Pierre C. Van Rysselberghe

Pierre C. Van Rysselberghe is a partner at Kolisch Hartwell with over 20 years of experience in intellectual property law. His practice focuses on building and protecting global IP portfolios for startups, research-driven companies, and established corporations across a wide range of industries and technologies.

Pierre earned his Juris Doctor with honors from Golden Gate University School of Law in 1989, where he received the Achievement Award for Excellence in Law and Technology. He also holds a B.A. in Chemistry from Pomona College and completed graduate coursework in biology at UC Berkeley and the University of Oregon.

Licensed in both Oregon and California, Pierre is also a registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) patent attorney and is admitted to practice before multiple federal courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. With a strong background in chemistry and biotechnology, he brings deep technical insight to complex chemical and mechanical patent matters.

Before joining Kolisch Hartwell in 1992, Pierre practiced at Limbach and Limbach in San Francisco. He previously worked as a senior scientist in R&D at SmithKline Corporation, contributing firsthand to the development of cutting-edge technologies. His combined scientific and legal expertise makes him uniquely qualified to manage complex IP challenges.

Pierre advises clients on U.S. and international patent and trademark prosecution, freedom-to-operate analysis, licensing, and due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and public offerings. He has successfully negotiated IP transactions and enforced rights across jurisdictions.

An inventor himself with multiple U.S. patents, Pierre C. Van Rysselberghe brings a client-centered and innovation-driven approach to intellectual property law. His AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell underscores his professional excellence and ethical standards.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Kolisch Hartwell, P.C.
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Oregon Intellectual Property Law Association
• Member, San Francisco Intellectual Property Law Association
• Member, Multnomah Bar Association
• Member, Oregon State Bar
• Member, State Bar of California

Licensed State

Education

• Golden Gate University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• U.C. Berkeley and University, Oregon
  Graduate Courses in Biology
• Pomona College
  BA in Chemistry

Awards & Badges