David Y. Ashton, Associate

Dallas, TX

O: (469) 778-5812 D: (214) 720-2200

An attorney with extensive knowledge in fostering innovation

When clients work with Dallas-based attorney David Ashton, they quickly learn he’s much more than a patent attorney. He is also an IP strategist for exceptional technology innovators, ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies, leveraging his passions for emerging technology, business and law. David possesses advanced technical knowledge of the engineering field. He is a critical thinker who offers solutions for complex legal issues and a dependable advisor who always goes the extra mile to ensure his clients’ success.

IP protection is fundamental for innovation to thrive. David takes pride in being on the front lines of innovation while working collaboratively to provide clients with creative solutions to complex problems. He often prepares, prosecutes, and manages patent portfolios involving xR/AR/VR/MR lenses and displays, and QLED, OLED, and TFT LCD displays and associated advanced manufacturing process. David also prepares and prosecutes electronics and semiconductors, consumer products, industrial products and financial technology matters.

As an attorney passionate about client education, he offers straightforward advice regarding patents and product development. David frequently conducts IP due diligence support for corporate development activities and conducts sustainability analyses, IP risk assessments, freedom-to-operate analyses, and non-infringement and invalidity opinions. He works closely with inventors, managers and in-house counsel to manage, protect and expand a company’s patent portfolio while proactively identifying and developing patentable subject matter.

David completed a secondment acting as in-house counsel where he oversaw and provided strategic guidance for the chief technology office business unit and the display business unit of a Fortune 500 company. David’s hands-on experience best demonstrates his ability to work alongside clients in meeting business goals.

Patent practice informed by an engineering background

David holds two engineering degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Engineering. While coursework in advanced manufacturing processes and semiconductor fabrication has provided the foundation for his IP career.

David is the 2023 chair of the Dallas Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Young Lawyer’s Committee. He also is a North Dallas High School NAF Advisory Board Member and often mentors young students to help create equal opportunity for all students to have successful futures. He can often be found speaking at events hosted by the Dallas Bar Association, the Los Angeles Intellectual Property Law Association and other in-house counsel panels.

Outside of the office, David enjoys spending time with his family and golfing in Dallas Bar Association and Houston IP Law Association events.

Education

  • J.D., Texas Tech University School of Law, 2017
  • M.Eng., Texas Tech University College of Engineering, 2017
  • B.S., Industrial Engineering, University of Arizona, 2013

Bar Admissions

  • United States Patent and Trademark Office
  • State Bar of Texas

Professional Affiliations

  • Chair: Dallas Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Young Lawyer’s Committee
  • North Dallas High School NAF Advisory Board Member

Special Honors

  • “Ones to Watch” in Intellectual Property Litigation, Best Lawyers in America®, 2023-2024

An attorney with extensive knowledge in fostering innovation

When clients work with Dallas-based attorney David Ashton, they quickly learn he’s much more than a patent attorney. He is also an IP strategist for exceptional technology innovators, ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies, leveraging his passions for emerging technology, business and law. David possesses advanced technical knowledge of the engineering field. He is a critical thinker who offers solutions for complex legal issues and a dependable advisor who always goes the extra mile to ensure his clients’ success.

IP protection is fundamental for innovation to thrive. David takes pride in being on the front lines of innovation while working collaboratively to provide clients with creative solutions to complex problems. He often prepares, prosecutes, and manages patent portfolios involving xR/AR/VR/MR lenses and displays, and QLED, OLED, and TFT LCD displays and associated advanced manufacturing process. David also prepares and prosecutes electronics and semiconductors, consumer products, industrial products and financial technology matters.

As an attorney passionate about client education, he offers straightforward advice regarding patents and product development. David frequently conducts IP due diligence support for corporate development activities and conducts sustainability analyses, IP risk assessments, freedom-to-operate analyses, and non-infringement and invalidity opinions. He works closely with inventors, managers and in-house counsel to manage, protect and expand a company’s patent portfolio while proactively identifying and developing patentable subject matter.

David completed a secondment acting as in-house counsel where he oversaw and provided strategic guidance for the chief technology office business unit and the display business unit of a Fortune 500 company. David’s hands-on experience best demonstrates his ability to work alongside clients in meeting business goals.

Patent practice informed by an engineering background

David holds two engineering degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Engineering. While coursework in advanced manufacturing processes and semiconductor fabrication has provided the foundation for his IP career.

David is the 2023 chair of the Dallas Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Young Lawyer’s Committee. He also is a North Dallas High School NAF Advisory Board Member and often mentors young students to help create equal opportunity for all students to have successful futures. He can often be found speaking at events hosted by the Dallas Bar Association, the Los Angeles Intellectual Property Law Association and other in-house counsel panels.

Outside of the office, David enjoys spending time with his family and golfing in Dallas Bar Association and Houston IP Law Association events.




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