If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.

– Abraham Maslow


Nicholas V. Sherbina is an experienced patent attorney who has helped clients develop and protect their intellectual property assets as well as navigate IP risks. Licensed to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, his practice is mainly focused on patent prosecution as well as intellectual property counseling in all areas of IP law, including patents, trade secrets, and licensing. Nick specializes in various life science technologies, particularly the biotechnology and pharmaceutical arts, including diverse diagnostic and therapeutic areas such as oncology, immunology, infectious disease, molecular diagnostics, gene therapy, and protein therapeutics. His practice includes counseling and opinion work on issues relating to patentability, freedom-to-operate, patent validity, and infringement.

Before starting his own firm, Nick worked four years in-house as a senior patent attorney for ZymoGenetics, a biotechnology company in Seattle. He also served as intellectual property counsel in Seattle for Emergent Biosolutions. Before going in-house, Nick worked for nearly five years as an associate attorney at the Seattle office of Townsend and Townsend and Crew, LLP, a national intellectual property law firm.

Nick attended the College of William and Mary in Virginia, where he earned a degree in Biology. He later pursued post-baccalaureate studies at the University of Washington in Seattle, including coursework in chemistry, engineering, and biology, before pursuing two years of graduate studies in molecular and cellular biology at the UW. After working seven years in scientific research, including five years in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, Nick attended Seattle University School of Law, where he earned his law degree, graduating first in his class.

Nick lives on Bainbridge Island with his family. When not working or spending time with his family, Nick pursues his other interests, which include photography, martial arts, and playing guitar.

Memberships and Admissions
Washington State Bar Association
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Washington State Patent Law Association