About Richard

Biography

About Richard

Richard is a native Texan and servant leader in the city of Austin. He is an intellectual property (IP) attorney and former Administrative Patent Judge (APJ). He is known as a leader, problem solver, and community advocate.

Richard was born in Dallas, Texas, and met his wife Kathleen through a high school friend and a church that Kathleen and he attended.  They were married in 1978 and have two children, Julie and Nick, living in San Antonio, and four grandchildren.  Their beagle Lucca is also a treasured family member.

Hard work was a value instilled in Richard while growing up.  After cutting lawns for a few years, he began part time work at age fifteen as a Fuller Brush man selling products door to door.  That job taught him how to speak with people and, hopefully, persuade them to buy a brush or cleaning products.

After graduating from college, Richard became a state certified science teacher and taught high school physical science and biology in Houston. In the fall of 1979, Richard enrolled at the University of Houston Law School. He clerked at IP firms in Houston during law school and became a registered patent agent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office before graduation.

Richard has been an attorney for approximately forty years.  In addition to practicing law, Richard taught at the University of Texas Law School and served as a member of the Federal Legislation Committee of the Austin Chamber.

In 2015, Richard was appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board as an APJ. He served as an APJ until March 2021.  Richard continues to practice law and serves as a member of Austin’s Board of Adjustment.

Richard’s friends and family know him as a person who enjoys the company of others, is a good listener, funny, and easy going.