Cole Schotz Adds IP Pro From Winstead In Dallas

Cole Schotz PC has added a veteran intellectual property attorney with over two decades of experience to its Dallas office as a member from Winstead PC.

David W. Higer joined Cole Schotz’s litigation and IP teams Monday after spending the previous three years at Winstead. He told Law360 Pulse on Wednesday that he was drawn to the role at Cole Schotz because of the firm’s strength in IP along with the quality of its attorneys.

“It’s a great, well-run firm,” Higer said. “Leadership is committed to the IP practice and the IP litigation team is a great group of experienced trial lawyers. It’s a great recipe for continuing to build an even more successful practice.”

A graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law, Higer brings experience representing clients dealing with patent, trade secret, copyright, antitrust and commercial matters, with Cole Schotz adding that he has also worked on intellectual property protection and monetization, licensing, risk mitigation, corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions.

Higer added that some of the main challenges his IP clients are currently facing include issues posed by a lack of injunctive relief in courts, the continuing uncertainty regarding patentable subject matter and the impact of recent changes at the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

“My clients have universally reacted positively to the move,” Higer said. “They understand that my ability to partner with the great team at Cole Schotz will be beneficial to their matters.”

Along with his time at Winstead, Higer spent a year and a half at Wick Phillips, four years with Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP and 13 ½ years at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Cole Schotz said. Outside of his work as an attorney, Higer also spent time as a mediator for the Center for Conflict Resolution, and he also was a founding member and former president of the PTAB Bar Association, the firm said.

“Dave brings an exceptional combination of trial experience, intellectual property litigation acumen and business judgment,” IP chair Gary Sorden said in a statement. “His ability to help clients navigate complex legal issues, while also advising on critical business decisions, makes him an outstanding addition to our team. We are thrilled to welcome him to Cole Schotz.”

Other recent hires by Cole Schotz include Miami-based corporate transactions member Jennifer Llano and tax attorney Megan D. Ferris, who joined the firm in July and June, respectively.

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