Attorney Bio

Stephen is an experienced intellectual property attorney with a proven track record in patent litigation, prosecution, and counseling in the electrical and computer-related arts. He has represented high tech companies of all sizes from early-stage start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.

His practice includes a broad range of technologies, including computer networking, cloud computing, data center infrastructure, software, mobile computing, databases, machine learning, digital television transmission (ATSC), wired and wireless data transmission, IEEE 802.11, automated calling, LCD panels, ATM switches, OCR, orthodontics, cryptography, smart cards, and payment technologies.

Before joining the firm, Stephen worked at three major national firms. His experience includes trials in Texas district courts, numerous Markman proceedings, and fact and expert depositions.

Stephen is a licensed Professional Electrical Engineer in the state of California. Before practicing law, he worked as a hardware and ASIC design engineer for a variety of semiconductor, computer and graphics companies. During his career, Stephen was the block owner of a number of different sections of the computer chips being developed, including the display unit and the digital video overlay and scaler unit. Stephen used his understanding of such technologies to architect and design these various units in the computer chips under development.

Education

  • University of Houston Law Center, J.D., cum laude, 2006
    • Order of the Barons, Order of the Barristers
    • Carothers Prize in Intellectual Property and Information Law.
    • Member of UH Giles Rich Moot Court Team for 2 years.
    • Regional Semifinalist, Best Appellant’s & Appellee’s Brief for Region.
    • President - Intellectual Property Student Organization
    • Semi-Finalist, James Hippard Mock Trial Competition.
  • University of Notre Dame, Master of Science, Computer Science and Engineering, 1998
  • Rice University, B.S. Electrical Engineering, 1994
  • Rice University, B.A. Computer Science & Mathematical Economic Analysis, Honors, 1994

Admitted to Practice

  • State Bar of Texas
  • The State Bar of California
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals Federal Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of California
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of California
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of California
  • U.S. District Court Central District of California

Professional Associations

  • Licensed Professional Electrical Engineer (California)
  • Austin Intellectual Property Law Association, Member, 2008 to Present
  • Honorable Lee Yeakel Austin Intellectual Property American Inn of Court, 2010 to Present

Patent Litigation

  • Defended a leading parcel delivery company in a large multi-district litigation with over 30 other Defendants against a non-operating technology licensing entity. Solely drafted and prepared a roughly 4000-page summary judgment filing for client.  Client was the only Defendant to win summary judgment on all claims in the MDL.  (C.D. Cal.)
  • Defended the same parcel delivery company client in an appeal by the technology licensing entity to the Federal Circuit. Prepared client’s Appeal and Cross-Appeal briefs.  A few weeks before oral argument, the technology licensing entity agreed to dismiss all claims against client with prejudice and received nothing in return. (Fed. Cir.)
  • Prosecuted offensive patent infringement cases against 3 of the leading telecommunications companies on 4G and Wi-Fi technologies. After filing summary judgment motions, case settled on favorable terms for client. (D. Del.)
  • Prosecuted offensive patent infringement cases against 3 of the leading DHL services providers on DHL technology patents. After Markman and discovery, case settled on favorable terms for client. (W.D. Tex.)
  • Represented a television manufacturer in prosecuting an offensive patent infringement case against a competitor television manufacturer, culminating in a week-long trial in Marshall, TX. (E.D. Tex.)
  • Defended a leading personal computer company against a research company involving computer and monitor stands, culminating in a trial in Tyler, TX (E.D. Tex.)
  • Represented a voice-recognition and OCR company in prosecuting offensive patent infringement cases against competitors in multiple cases. Cases settled on favorable terms for client. (N.D. Cal.)
  • Represented a cryptography research company in prosecuting an offensive patent infringement case against a leading credit-card company. After discovery and Markman, case settled on favorable terms for client (N.D. Cal.)
  • Defended a mobile security provider in a patent infringement case against a competitor. After Markman, case settled on favorable terms for client (E.D. Tex.)
  • Defended a cloud-based software company in patent litigation against a non-practicing trustee for a bondholder’s liquidating trust. Case settled on favorable terms for client (C.D. Cal.)
  • Defended a manufacturer of products for orthodontic care in a patent infringement case against a competitor. Case settled on favorable terms for client. (C.D. Cal.)
  • Defended a leading semiconductor manufacturer in a trade secret litigation against a competitor semiconductor manufacturer. (Cal. Superior Court).