William K. Nelson

William K. Nelson is a registered patent attorney who advises clients on protecting and managing intellectual property. His work covers patents, trademarks, copyrights, licensing, and disputes over intellectual property rights. He also helps clients assess proposed products and business plans through patentability, infringement, and freedom-to-operate analyses. In disputes, he takes a practical approach focused on the client’s business goals.

William earned a B.A. in Psychology with a Biology minor from California State University, Fresno, in 2002. He received an M.S. in Biology, with distinction, from the same university in 2005, followed by a J.D. from San Joaquin College of Law in 2011. His graduate research focused on agricultural pests, adding a scientific background to his patent work in the life sciences and agricultural technologies.

William has practiced before the United States Patent and Trademark Office since 2008. His patent experience spans biotechnology, medical devices, irrigation and harvesting technologies, agrichemicals, software, and electronic devices. He also prepares and prosecutes trademark and copyright applications, manages foreign patent portfolios, and handles intellectual property licensing and transfer agreements. His dispute work includes proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and Patent Trial and Appeal Board, as well as intellectual property litigation.

William K. Nelson is admitted to practice in California state courts, all four federal district courts in California, and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. His professional activities include membership in intellectual property law organizations and service as a council member of the Valley Industry Partnership for Cooperative Education. His listed honors include Super Lawyers recognition in 2025 and Super Lawyers Rising Star recognition from 2018 through 2021. He brings both legal and scientific knowledge to clients making decisions about their intellectual property.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Sierra IP Law, PC
• Member, California State Bar, Intellectual Property Law Section
• Member, American Bar Association, Intellectual Property Law Section
• Member, American Intellectual Property Law Association
• Member, Fresno County Bar Association
• Council Member, Valley Industry Partnership for Cooperative Education

Licensed State

• California

Education

• San Joaquin College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• California State University
  Master of Science (MS)
• California State University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges