David W. Carstens

As a founding partner, David Carstens is knowledgeable in all aspects of intellectual property including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.  He brings a diverse technical, business, and legal background to develop effective strategies for clients. Mr. Carstens earned two technical degrees, a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University.  He holds a law degree and MBA from Southern Methodist University.

His experience supports both patent and trademark prosecution and litigation, assisting clients in protecting computer software, cosmetics, oil field equipment, medical devices, and telecommunications.  His practice includes technology-related transactions, including negotiating license agreements and evaluating intellectual property in preparation for mergers. He counsels clients on infringement issues, employee non-compete agreements, and confidentiality agreements.

He is a registered patent attorney and is licensed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the Northern District of Texas, and other federal courts. He has served as a court appointed mediator and an expert witness in patent law. Mr. Carstens is also a Master in the Honorable Barbara M.G. Lynn American Inn of Court in Dallas.

For over twenty-five years, Mr. Carstens also teaches as an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University School of Law teaching courses on copyright law, patent law, legal protection of computer software, and international intellectual property law. In addition, he has lectured at numerous seminars on intellectual property law, including those sponsored by the University of Texas School of Law and the Center for American and International Legal Studies. He is the author or co-author of several publications including Harvard Journal of Law & Technology, Journal of the Patent and Trademark Office Society, William and Mary Law Review, and Journal of Contemporary Law.