Chris K. Miller (Christopher)

Principal / Dallas Metro Office

Corporate legal teams count on Chris to provide wide-ranging legal advice for obtaining intellectual property protection in the U.S. and abroad. His skills as an IP advisor stem from a varied background — prior to attending law school, Chris worked as an engineer in the design, software programming, and troubleshooting of automatic control systems for electro-mechanical devices for use in automotive, oil and gas, refining, waste management, and aerospace industries. Chris also holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in automatic control systems for electro-mechanical devices and robotics.

These experiences have resulted in a deep understanding of, and empathy for, the needs and challenges that go along with inventing and patenting complex, multi-disciplined technologies. Chris works closely with owners and in-house counsel to define offensive and defensive procurement strategies with attention to quality and detail. His familiarity with legal and subject matter nuances in various foreign jurisdictions further allows him to effectively devise long term, up-front global patent strategies that maximize asset protection by helping clients avoid missed opportunities while meeting critical timelines.

Chris’ representative experience includes managing and developing a portion of the global patent portfolio for a leading medical device company. His experience in this field gives him expert-level insight into the industry and field of art, which he employs to maximize IP protection consistent with the client’s business objectives and goals.

Chris has also conducted infringement, non-infringement, validity, patentability, and landscape studies to assist numerous clients, for example, with bringing new products to market and to support Inter Partes Review (IPR) proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Chris’ engineering experience has assisted him in successfully representing clients to protect oilfield and refinery technology such as downhole tools, heat exchangers, heater treaters, drill pipe, casing, flares, and well drilling operations and processes.

Chris is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association and the Intellectual Property Section of the Oklahoma Bar Association, both of which seek to advance the field of intellectual property, provide support and growth opportunities to new members, educate the broader community in matters related to intellectual property, and promote the ideals of ethics and professionalism among intellectual property attorneys.

When he is not at the office, Chris enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two sons. He is a former competitive marksman and gunsmith, and is also the recipient of numerous awards for his painstaking restoration of a 1952 GMC truck.

Awards & Distinctions

  • Energy Law Journal, Senior Staff Member, The University of Tulsa College of Law

Memberships

  • American Intellectual Property Law Association, Mechanical Engineering Patent Law Committee
  • Oklahoma Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section
  • Oklahoma Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, Certified Engineer Intern

Education

J.D., The University of Tulsa College of Law, 2008

B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Oklahoma State University, 2005

Bar & Court Admissions

Oklahoma

Texas

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office