David, who once was described at a national legal symposium as the “Swiss Army Knife of IP Attorneys,” is a highly respected figure in the legal field renowned for his extensive and diverse expertise. He holds the distinction of being a registered patent attorney in the U.S. and Canada, a first-chair federal litigator, and the external general counsel for a group of privately held companies. With a client-focused approach built on a wealth of experience, David is an exceptional resource among attorneys, particularly in the realm of intellectual property.
Over the years, David has successfully litigated and prosecuted various patent cases across different technological domains, ranging from medical devices to computer hardware and software. His expertise also extends to handling trademark, copyright, trade secret, and breach of contract cases, among others. Bringing to each transactional matter a perspective of being prepared to assert or defend the work product in the courtroom, David adeptly oversees negotiation and implementation of clients’ licensing programs, mergers and acquisitions, and other contract-based matters.
David’s capabilities extend beyond litigation and transactional work – he is a certified mediator, utilizing his extensive experience to facilitate the resolution of complex commercial disputes, including those related to intellectual property. He also serves as an advisor to several governing boards and management teams for companies in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
David’s strong presence in the legal field is partly reflected through his involvement in judicially-appointed rules and attorney admissions committees and panels. This has been particularly prevalent with respect to the Waco Division of the Western District of Texas, since the arrival of Judge Alan Albright in Waco. David is a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars across the country, showcasing his expertise.
In a rather unique capacity, David’s proficiency as a pilot enables him to quickly reach clients or attend court hearings across the country on short notice. This special capability has been acknowledged in a Law360 article (“Waco IP Atty Calls Pilot License His ‘Secret Weapon”), highlighting how his aviation resources and skills set him apart in serving a nationwide client base.
Bearing a strong commitment to giving back, David has dedicated over three decades to various roles at Baylor University, including serving as a professor of patent and trademark law and litigation since 1994. Additionally, David periodically teaches in the Entrepreneurship Program of Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business, and has served as the vice chair of the non-profit Military Child Education Coalition.
Quoted in “Search for new patent hub begins after court ends Waco’s hold on U.S. cases.” Brittain, B., Reuters (2022)
Quoted in “Judge’s order aims to end patent case boom in Waco’s federal court.” Kyle, M., WacoTribe.Com (2022)
Quoted in “Court order could diminish Waco judge’s hold on patent cases. Witherspoon, T. Kwtx.Com (2022)
Henry, D. & Lisch, D. (2019). The Newest Patent ‘Rocket-Docket’: Waco, Texas. IPWatchdog.Com | Patents & Patent Law
Henry, D. G. (2021, January 20). Western District of Texas Gets an Upgrade: A Look at the New Waco Courtroom. IPWatchdog.Com | Patents & Patent Law
Henry, D. G. What Inventors Must Do (And Must Not Do) To Fully Protect Their Inventions. PilotAtLaw.Com
Henry, D. G. Trademarks and Service Marks: What Every Business Person Facing Competition Must Know. PilotAtLaw.Com
Preparing Your Device Portfolio for Litigation: Limiting Liability and Managing and Reducing Costs Medical Device Patents Conference-American Conference Institute (2012)
The Impact of Recent Patent Law Cases and Developments Aspatore Press (2012)
Effective this month, Henry will schedule regular travel to Austin and Houston, increasing accessibility to clients and attorneys in two of the state’s most active legal markets. He will continue leading the Waco office while supporting growth and integration across Central and Southeast Texas. Henry’s expanded role follows his recent recognition as Lawyer of the
Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in America list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers based on professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing. MWM is proud to have lawyers listed in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and
Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in America list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers based on professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing. MWM is proud to have lawyers listed in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and
In Dallas, MWM ranked as a Best Law Firm® in commercial litigation, copyright law, corporate law, employment law/management, insurance law, labor law/management, litigation/construction, litigation/intellectual property, litigation/labor and employment, litigation/patent, mergers and acquisitions law, patent law, sports law, technology law, trademark law, and venture capital law. In Austin, MWM ranked as a Best Law Firm® in
A. WHAT ARE TRADEMARKS AND SERVICEMARKS? Qualifying as a potential trademark or service mark is any word, phrase, symbol, design, or combination thereof, that distinguishes one vendor’s products or services from those of other vendors. If one provides a service (insurance agency, restaurant, retail store, etc.), the “name” on the sign, or brochures promoting the
A. WHEN SHOULD ONE SEEK A PATENT? A patent can be extraordinarily valuable because of its protection, if valuable in the first place, extends from the grant of the patent until twenty years from the filing date of the underlying application provided periodic maintenance fees are paid (35 U.S.C. 154). It is the “utility patent”
Munck Wilson Mandala is pleased to announce that 23 lawyers have been included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in America list are divided by geographic
By Dani Kass · Listen to article Law360 (September 13, 2022, 4:28 PM EDT) — Munck Wilson Mandala LLP partner David Henry has made his personal plane and flying services central to his patent litigation practice in Waco, Texas, where he set up shop long before it became a patent hotspot. By flying his Cessna 421 Golden Eagle to clients
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Baylor Law School, JD, 1985
Baylor University, BA, 1982
Biology
Waco Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program
Military Child Education Coalition, National Advisory Committee
Federal Bar Association
Dallas Bar Association
Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association
Registered U.S. Patent Attorney
J. Stephen Ravel Award (Lawyer of the Year) Western District of Texas 2026
Best Lawyers in America 2020-2027
IAM Patent 1000 Recommended Professional 2025-2026
Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters 2018
Texas, 1986
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Supreme Court, Texas
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island
U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
