Ryan N. Cross

Ryan N. Cross is Of Counsel at McAfee & Taft and a registered patent attorney with over three decades of experience in intellectual property law. His practice covers patent preparation and prosecution, IP transactions, licensing, and litigation. He advises clients on how to protect and use their intellectual property to support business growth, reduce risk, and increase value. His broad industry knowledge includes mechanical, chemical, and software technologies.

Ryan earned a B.S. in Physics from Oklahoma State University and completed all coursework toward an M.S. in Physics before earning his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. This combination of scientific and legal education forms the foundation for his strong technical understanding and legal insight in patent matters.

Prior to joining McAfee & Taft, Ryan served as senior counsel at ConocoPhillips and its predecessor, Phillips Petroleum Company, where he spent 20 years managing a multimillion-dollar global patent portfolio. He prepared and prosecuted more than 100 patent applications across various technologies and handled complex IP issues in mergers, acquisitions, and international technology transfers. His work also includes drafting and negotiating technology agreements, software licenses, and IP-related service contracts.

Ryan N. Cross is licensed to practice in Oklahoma and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. His experience extends to IP enforcement, infringement litigation, and patent opinions on validity and risk. He has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America in both advertising law and patent law and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Ryan is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section and is active in civic efforts such as Habitat for Humanity and the Oklahoma Mozart Festival. He continues to help clients build, protect, and maximize the value of their intellectual property portfolios.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, McAfee & Taft A Professional Corporation
• Member, Oklahoma Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section

Licensed State

• Oklahoma

Education

• University of Oklahoma College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Oklahoma State University
  BS in Physics

Awards & Badges