October 24, 2006—Lee & Hayes adds attorneys to Spokane and Seattle offices.

Spokane, Wash. - Lee & Hayes, pllc, announces the hiring of three attorneys to the patent group. Rusty Hill and Damon Kruger were welcomed to the Seattle office and Christopher Lattin joins the Spokane office. Each offers a great deal of industry knowledge and experience in their respective fields and is sure to have an impact in the ongoing development of our clients’ IP portfolios.

The new attorneys bring a wide range of expertise that reflects the broad scope of the firm’s overall practice, ranging from aerospace and chemistry to computer and electronic technologies.

Rusty Hill has a degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland and a JD from the University of Washington School of Law. Rusty’s technical expertise includes audio and video digital signal processing, atomic force microscopy, bioinformatics, bioelectric sensors, business method patents, data encryption, electronic control systems, electric circuits, engine controls, LED lasers, medical devices, memory circuits, plasma displays, semiconductors, and software technologies. Prior to joining Lee & Hayes, Rusty was a Patent Due Diligence Manager and Patent Portfolio Manager with Berkeley Law and Technology Group and supporting Intellectual Ventures. Before that, he was with DC-based Arent Fox where he focused on international IP issues. Rusty also serves as a Captain (O6) in the Navy Reserve supporting the Office of Naval Research.

Damon Kruger has a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota and a JD from the University of Nebraska. Damon’s technical expertise includes mechanical, aerospace, medical device, manufacturing/industrial engineering & operations research, internet-based technologies, and retail management. Prior to joining Lee & Hayes, Damon gained industry experience as an engineer for Best Buy Corporation, Motorola, and a medical device R&D company.

Christopher Lattin has degrees in material science and engineering from Virginia Tech and a JD from George Mason. Christopher’s technical expertise includes computer and semiconductor technologies. Prior to joining Lee & Hayes, Chris worked for the law firm of Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz in Wilmington, Delaware assisting clients with the procurement and litigation of patents in the electrical and mechanical arts. Chris also served six years as a patent examiner in the semiconductor arts at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Lee & Hayes is a trusted advisor and business partner delivering strategic IP legal advice. We protect innovations and investments and help build meaningful and valuable IP portfolios of international scope.