Brian A. Carlson
Phone: (972) 732-1001
Fax: (972) 732-9218
E-Mail: carlson@slater-matsil.com

BIOGRAPHY

Brian A. Carlson has extensive technical and legal expertise in numerous areas, including electronics, semiconductor processing, telecommunications, system, hardware and software design, signal processing and the Internet. Over the past 30 years, Brian has honed his experience in these areas, first as an electrical engineer and later as both an in-house attorney and outside counsel.

Brian’s in-house counsel experience allows him to appreciate the many considerations that his corporate clients face when making decisions about their intellectual property. With these factors in mind, Brian works closely with company engineers to fully understand a company’s intellectual property assets and inventions. He collaborates with in-house lawyers to identify product development options and priorities that are consistent with overall company goals and objectives. Brian then devises customized patent development strategies for his clients and assists with the implementation of those strategies.

In addition to working with established companies and law firms, Brian also works with new and developing companies to obtain the best possible protection for their inventions. Brian learns the intricate details of their inventions and helps them take the steps necessary to turn their ideas into a business reality.

Brian’s practice further includes advising clients on complex patent issues and preparing patent opinions relating to validity and infringement. Brian has provided patent opinions in technical areas that include semiconductor devices and processes and telecommunications. He has also worked in conjunction with other law firms to provide technical and patent support in litigation matters, and to provide strategic prosecution, including reissues and reexaminations, for licensing and patent enforcement programs.

EDUCATION

Brian graduated with a degree in electrical engineering with great distinction from Clarkson University in 1982, received a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Southern Methodist University in 1987, and graduated, magna cum laude, from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law in 1997. Brian was a business editor of the SMU Law Review, an Order of the Coif law school graduate, and a Golden Gavel recipient.

MEMBERSHIPS

Brian is a member of the State Bar of Texas and is admitted to practice before the Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas. He is a Texas Professional Engineer and is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

SPEECHES & PUBLICATIONS

• Charles A. Brill & Brian A. Carlson, U.S. and Japanese Antimonopoly Policy and the Extraterritorial Enforcement of Competition Laws, 33 International Lawyer 75 (1999).
• Brian A. Carlson, Balancing the Digital Scales of Copyright Law, 50 SMU L. Rev. 825 (1997).