Hubs
Christa Brown-Sanford is the Chair of the Intellectual Property Department and serves on the firm's Executive Committee and Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Christa has a full-time patent practice, with the ability to advise on a number of different issues -- working together with her clients to be a true counselor. With an electrical engineering background and keen business sense, her ability to communicate with anyone, from clients, opposing counsel, inventors, or patent examiners alike, in a clear and digestible way, underscores her commitment to being a true partner at every stage of the process. Christa's clients appreciate that “[s]he is thoughtful and thorough . . . [and] can think through issues and solve [them].” (Chambers USA, 2020)
She provides guidance on patent procurement, patent portfolio development, patent litigation, and patent licensing – particularly involving telecommunications, blockchain, electronics, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, software, personal mobility, and other cutting-edge technologies. Clients describe her as “top notch” and consider her as “the subject matter expert.” (Chambers USA, 2022)
Christa also assists companies in developing and managing their patent portfolios and generating revenue from their intellectual property assets through licensing campaigns. While leading licensing efforts for companies, she continues to provide counsel and advice on patent procurement and litigation exposure.
An adjunct professor at SMU's Dedman School of Law, Christa teaches patent licensing and enforcement, in addition to patent prosecution courses.
Actively involved in the community, Christa is a member of the Charter 100 and serves on the boards of Southern Methodist University, SMU's Dedman School of Law, the Baylor Scott & White Foundation, and New Friends New Life (an organization focused on empowering trafficked women and girls). She recently completed serving as the President for the Junior League of Dallas, during the League's Centennial year.