About David
David W — Carstens is a seasoned intellectual property attorney based in Plano, Texas. Licensed to practice law in Texas since 1989, he has built a distinguished career in the field of intellectual property law. As a founding partner at Carstens, Allen & Gourley, LLP, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s focus on protecting clients' intellectual property rights. The firm is conveniently located at 7500 Dallas Parkway, Suite 300, Plano, TX 75024, making it accessible to clients. Mr. Carstens holds dual technical degrees that enhance his legal expertise. He earned 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. His academic journey continued at Southern Methodist University, where he obtained both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration.
To further bolster his business acumen, he completed the General Management Program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. This strong educational background equips him to handle the requirements of intellectual property law effectively. His practice encompasses all facets of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights. Trade secrets. Mr. Carstens has represented clients across various industries—protecting innovations in computer software, cosmetics, oil field equipment, medical devices, and telecommunications. His work involves not only patent and trademark prosecution but also litigation and technology-related transactions. He provides counsel on infringement issues, employee non-compete agreements, and confidentiality agreements, ensuring that clients' interests are well-protected in a competitive marketplace.
Mr. Carstens is admitted to practice before several prestigious courts. These include 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 the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. His experience also includes serving as a court-appointed mediator and expert witness in patent law, further showcasing his expertise in the field. This multifaceted role allows him to contribute meaningfully to the resolution of complex legal disputes.
In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Carstens has dedicated over thirty years to academia as an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University School of Law. He teaches courses on copyright law, patent law, and the legal protection of computer software, as well as international intellectual property law. His commitment to education extends beyond the classroom; he has lectured at numerous seminars and authored articles in respected publications like the Harvard Journal of Law & Technology and the Journal of the Patent and Trademark Office Society. Recognized as a Senior Master in the Honorable Barbara M.G. Lynn American Inn of Court in Dallas, he has also been honored as a Super Lawyer in Texas for multiple years, reflecting his standing in the legal community.
