Chris W. Spence, J.D.
Patent Attorney - Counsel
Chris Spence, J.D., received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering cum laude from Texas A&M University in 1991. After working as an engineer for Celanese Chemicals for 9 years, he attended The University of Texas School of Law, where he graduated with honors in 2003. Upon graduation from law school, Chris began his legal career with Conley Rose, P.C. in Houston and later joined Fulbright & Jaworski LLP (now Norton Rose Fulbright) in Austin in 2006. His legal practice focuses on patent prosecution and portfolio development.
Practice Focus
Chris’s prosecution practice focuses on the mechanical and electro-mechanical arts, with a particular emphasis on medical devices.
Experience
Prior to joining Parker Highlander, Chris was a Senior Associate at Fulbright & Jaworski LLP (now Norton Rose Fulbright). Chris devotes his practice to intellectual property law, with a specific concentration on patent prosecution and portfolio development, as well as transactional matters involving intellectual property issues. His patent prosecution experience includes all phases from initial invention disclosure meetings through final allowance of patent claims. Chris also counsels clients regarding licensing and other transactional matters involving intellectual property, as well as opinions regarding non-infringement, patent validity, and freedom-to-operate issues.
Prior to his legal career, Chris worked as an engineer for nine years at Celanese Chemicals, focusing on turbomachinery reliability, including turbines, pumps and compressors.
Professional Activities & Memberships
- Licensed to Practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- State Bar of Texas
- Austin Intellectual Property Law Association
Educational Background
- 2003 – J.D., Honors, University of Texas School of Law
- 1991 – B.S., Mechanical Engineering, cum laude, Texas A&M University