David McCombs

David McCombs is a seasoned intellectual property partner at Haynes and Boone, LLP, with over 40 years of experience in patent litigation, appellate advocacy, and IP portfolio management. He serves as the firm-wide chair of the Technology Practice Group and is a member of the firm's board of directors. Prior to joining Haynes and Boone in 1989, McCombs gained valuable insight as in-house patent counsel for a diversified technology company, focusing on chemical/material science, diagnostics, robotics, and motion management technologies. His practice spans complex patent disputes for leading corporations and global technology giants, which have included a social media giant.

McCombs primarily represents operating companies as a defendant-side litigator. His extensive experience includes district court litigation, Federal Circuit appeals, and inter partes review (IPR) proceedings. He is widely recognized as one of the most active attorneys appearing before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), where he serves as primary counsel for numerous corporations in IPR and reexamination proceedings. His proficiency in PTAB matters is often cited, with his firm, Haynes Boone, being noted among the most active in PTAB trials.

He is a frequent author and speaker on patent law, IPR, PTAB procedure, Federal Circuit appeals, discretionary institution, estoppel, and AI-related intellectual property issues. His recent publications include analyses of new PTAB guidance on prior adjudications and clarifications of IPR estoppel scope by the Federal Circuit.

Admitted to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Texas Northern District Court, McCombs also contributes to legal education as an adjunct professor at SMU's Dedman School of Law.