About Carol Denise
Carol Denise Laherty is a partner at Cooley LLP in Seattle, Washington, where she focuses on intellectual property law. She has been a member of the Washington State Bar since 2001 and is also admitted to practice before the United States Patent & Trademark Office. The firm, located in the heart of Seattle, handles many intellectual property matters, including patent prosecution and litigation, as well as advising clients on IP strategy and management. She earned her J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law in 2001. Prior to that, she obtained a B.S.
in Economics and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Michigan in 1986. Carol furthered her education by completing a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of Michigan Law School. This strong academic background equips her with a unique perspective on the details of intellectual property law, particularly in the life sciences and technology sectors. Most of her practice involves patent law, where she assists clients in securing and enforcing their intellectual property rights.
Carol navigates the details of patent applications, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while also advocating for her clients' interests in potential disputes. Cases typically involve drafting and filing patent applications, responding to office actions, and representing clients in hearings before the patent office. Before joining Cooley LLP, she worked in various roles that shaped her expertise in intellectual property. Her previous positions included working at boutique firms specializing in patent law, where she developed a keen understanding of the challenges faced by innovators and entrepreneurs. This background has made her a trusted advisor for clients ranging from startups to established corporations. Carol is an active member of several professional organizations related to intellectual property law.
Her involvement in these associations keeps her informed about the latest developments in the field and allows her to contribute to discussions on best practices and emerging trends. She is committed to fostering innovation and protecting the rights of creators and inventors — In her spare time, Carol enjoys mentoring young lawyers and aspiring legal professionals. She believes in the importance of giving back to the community and often participates in outreach programs aimed at educating the next generation about the legal profession. Her dedication to her field and her clients is evident in her work and her commitment to excellence in intellectual property law.
