Parker Highlander, PLLC - Austin, TX

Premier Intellectual Property Counsel for Life Sciences

Parker Highlander, PLLC is a boutique intellectual property law firm that combines deep scientific knowledge with rigorous legal expertise. Often referred to as ”pH IP Law,” the firm was established to serve the unique needs of the biotechnology, chemical, and medical device industries. The founding members-David Parker, Steven Highlander, and Mark Voges-each hold Ph.D. degrees in addition to their law degrees, a testament to the firm's commitment to technical mastery. This rare combination allows them to understand complex scientific innovations at a granular level and translate them into robust legal protection. Based in Austin, the firm represents a diverse clientele ranging from major universities and research institutions to pharmaceutical companies and individual inventors.

Specialized Patent Prosecution and Portfolio Management

The firm's core practice revolves around the preparation and prosecution of patent applications in highly technical fields. They are experts in Biotechnology, handling cases involving genomics, immunology, and protein chemistry. In the realm of Pharmaceuticals, they guide clients through the intricate landscape of drug patents, including Hatch-Waxman litigation strategies. Parker Highlander is also renowned for its work in Medical Devices, securing protection for surgical instruments, diagnostics, and implantable technologies. Beyond filing patents, the firm manages global IP portfolios, ensuring that clients' intellectual assets are protected in key markets around the world.

• Freedom-to-Operate: Conducting exhaustive analyses to ensure that a client's new product does not infringe on existing patents.
• Due Diligence: Assisting investors and companies in evaluating the strength and value of IP assets during mergers and acquisitions.
• Interference Proceedings: Representing clients in complex disputes before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) to determine priority of invention.

A Boutique Firm with Big-Law Capability

While Parker Highlander offers the personalized attention of a smaller firm, its capabilities rival those of large national practices. The team includes numerous attorneys and patent agents with advanced degrees, ensuring that every case is staffed with professionals who understand the specific science involved. They pride themselves on a collaborative approach, working closely with scientists and business executives to align legal strategies with commercial goals. This ”scientist-to-scientist” communication style eliminates the friction often found in IP law, resulting in more accurate patent claims and stronger legal defenses.

”By combining scientific insight with legal precision, we safeguard the innovations that are shaping tomorrow.”

Strategic Location in the West Lake Hills

The firm's office is located on the Capital of Texas Highway in the scenic West Lake Hills area of Austin. This location offers a professional and focused environment, away from the distractions of the city center but close enough to the region's growing biotech hub. The office complex is designed to facilitate confidential and high-level discussions, providing a comfortable setting for clients to review their intellectual property strategies. With a strong reputation in the Texas legal community and recognition from peer-review organizations, Parker Highlander stands as a leader in science-based legal representation.