About

Excellence in intellectual property law and outside General Counsel services

We are dedicated to protecting and monetizing our clients' innovations, brands, and creative works. As a complement to our IP services, we offer outside General Counsel services to early-stage companies looking to grow.

Brian J. Philpott

Brian J. Philpott

Managing Principal | Intellectual Property & Corporate Strategy

Licensed in California, Texas, and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

brian@solexip.com

512-962-5926

Education

  • General Management

    Harvard Business School

    2024

  • J.D., Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Technology Law

    Pepperdine University School of Law

    2005

  • B.S. Electrical Engineering

    Oklahoma State University

    2002

Professional Overview

Brian J. Philpott is a seasoned attorney and strategic business advisor with over two decades of experience at the intersection of law, technology, and corporate growth. He brings an exceptional track record in intellectual property strategy, complex litigation, and high-stakes M&A execution. Brian's counsel is sought by C-suite executives, investors, and entrepreneurs alike for his ability to craft persuasive narratives, manage legal risk, and unlock enterprise value.

Brian's practice encompasses the full spectrum of intellectual property law, including patent and trademark prosecution, licensing, litigation, and strategic counseling. His litigation portfolio includes landmark victories, notably the successful defense of My Other Bag, Inc. in the highly publicized Louis Vuitton Malletier S.A. v. My Other Bag case, culminating in affirmation by the Second Circuit and denial of certiorari by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Throughout his career, Brian has co-founded and advised startups through formation, funding, and successful exits—including the acquisition of two companies by Salesforce. His work spans diverse sectors, including semiconductors, consumer electronics, enterprise software, fashion, and music.

He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law, where he teaches courses in Patent Law and Trademarks and Unfair Competition, and actively mentors the next generation of legal professionals.

Known for his clarity, precision, and collaborative approach, Brian offers clients a unique blend of legal depth, business insight, and operational agility.

Representative Experience

  • Chief Legal Officer

    Arctype Ventures (Austin, TX)

    Led legal strategy across M&A transactions, corporate governance, IP, and compliance. Instrumental in executing two divestitures and one acquisition, while shaping investor and acquirer messaging.

  • Co-Founder & General Counsel

    Phennecs, Inc.

    Spearheaded legal and fundraising strategies from inception to acquisition by Salesforce. Managed board communications and IP portfolio development.

  • Co-Founder & General Counsel

    Toopher, Inc.

    Drove IP strategy and negotiated Series A funding; played a key role in the company's acquisition by Salesforce.

  • Partner

    Ferguson Case Orr Paterson

    Provided litigation and IP counsel to clients in high-technology and creative industries.

  • Partner

    Koppel Patrick Heybl & Philpott

    Prosecuted over 1,000 patent applications and led significant litigation efforts, including the landmark Louis Vuitton v. My Other Bag fair use defense victory affirmed by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

Bar Admissions & Professional Affiliations

Bar Admissions

  • State Bars: California, Texas
  • Registered Patent Attorney, USPTO (#58,688)
  • Admitted to U.S. District Courts (C.D. Cal., N.D. Cal., E.D. Cal.)
  • U.S. Court of Appeals (Federal Circuit, Second Circuit)

Professional Affiliations

  • Contributing Author: CEB Drafting Business Contracts

Academic Engagement

Adjunct Professor, Pepperdine University School of Law

Award-winning instructor in patent and trademark law. Recognized with the McKibbons Award for Adjunct Professor of the Year (2021) and Legal Mentor of the Year (2019).

Outside the Office

Brian enjoys traveling, screenwriting, golf, fishing, and exploring topics in quantum physics and constitutional law.

Our Mission

At Solex IP, we see intellectual property as the foundation of innovation and a catalyst for business growth. Our mission is to empower clients with the legal insight and strategic direction they need to protect, manage, and maximize the value of their ideas.

Drawing on decades of combined experience, our team of dedicated professionals delivers tailored, results-driven IP solutions for businesses at every stage of growth—from startups to global enterprises.

Why Choose Us

  • Expert team of IP professionals
  • Comprehensive IP and outside General Counsel services under one roof
  • Proven track record of success
  • Personalized attention and service
  • All at a great value