Dave Bennett has practiced as a patent attorney in the Raleigh area since 1985. He is a member of Coats + Bennett and has been with the firm since it was founded in 1987. Prior to that time, he was an associate in the firm of Mills & Coats. Mr. Bennett’s practice includes litigation involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. He provides representation at both trial and appellate court levels. His experience also includes multi-party proceedings in the Patent and Trademark Office. He has ample experience preparing and prosecuting applications for patents and trademarks and handling appeals to the Board of Patent Appeals. He offers opinions concerning the validity and infringement of issued patents, as well as advice on how to “design around” valid patents. He also counsels clients in the selection of distinctive and enforceable trademarks.