Bruce Dahl is an intellectual property attorney at Fennemore who helps innovators, technology companies, manufacturers, research organizations, and growing businesses protect, commercialize, and maximize the value of their intellectual property. His practice focuses on patent prosecution, patent portfolio strategy, intellectual property counseling, freedom-to-operate analyses, patent infringement and validity studies, design-around strategies, licensing, and other agreements involving intellectual property rights.

As both an attorney and an engineer, Bruce provides clients with practical, business-focused advice that extends well beyond obtaining patents. He works closely with inventors, entrepreneurs, in-house counsel, and business leaders to develop intellectual property strategies that support innovation, reduce risk, strengthen competitive positioning, and create long-term business value. Whether helping a startup build its first patent portfolio or advising an established company on complex IP issues, Bruce approaches every matter with the goal of aligning intellectual property protection with the client’s commercial objectives.

Bruce has prosecuted U.S. and international patent applications across a broad range of technologies and scientific disciplines. His technical experience includes materials science, optics and photonics, energy production systems, software and computer technologies, advanced manufacturing, robotics, automation, mechanical systems, and industrial equipment. He regularly advises clients on patentability, patent portfolio development, infringement risk, licensing opportunities, and strategies for protecting emerging technologies in competitive markets.

His patent prosecution experience spans numerous complex technologies, including thin- and thick-film coatings, advanced materials and nanomaterials, extractive metallurgy, sputter deposition systems, optical sensors, laser systems, imaging technologies, radiation detection, nuclear and renewable energy systems, digital image processing, software innovations, autonomous vehicle technologies, robotic machinery, industrial automation, diesel emissions systems, particle classification systems, precision measurement devices, and other advanced mechanical and engineering innovations.

Bruce represents clients across a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, advanced materials, mining, energy, software, industrial engineering, optics, electronics, and specialty coatings. His ability to understand highly technical innovations and translate them into strong patent protection allows clients to secure valuable intellectual property assets while supporting business growth, investment, commercialization, and market expansion.

Known for his intellectual curiosity and collaborative approach, Bruce enjoys working directly with inventors and engineers to transform complex technical concepts into strategically valuable intellectual property. He believes patents are more than legal documents—they are business assets that can be used both offensively and defensively to protect innovation, create competitive advantages, attract investment, and increase enterprise value.

Outside the office, Bruce’s passion for engineering and innovation continues through woodworking, metalworking, fabrication projects, and restoring classic automobiles. Whether building custom equipment or restoring his 1965 Mustang, he enjoys solving complex mechanical challenges. That same curiosity and hands-on problem-solving mindset informs the practical, inventive approach he brings to every client engagement.

• J.D., University of Denver, Sturm College of Law
• B.S., Aerospace Engineering, University of Colorado
• Associate Editor, Transportation Law Journal, 1987-1988

OTHER EXPERIENCE

• Aviation, Aerospace and Autonomous Systems

• Best Lawyers in America^®, Copyright Law, Patent Law, Trade Secrets Law, Trademark Law, 2018-2027
• Listed, IP Stars, Managing Intellectual Property Magazine, 2018-2020
• Benchmark Litigation, Local Litigation Star, 2015
• Listed, “Top 10 Business Newsmakers,” Denver Business Journal, 2014
• Benchmark Plaintiffs, Local Litigation Star, 2012-2013

• Author, “Technology and intellectual property are the lifeblood of your company,” Denver Business Journal, June 2, 2022
• Interview, “Determine what is important to you and fully commit to making it a priority,” Fennemore Blog, October 14, 2021
• Quoted, “What’s next for Lululemon’s tech ambitions?” Retail Dive, June 14, 2021
• Quoted, “What is a Patent Troll?” Yahoo! News, February 23, 2021
• Quoted, “Let’s Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day,” Fennemore Blog, February 18, 2021
• Quoted, “Business Methods Still a Sore Spot,” Law Week Colorado, May 16, 2016
• Speaker, “Patenting Your Research – The Hows and Whys,” University of Arizona, Tech Launch Arizona’s Lunch and Learn, April 2016

• Board Member, CO-LABS, 2017-Current
• Board Member, Colorado IP American Inn of Court, 2015-2017
• Member, Denver Bar Association
• Member, Colorado Bar Association
• Member, American Intellectual Property Law Association

• Colorado
• U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
• Registered Patent Attorney U.S. Patent and Trademark Office