Atty. Christopher "Chris" Kao

Atty. Christopher "Chris" Kao

Christopher Kao is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Patent. Christopher, who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2018.

San Francisco San Francisco 26 yrs experience 26 year
Call (415) 983-1000 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Christopher "Chris" Kao at a glance

Christopher "Chris" Kao is a patent and ip attorney based in San Francisco, California, practicing at Pillsbury. They have 26+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2000. Admitted to practice in New York (2000) and California (2005). Educated at Harvard University (J.D., 1999) and Dartmouth College (B.A., 1996). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in San Francisco, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Christopher Kao is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Patent
  • Christopher, who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2018
  • This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area

Practice Areas Explained

Christopher "Chris" Kao's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Christopher "Chris" Kao handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Patent Law

Christopher "Chris" Kao is one of 20,749 patent attorneys indexed nationally. Browse patent attorneys in California →

Intellectual Property

IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.

Christopher "Chris" Kao is one of 106,079 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in San Francisco are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Francisco or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Christopher "Chris" Kao

Where is Christopher "Chris" Kao's law office located?
Christopher "Chris" Kao's law practice is located in San Francisco, California. The firm is Pillsbury. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Christopher "Chris" Kao handle?
Christopher "Chris" Kao focuses on patent, ip. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Christopher "Chris" Kao practiced law?
Christopher "Chris" Kao has 26+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2000.
Where did Christopher "Chris" Kao go to law school?
Christopher "Chris" Kao earned their education at (J.D., 1999); (B.A., 1996).
How can I contact Christopher "Chris" Kao for a consultation?
You can contact Christopher "Chris" Kao directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Christopher "Chris" Kao received?
Christopher "Chris" Kao's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — International Arbitration - Commercial.

Education

J.D.
Harvard University
- 1999
B.A.
Dartmouth College
- 1996

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — International Arbitration - Commercial
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Patent Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Privacy and Data Security Law
- 2026

Bar Admissions

New York
Admitted: 2000
California
Admitted: 2005

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