Alton Absher III

Alton L. Absher III is a partner and accomplished trial attorney with nearly two decades of experience representing innovative companies in high-stakes intellectual property disputes. His practice focuses on patent litigation, ITC Section 337 investigations, post-grant proceedings, and complex licensing matters before courts, administrative agencies, and appellate tribunals nationwide.

Alton earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. He later completed his Juris Doctor at Wake Forest University School of Law in 2007, graduating cum laude and earning membership in the Order of the Coif, reflecting a strong academic foundation in law and technology.

Throughout his career, Alton has represented leading technology, financial services, retail, and consumer goods companies in sophisticated patent disputes. His work spans district court litigation, International Trade Commission investigations, and proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board involving complex software, hardware, and payment processing technologies.

Alton’s litigation experience includes securing favorable settlements and decisive victories in matters involving patent infringement, import restrictions, and unfair competition. He has successfully defended against multi-patent assertions, invalidated challenged claims through post-grant review, and resolved disputes through strategic motion practice and trial advocacy.

Alton has played a key role in matters resulting in substantial jury verdicts, including findings of willful infringement and significant damages awards. Clients rely on his ability to manage complex, multi-forum disputes requiring coordinated strategies across trial courts, administrative agencies, and appellate review.

In addition to litigation, Alton advises on licensing negotiations, market protection strategies, and dispute avoidance. His technical background supports detailed analysis of advanced products and systems, enabling practical legal solutions aligned with business objectives and long-term growth.

Alton L. Absher III is admitted to practice in North Carolina and California and before numerous federal district courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He also maintains active professional involvement through the North Carolina Bar Association’s IP Links Newsletter.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
• Past Editor, North Carolina Bar Association, IP Links Newsletter
• Member, North Carolina Bar Association, IP Section Council
• Member, San Francisco Intellectual Property Law Association
• Member, Federal Circuit Bar Association

Licensed State

• California
• North Carolina

Education

• Wake Forest University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD) Cum Laude
• University of North Carolina at Asheville
  BS in Computer Science

Awards & Badges