Atty. Mark C. Nelson

Atty. Mark C. Nelson

Mark Nelson is a partner in Barnes & Thornburg's Intellectual Property and Technology practice based in Dallas and Houston. He has more than 20 years of experience litigating large, multifaceted patent infringement cases in federal district courts and before the International Trade Commission.

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Litigation - Patent & More Attorney · Serving Dallas, TX

Profile Summary

About Mark C. Nelson at a Glance

Mark C. Nelson is a patent and ip attorney based in Dallas, Texas, practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Admitted to practice in Texas, State Bar of Texas and United States, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Educated at The University of Texas (JD, 1995) and University of North Dakota (—, 1989). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Serves clients in Dallas, TX and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Mark C. Nelson

  • Mark Nelson is a partner in Barnes & Thornburg's Intellectual Property and Technology practice based in Dallas and Houston
  • He has more than 20 years of experience litigating large, multifaceted patent infringement cases in federal district courts and before the International Trade Commission
  • Mark also has experience in post-grant proceedings, including both inter partes and covered business method reviews (“IPRs” and “CBMs”)
  • Mark's experience in patent litigation spans a number of diverse technologies, including semiconductor products and the processes used to make such products
  • telecommunications and networking
  • satellite communications
  • gaming technology
  • pointing systems (indirect and direct)
  • financial services technology (e.g. payment systems, mobile payment systems, check processing, ATM functionality, and software, hardware, and infrastructure supporting same)
  • machine learning
  • personalized communications systems
  • solar-powered lighting devices, LED technology and fabrication
  • Internet-related personalization
  • location-based technologies and navigation technology
  • cryptography
  • electronic circuitry
  • Internet business methods
  • search engines
  • and internet sales
  • computer software
  • explosives used in automobile airbags and other automotive technology
  • soft drink bottling technology
  • electric motor technology
  • stereo speakers
  • cosmetics
  • chemical compositions used in cosmetics
  • asexually reproduced plants and plant patents
  • biotechnology and asynchronous assembly techniques
  • In addition, he has experience drafting and negotiating IP license agreements, counseling clients on setting up and maintaining IP licensing and/or IP capture programs, performing corporate IP due diligence, and opinion work
  • He also has handled copyright, trademark and trade secret matters, and other technology-related litigation matters

Practice Areas Explained

Mark C. Nelson's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Mark C. Nelson handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Dallas.

Patent Law in Dallas

Mark C. Nelson is one of 20,632 patent attorneys indexed nationally. Browse patent attorneys in Texas →

Intellectual Property in Dallas

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

Mark C. Nelson is one of 105,285 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in Texas →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Dallas

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

Dallas Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Dallas-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional Texas attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Dallas or all attorneys in Texas.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Mark C. Nelson

Where is Mark C. Nelson's law office located?
Mark C. Nelson's law practice is located in Dallas, Texas. The firm is Barnes & Thornburg LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Mark C. Nelson handle?
Mark C. Nelson focuses on patent, ip. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Texas.
Where did Mark C. Nelson go to law school?
Mark C. Nelson earned their education at (JD, 1995); (—, 1989); (BS, 1986).
How can I contact Mark C. Nelson for a consultation?
You can contact Mark C. Nelson 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 Mark C. Nelson received?
Mark C. Nelson's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:; Best Lawyers in America — "Texas Super Lawyer" Intellectual Property Litigation, Thomson Reuters 2012-2013; Best Lawyers in America — Ranked in Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) Magazine's Patent 1000, Texas Intellectual Property-Litigation 2017.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Dallas Choose Mark C. Nelson

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Mark C. Nelson's practice in the field of patent and ip.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in Texas, State Bar of Texas and United States, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Mark C. Nelson can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering patent and ip, Mark C. Nelson can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Dallas

A Dallas-based practice means Mark C. Nelson attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues Mark C. Nelson Handles in Dallas

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Mark C. Nelson has experience with under Texas law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Trademark registration
IP
Copyright infringement defense
IP
Patent prosecution
IP
Trade secret protection
IP

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Mark C. Nelson directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Mark C. Nelson Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Dallas commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Mark C. Nelson.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Mark C. Nelson directly.

Mark C. Nelson's Practice Areas & Specializations

Education & Law School Background

JD
The University of Texas
- 1995
—
University of North Dakota
- 1989
BS
University of North Dakota
- 1986

Awards & Professional Honors

Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — "Texas Super Lawyer" Intellectual Property Litigation, Thomson Reuters 2012-2013
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Ranked in Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) Magazine's Patent 1000, Texas Intellectual Property-Litigation 2017
- 2026

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Texas, State Bar of Texas
United States, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

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