The Attorneys Behind Your IP
Direct counsel from patent attorneys who understand both the legal framework and the business strategy behind every invention.
Tom Kading
USPTO Registered Patent Attorney · Founder · Fargo, ND
Tom Kading founded Fargo Patent Law on a belief that drives everything the firm does: your attorney should understand both your legal needs and your business dreams. Tom brings a unique perspective to IP law — as a former entrepreneur who built and sold his own business interests, he has sat on the other side of the table. He knows what it means to protect an idea that represents years of work and real financial risk.
With an engineering background and deep roots in North Dakota's innovation community, Tom represents startups, manufacturers, agricultural technology companies, and individual inventors before the USPTO. His team brings over 65 years of combined patent experience to every matter — and Tom's personal involvement ensures that the strategy behind your IP is grounded in your actual business objectives, not just the legal minimum.
Tom's client philosophy is captured simply: "We see you as a whole person, not just a matter number or a billable hour." That means every consultation begins with understanding your technology, your market, and where you want to take your business — before a single application is drafted.
Practice Areas
- Patent Prosecution — Utility, Design & Provisional Patents
- Trademark Registration & Brand Protection
- IP Portfolio Strategy & Planning
- Licensing Agreements & IP Transactions
- Freedom-to-Operate Opinions
- Trade Secret Protection & NDAs
"We see you as a whole person, not just a matter number or a billable hour."Schedule a Consultation
Brenda Speer
Attorney, Of Counsel · Trademark & Brand Protection
Brenda Speer brings focused expertise in trademark law and brand protection to Fargo Patent Law as Of Counsel. With a deep understanding of the federal trademark registration process, Brenda helps businesses secure and defend the names, logos, and slogans that define their market identity.
Brenda's trademark practice covers the full lifecycle of brand protection — from initial clearance searches and application preparation through office action responses, Statement of Use filings, and registration maintenance. She works with clients across industries to build trademark portfolios that support long-term brand equity and reduce the risk of costly infringement disputes.
Practice Areas
- Federal Trademark Registration
- Trademark Clearance & Risk Assessment
- Office Action Responses
- Brand Protection Strategy
- Trademark Portfolio Management & Renewal
Our Qualifications & Values
USPTO Registration
Tom Kading is a registered USPTO patent attorney, authorized to represent clients before the United States Patent and Trademark Office in patent and trademark proceedings.
- — USPTO Registered Patent Attorney
- — Nationwide USPTO representation
- — 65+ years combined team experience
Engineering & Business Background
Tom's engineering background and experience as a former entrepreneur give him a rare combination: he understands your technology at a technical level and your business at a strategic one.
- — Engineering education & technical fluency
- — Former entrepreneur — sold business interests
- — Business-first IP strategy
Our Core Values
These aren't aspirations — they're the operating principles that shape every client interaction at Fargo Patent Law.
- — Listen with empathy
- — Simplify the complex
- — Empower with knowledge
- — Build lasting trust
Why Direct Counsel Matters
Most IP firms route your matter through associates and paralegals. At Fargo Patent Law, you work directly with experienced attorneys who are personally invested in your outcome.
No Handoffs
When you call Fargo Patent Law, you reach the attorney handling your matter — not a receptionist or a junior associate. Your IP strategy is developed and managed by an experienced patent attorney from the first call through grant.
Technical Fluency
Tom's engineering background means he understands your invention at a technical level — not just the legal framework around it. This translates into better-drafted claims, stronger prosecution arguments, and IP protection that actually covers what matters.
Business-First Strategy
As a former entrepreneur, Tom approaches every IP matter with your business goals in mind. The right protection strategy is one that aligns with your competitive position, your funding timeline, and where you want to take your company.