David R. Clonts

David R. Clonts, founder of Clonts IP, PLLC, in Houston, Texas, focuses his practice on complex patent litigation and strategic client counseling. He focuses his practice on intellectual property matters. He represents clients across the telecom, broadband, medical device and electronics industries, handling high-stakes disputes as well as providing prelitigation strategic direction.

Mr. Clonts has managed more than 70 disputes in federal and state courts nationwide as well as before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. His practice includes patent, trade secret and business matters for Fortune 500 companies, global brands and technology innovators. Early in his career, he balanced litigation with patent prosecution and diligence work, experience that provides invaluable insight for today’s complex patent litigation.

Building on this foundation, Mr. Clonts has spent the last two decades advising litigation funders, established technology companies, startups and portfolio acquisition entities. He has conducted diligence on hundreds of matters, including individual cases, firm portfolios and patent portfolios, and has counseled Fortune 500 clients on acquiring and licensing patents.

Mr. Clonts earned his J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law and his B.S.E.E. from Georgia Institute of Technology. He is admitted to practice in Texas, the U.S. District Courts for all Texas Districts, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Recognized by Chambers USA (2005–2025) and The Best Lawyers in America, he is an active member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, the Houston Intellectual Property Law Association, and the Honorable Nancy F. Atlas Intellectual Property American Inn of Court.

With more than 30 years of experience, Mr. Clonts is nationally recognized for his work in intellectual property and commercial litigation. He has received an AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell. 

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.