W. Allen Powell
Associate
281.970.4545
powell@fyiplaw.com

W. Allen Powell

Allen's practice includes all phases of patent preparation and prosecution, opinion preparation, and litigation support. Allen has prepared and prosecuted U.S. patents based on a diverse range of technologies for a variety of corporate clientele, a majority of which are Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. In particular, Allen's experience includes preparation and prosecution of patent applications relating to medical systems and devices, semiconductor fabrication, chemical arts, process controls, computer architecture, software applications, computer components, and a wide variety of other electrical and mechanical arts. He also has significant experience in analyzing complex processes to provide noninfringement opinions.

Allen received his legal education at the University of Houston Law Center. In May of 2003, Allen graduated, magna cum laude, earning his Doctorate of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degree. As a law student, Allen served as an Article Editor for the Houston Journal of International Law and participated in several student organizations including the Law Center's Intellectual Property Student Organization. Allen's honors in law school include induction into the Order of the Barons and into the Order of the Coif. Allen is currently licensed to practice law in the state of Texas and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Allen's previous background and training make him especially knowledgeable about innovations in process engineering and computer related fields. Allen graduated from Texas A&M University in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. As a student at Texas A&M, he gained practical engineering work experience during the summers by interning for an exploration and production company based in Houston. As an intern, he worked in several locations from the main office to offshore platforms and worked in various roles including roustabout, reservoir engineering assistant, and geophysical assistant. Allen also prepared for his engineering career by participating as an active member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

After graduation from Texas A&M, Allen worked at Delhi Gas Pipeline Corporation as a plant engineer and project manager. During his time at Delhi, Allen conceived, designed, and installed various pipeline and plant projects. These projects included the installation of capacity expansion projects and gas sub-cooled processes. Additionally, he worked as a troubleshooter for plant operations and utilized computer simulation packages to optimize plant performance. He also gained experience engineering compressor systems and optimizing pipeline performance by utilizing computer simulation packages.

In 1998, Allen joined Barry D. Payne & Associates as a process controls engineering consultant. During his time with Barry D. Payne & Associates, Allen gained experience relating to all aspects of controls and often worked directly with software engineers to troubleshoot newly developed control systems and related software. Allen utilized his chemical engineering background and controls experience to develop and install control schemes for various processes, including gas sub-cooled processes and petroleum refining processes. In particular, Allen gained experience programming and installing Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Distributive Control Systems (DCS) for such processes. He also provided startup assistance and ongoing technical support for various control systems.