Based in the firm’s Denver office, Chris Swickhamer has extensive experience in patent prosecution, with a focus on standard essential patents (SEPs), wireless communication, artificial intelligence, and computer-related technologies.
In private practice, he has led invention harvesting programs, advised clients on selecting inventions for patent protection, and drafted and prosecuted patent applications through issuance in the United States and major foreign jurisdictions, including Europe and China.
Prior to entering private practice, Chris served as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), where he examined patent applications in multiplex communications.
Education & Credentials
Education
George Mason University School of Law
J.D., 2008University of Wisconsin
M.S., Electrical Engineering , 2002University of Wisconsin
B.S., Electrical Engineering , 2000Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- IAM Patent 1000
- The World’s Leading Patent Practitioners, Prosecution – Recommended
- LexDana Patent Prosecution Rankings
- Top 125 Patent Prosecution Attorney in High Tech
- Illinois Super Lawyers®
- Rising Stars, Intellectual Property, 2014-2016
Prominent Assignments
Patent Preparation & Prosecution
- Standard-essential and standard-related patent prosecution in LTE, 5G, and Wi-Fi
- Domestic and international patent preparation and prosecution across a wide range of technologies
Opinions & Counseling
- Patent infringement analysis and non-infringement/validity opinions
- Patent validity assessments and strategic counseling
- Product-level patent clearance and freedom-to-operate counseling
Patent Licensing & Due Diligence
- Strategic patent portfolio acquisition and transactions
- Intellectual property due diligence in connection with corporate and technology transactions
Technologies
- Telecommunications & Networking: wireless communication; computer networks; and cloud computing
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Generative AI (gen AI); training of large language models (LLMs)
- Computer Systems & Architecture: computer hardware; software systems; and control systems
- Data & Information Systems: data analytics; search engines; and electronic trading platforms
- Financial & Transaction Technologies: electronic payment systems; and secure wallet technologies
- Security & Cryptography: cryptographic systems; computer network security; encryption technologies; and information security
- Hardware & Circuit Technologies: circuit design; and semiconductors
- Data Storage Systems: hard drives and data storage technologies
Professional Involvement
- INTA, Patent Committee