David W. Carstens

David W. Carstens, a founding partner of Carstens, Allen & Gourley, LLP, in Plano, Texas, possesses a deep understanding of intellectual property encompassing patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. His multifaceted technical, business and legal experience enables him to craft effective strategies tailored to his clients' needs.Mr. Carstens specializes in patent and trademark prosecution and litigation, aiding clients in safeguarding assets such as computer software, cosmetics, oil field equipment, medical devices and telecommunications. His practice extends to technology-related transactions, including licensing agreements and intellectual property evaluations for mergers. He also provides counsel on infringement matters, employee noncompete clauses and confidentiality agreements.Licensed to practice as a patent attorney before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, and various other federal courts, Mr. Carstens has also served as a court-appointed mediator and expert witness in patent law. He is a Senior Master in the Honorable Barbara M.G. Lynn American Inn of Court in Dallas.Mr. Carstens holds dual technical degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University. Additionally, he has earned both a Juris Doctor and an MBA from Southern Methodist University, along with completing the General Management Program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.With over three decades of teaching experience, Mr. Carstens serves as an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University School of Law, instructing courses in copyright law, patent law, legal protection of computer software, and international intellectual property law. He has also lectured at numerous seminars, including those sponsored by the University of Texas School of Law and the Center for American and International Legal Studies.Mr. Carstens’ written works are featured in publications such as the Harvard Journal of Law & Technology, the Journal of the Patent and Trademark Office Society, the William and Mary Law Review, and the Journal of Contemporary Law. In addition to his legal career, he has founded several businesses, including the government relations consulting firm Connector Labs, Inc., the nationally chartered T Bank N.A., and the innovation platform company Doxile, Inc.For his exceptional work in the legal field, Mr. Carstens has received an AV* Preeminent peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell.*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.