application with targeted drawings conveying the core/claimed innovation are produced. As for the second observation, let's just say Keth schooled me upfront about his procedural and stylistic preferences when it comes to patent drafting, illustration and claim construction. Whether based on client policy (which he often created for the client) or unique to Ditthavong & Steiner, this proved he was serious about his firm consistently producing quality work product that bore the firm's signature craftsmanship. Just as importantly, it spoke volumes to me about his leadership and vision. I could tell he was thinking beyond just cranking out the applications of today; he was focused on the needs of the client and what he wanted his firm to grow into tomorrow. With business interests inside and outside the legal industry, he has tremendous insight on matters across a variety of fields. And while he is a consummate professional, he is also very laid back and easy to talk to. I'd highly recommend Keth to anyone looking for a well-rounded, passionate, skilled attorney with a keen entrepreneurial mindset.
Michael McCabe, Jr.
Keth is a brilliant patent strategist who is fully conversant in many complex technologies and knows how to get great results for his clients.
Leondo Phifer
Keth is a rare combination of highly skilled, entrepreneurial and professionally cool. He has fostered a fun, growth-oriented culture at his firm and has high expectations of his associates and business partners. Having worked with him many years independently on select patent matters, I know firsthand his commitment to excellence. Two of my early observations of Keth from the time we started working together were: 1) his insistence that the patent narrative be coordinated around a sound claim strategy; and 2) his use of what I coined as his "brand consistency" model. Regarding the first observation, some firms surprisingly do not reign in the claim approach upfront as a prerequisite for guiding the writing effort. However, Keth requires this of his team to ensure a more cohesive patent application with targeted drawings conveying the core/claimed innovation are produced. As for the second observation, let's just say Keth schooled me upfront about his procedural and stylistic preferences when it comes to patent drafting, illustration and claim construction. Whether based on client policy (which he often created for the client) or unique to Ditthavong & Steiner, this proved he was serious about his firm consistently producing quality work product that bore the firm's signature craftsmanship. Just as importantly, it spoke volumes to me about his leadership and vision. I could tell he was thinking beyond just cranking out the applications of today; he was focused on the needs of the client and what he wanted his firm to grow into tomorrow. With business interests inside and outside the legal industry, he has tremendous insight on matters across a variety of fields. And while he is a consummate professional, he is also very laid back and easy to talk to. I'd highly recommend Keth to anyone looking for a well-rounded, passionate, skilled attorney with a keen entrepreneurial mindset.
Michael McCabe, Jr.
Keth is a brilliant patent strategist who is fully conversant in many complex technologies and knows how to get great results for his clients.
Credentials
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Virginia State Bar
Virginia State Bar
Experience
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Ditthavong, Steiner, & Mlotkowski
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United States
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Law Practice
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1 - 100 Employee
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Co Founder
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Nov 2000 - Present
Keth Ditthavong co-founded an Internet start-up in the early ‘90s using his expertise as data and telecommunications engineer (holding a BS and an MS in Electrical Engineering). As an engineer, he worked at Verizon and the MITRE Corporation. His love of entrepreneurship remained in tack after attending law school and working at boutique and major law firms. In 2000, Keth co-founded his own law firm, presently known as Ditthavong, Steiner & Mlotkowski -- with offices in Washington, D.C. and… Show more Keth Ditthavong co-founded an Internet start-up in the early ‘90s using his expertise as data and telecommunications engineer (holding a BS and an MS in Electrical Engineering). As an engineer, he worked at Verizon and the MITRE Corporation. His love of entrepreneurship remained in tack after attending law school and working at boutique and major law firms. In 2000, Keth co-founded his own law firm, presently known as Ditthavong, Steiner & Mlotkowski -- with offices in Washington, D.C. and San Diego. He grew the firm from 2 people to over 70 employees and positioned the firm as an international powerhouse in intellectual property. Keth also pursues other business ventures in film and music, fashion, beverage, as well as software. His biggest accomplishment has been the people he gets to work with each and every day. Ditthavong, Steiner & Mlotkowski’s highlights: • Technical expertise in all technical & scientific disciplines • Members worked as Administrative Patent Judge, Chief Trademark Counsel at Fortune 100, In-house Counsel, General Counsel, Patent Examiner, Scientist, Engineer • Expertise in trade secrets, due diligence • Over 25 years of litigation experience at the trial and appellate levels, including ITC • One of the first to file an Inter Partes Reexam (IPR) • In-depth experience with Non-Practicing Entities (NPEs) • Keen attention to managing resources/costs • Flexible fee structures • Expert consultation on validity/invalidity, claim construction, and unenforceability issues arising in litigation and IPRs • Expert witness experience on patent procedures and inequitable conduct • Truly an international firm with multilingual professionals Show less Keth Ditthavong co-founded an Internet start-up in the early ‘90s using his expertise as data and telecommunications engineer (holding a BS and an MS in Electrical Engineering). As an engineer, he worked at Verizon and the MITRE Corporation. His love of entrepreneurship remained in tack after attending law school and working at boutique and major law firms. In 2000, Keth co-founded his own law firm, presently known as Ditthavong, Steiner & Mlotkowski -- with offices in Washington, D.C. and… Show more Keth Ditthavong co-founded an Internet start-up in the early ‘90s using his expertise as data and telecommunications engineer (holding a BS and an MS in Electrical Engineering). As an engineer, he worked at Verizon and the MITRE Corporation. His love of entrepreneurship remained in tack after attending law school and working at boutique and major law firms. In 2000, Keth co-founded his own law firm, presently known as Ditthavong, Steiner & Mlotkowski -- with offices in Washington, D.C. and San Diego. He grew the firm from 2 people to over 70 employees and positioned the firm as an international powerhouse in intellectual property. Keth also pursues other business ventures in film and music, fashion, beverage, as well as software. His biggest accomplishment has been the people he gets to work with each and every day. Ditthavong, Steiner & Mlotkowski’s highlights: • Technical expertise in all technical & scientific disciplines • Members worked as Administrative Patent Judge, Chief Trademark Counsel at Fortune 100, In-house Counsel, General Counsel, Patent Examiner, Scientist, Engineer • Expertise in trade secrets, due diligence • Over 25 years of litigation experience at the trial and appellate levels, including ITC • One of the first to file an Inter Partes Reexam (IPR) • In-depth experience with Non-Practicing Entities (NPEs) • Keen attention to managing resources/costs • Flexible fee structures • Expert consultation on validity/invalidity, claim construction, and unenforceability issues arising in litigation and IPRs • Expert witness experience on patent procedures and inequitable conduct • Truly an international firm with multilingual professionals Show less
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Medical Concierge Network
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Wellness and Fitness Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Advisor
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May 2015 - Present
Advise on intellectual property issues; provide input on software development for consumers and back office operations; and assist with strategic planning and partnering. Advise on intellectual property issues; provide input on software development for consumers and back office operations; and assist with strategic planning and partnering.
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HotelsByDay
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United States
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Hospitality
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1 - 100 Employee
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Advisor
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Jan 2015 - Present
Provide consultation to executive team on intellectual property matters; participate in providing business strategies and operations; and advise on business partnering. Provide consultation to executive team on intellectual property matters; participate in providing business strategies and operations; and advise on business partnering.
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GoPopFilms
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Greater Los Angeles Area
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Producer / Principal
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Apr 2011 - Present
Independent filmmaker -- producer; assistant director; sound; grip; develop treatments. Independent filmmaker -- producer; assistant director; sound; grip; develop treatments.
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Oblon
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United States
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Law Practice
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100 - 200 Employee
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Patent Attorney
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Jul 1999 - Oct 2000
• Managed client accounts; provided IP counseling • Supervised attorneys in preparation of patent applications • Prepared patent applications in the following areas: Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) networks, IP Multicasting, VSAT networks, Ultra-wideband communication systems, spatial information systems, universal messaging, computer telephony, voice processing systems, Internet security, and antenna systems • Prepared requests for interference • Drafted non-infringement… Show more • Managed client accounts; provided IP counseling • Supervised attorneys in preparation of patent applications • Prepared patent applications in the following areas: Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) networks, IP Multicasting, VSAT networks, Ultra-wideband communication systems, spatial information systems, universal messaging, computer telephony, voice processing systems, Internet security, and antenna systems • Prepared requests for interference • Drafted non-infringement opinions • Prosecuted domestic and foreign patent applications Show less • Managed client accounts; provided IP counseling • Supervised attorneys in preparation of patent applications • Prepared patent applications in the following areas: Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) networks, IP Multicasting, VSAT networks, Ultra-wideband communication systems, spatial information systems, universal messaging, computer telephony, voice processing systems, Internet security, and antenna systems • Prepared requests for interference • Drafted non-infringement… Show more • Managed client accounts; provided IP counseling • Supervised attorneys in preparation of patent applications • Prepared patent applications in the following areas: Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) networks, IP Multicasting, VSAT networks, Ultra-wideband communication systems, spatial information systems, universal messaging, computer telephony, voice processing systems, Internet security, and antenna systems • Prepared requests for interference • Drafted non-infringement opinions • Prosecuted domestic and foreign patent applications Show less
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McDermott Will & Emery
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United States
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Law Practice
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700 & Above Employee
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Patent Attorney
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Feb 1998 - Jul 1999
• Prepared patent applications in the following areas: Voice Over IP, video-on-demand, Advanced Intelligent Network, data network security, client-server architecture, network interface cards, xDSL multiplexers, spread spectrum systems, digital phase-locked loops, and semiconductor processing • Prosecuted domestic and foreign patent applications • Drafted non-infringement opinions, appeal briefs to Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences • Acted as technical lead on litigation –… Show more • Prepared patent applications in the following areas: Voice Over IP, video-on-demand, Advanced Intelligent Network, data network security, client-server architecture, network interface cards, xDSL multiplexers, spread spectrum systems, digital phase-locked loops, and semiconductor processing • Prosecuted domestic and foreign patent applications • Drafted non-infringement opinions, appeal briefs to Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences • Acted as technical lead on litigation – prepared responses to interrogatories and document production requests • Participated in the firm’s Technology Advisory Committee and Y2K Task Force Show less • Prepared patent applications in the following areas: Voice Over IP, video-on-demand, Advanced Intelligent Network, data network security, client-server architecture, network interface cards, xDSL multiplexers, spread spectrum systems, digital phase-locked loops, and semiconductor processing • Prosecuted domestic and foreign patent applications • Drafted non-infringement opinions, appeal briefs to Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences • Acted as technical lead on litigation –… Show more • Prepared patent applications in the following areas: Voice Over IP, video-on-demand, Advanced Intelligent Network, data network security, client-server architecture, network interface cards, xDSL multiplexers, spread spectrum systems, digital phase-locked loops, and semiconductor processing • Prosecuted domestic and foreign patent applications • Drafted non-infringement opinions, appeal briefs to Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences • Acted as technical lead on litigation – prepared responses to interrogatories and document production requests • Participated in the firm’s Technology Advisory Committee and Y2K Task Force Show less
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Lowe, Price, LeBlanc & Becker
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Alexandria, Virginia
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Patent Attorney
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Oct 1997 - Feb 1998
Prepared patent applications; prosecuted domestic and foreign applications in the electrical arts Prepared patent applications; prosecuted domestic and foreign applications in the electrical arts
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Bell Atlantic
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Washington D.C. Metro Area
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Senior Systems Engineer
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Sep 1995 - Oct 1997
Charged with planning, design, and integration of multi-vendor information and communication systems, including local and wide area networks (ATM/SONET, Frame Relay, LAN emulation and virtual LAN services, intelligent switching hubs), computer telephony integration (interactive voice response systems, video teleconferencing, telephony, and facsimile over the Internet), analog and digital voice systems (ISDN), and digital subscriber lines (xDSL) Charged with planning, design, and integration of multi-vendor information and communication systems, including local and wide area networks (ATM/SONET, Frame Relay, LAN emulation and virtual LAN services, intelligent switching hubs), computer telephony integration (interactive voice response systems, video teleconferencing, telephony, and facsimile over the Internet), analog and digital voice systems (ISDN), and digital subscriber lines (xDSL)
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MITRE
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United States
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IT Services and IT Consulting
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700 & Above Employee
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Senior Member of Technical Staff
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Jun 1992 - Sep 1995
Designed and implemented the following: private and public voice networks, WANs, shared and switched LANs, video-teleconferencing over LANs, and ISDN, remote access Designed and implemented the following: private and public voice networks, WANs, shared and switched LANs, video-teleconferencing over LANs, and ISDN, remote access
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Education
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1994 - 1997
American University Washington College of Law
JD, Intellectual Property Law -
1990 - 1992
The George Washington University
MS, Electrical Engineering -
1986 - 1990
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
BS, Electrical Engineering
Community
