Kristian Sullivan offers a wide range of intellectual property services, including securing and strengthening valuable IP assets, conducting freedom-to-operate analyses, and drafting and negotiating IP-related agreements. His practice spans many industries, including energy, oil and gas, medical, automotive, technology, construction, and hydrocarbon processing. 

Kristian is skilled at delivering pragmatic and strategic legal advice in the IP and technology law fields. In addition to private practice, Kristian has experience as in-house counsel at Exxon Mobil. His responsibilities included preparing and prosecuting U.S. patent applications, directing foreign patent application prosecution, and drafting, analyzing, and negotiating IP agreements. 

Prior to law school, he completed several internship assignments with Shell Oil Company involving several practical, technical projects related to downstream oil refining and chemical processing. As a result of these experiences, Kristian is adept at quickly assessing and understanding the technical merits of complex inventions, which enables effective and efficient preparation and acquisition of meaningful patent assets.

Kristian graduated cum laude from the University of Houston Law Center. He received his B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Houston. 

Thought Leadership

  • “A Work in Progress: The Ever [or Never] Changing Role of the Machine-or-Transformation Test in Determinations of Patentable Subject Matter Under 35 U.S.C. § 101,” Houston Business and Tax Law Journal, Volume XII, Issue 2, pg. 362-87, January 1, 2012