Mark C. Nelson

Mark C. Nelson is a highly experienced patent litigator and a Partner, Patent Litigation Practice Unit Leader, and Trial and Global Disputes Co-Chair at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, based in Dallas and Houston. He has been with Barnes & Thornburg since March 2018, following prior partnership roles at firms including SNR Denton and Patton Boggs LLP, and an earlier tenure as an attorney at Jones Day from 1995 to 2005. In his career spanning over two decades, Mr. Nelson has appeared in more than 100 patent cases nationwide, serving as lead counsel in over 50.

Mr. Nelson’s practice encompasses a broad range of technologies, including diverse electronic technologies such as semiconductor products, cryptocurrency mining, telecommunications/wireless, LED technology, computer systems and software, machine learning, and financial services technology (e.g., payment systems and ATM functionality). He also possesses significant experience in biotech, medical device, and manufacturing technologies, handling cases involving genetically modified plants, pharmaceutical compounds, Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) cases, and drug delivery devices. Beyond patent litigation, he also litigates copyright, trademark, and trade secret matters.

While Mr. Nelson's tracked appearances include a defense-side role for J.C. Penney Company, Inc. against MPHJ Technology Investments, LLC, his broader practice involves representing a variety of clients. The MPHJ case involved a patent assertion entity (PAE) that faced Federal Trade Commission action for alleged deceptive patent assertion tactics related to network computer scanning technology. Other notable representations include serving as lead counsel for Citigroup and American Express in multi-patent cases that settled after claim construction, and obtaining a preliminary injunction on behalf of the University of Florida in a six-patent case concerning blueberry plants.

Mr. Nelson is also active in post-grant proceedings, having argued inter partes reviews (IPRs) and possessing experience with covered business method reviews (CBMs). He has argued appeals before the Federal Circuit and has tried jury and bench trials in district courts and the International Trade Commission (ITC). He is admitted to the State Bar of Texas and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He earned his J.D. with honors from The University of Texas School of Law, and holds an M.S. in genetics, cum laude, and a B.A. in biology, cum laude, both from the University of North Dakota.