Chris is the Co-Chair of DeWitt’s Intellectual Property (IP) practice group and is also a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. His domestic and international practice involves all facets of IP law, especially patent and trademark prosecution. He also serves as In-House Corporate Counsel on a contract basis for clients, where he manages IP portfolios, outside counsel and any litigation matters which may arise. Additionally, in his capacity as In-House Counsel, he works to implement legal policies and guidelines across multiple departments, negotiates agreements with licensors, licensees and suppliers, oversees document retention and assists with due diligence in negotiating the sale of companies.

He provides global patent portfolio management services for several of his clients. Chris has also prepared and prosecuted hundreds of domestic and international patent applications, particularly for electrical and electronic circuits and systems, computer software, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, medical devices, medical patient monitoring and treatment technology, device fabrication, optical devices and systems, security notes and mechanical devices.

Chris manages several domestic and international trademark portfolios and administers domestic trademark portfolios for foreign clients as well. His experience with global design patent prosecution includes Hague Convention filings and managing a portfolio for a major, international fashion industry company.

As an adjunct professor at Marquette University, Chris proposed and created an IP Procurement and Management course especially tailored for graduate students in the Engineering Management Program.

He is a past president of the Wisconsin Intellectual Property Law Association (WIPLA) and served on the steering committee of the AIPPI Division of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA). He also served as a U.S. Delegate to the AIPPI International Congress in Cancun and International ExCo & Forum in Buenos Aires.

Chris is a former board member and vice president of the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin (ASSEW).

His clients include manufacturers, universities, small and large corporations, privately held businesses, foreign law firms and corporations.