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Christopher "Chris" Kao, IP Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 26 years of legal practice · focused on IP and Patent

San Francisco, CA

Practicing ip in San Francisco since 2000.

26+
Years practicing
2
Bar admissions

Practices in

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Quick answer

Christopher "Chris" Kao is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on IP and Patent. Christopher has over 26 years of legal experience.

Based in
San Francisco, CALIFORNIA
Experience
over 26 years
Known for
IP · Patent
  • Handles IP and Patent matters from San Francisco, CALIFORNIA.
  • Over 26 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026).

About Christopher "Chris" Kao: Christopher "Chris" Kao is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on IP and Patent. Christopher has over 26 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Christopher "Chris" Kao

Christopher concentrates on ip and patent. Each area below outlines the kind of case Christopher handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

IP cases in San Francisco, California

Christopher takes ip matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.

Patent cases in San Francisco, California

Christopher takes patent matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Christopher "Chris" Kao — Over 26 years of California ip experience

Christopher "Chris" Kao is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on IP and Patent. Christopher has over 26 years of legal experience.

Christopher Kao is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Patent.

Christopher, who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Working with Christopher on a ip matter

Christopher Kao is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Patent. Christopher, who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher is held by other top lawyers in the same…

Clients Christopher works with

Christopher reviews new inquiries case-by-case for ip and patent matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Christopher "Chris" Kao's legal education and bar admissions

  • Harvard University

    J.D. · 1999

  • Dartmouth College

    B.A. · 1996

Jurisdictions

Christopher's state bar admissions

  • California

    2005 · ACTIVE

  • New York

    2000 · ACTIVE

Christopher studied at J.D. in Harvard University and B.A. in Dartmouth College.

Law school and academic background

Christopher completed J.D. in Harvard University and B.A. in Dartmouth College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Christopher runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Christopher "Chris" Kao

Christopher has received 7 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — International Arbitration - Commercial

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Patent Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Privacy and Data Security Law

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — International Arbitration - Commercial (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Patent Law (2026).

Locations

Office locations for Christopher "Chris" Kao in San Francisco, California

Christopher's primary office is at San Francisco, California, 94111-5998. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

San Francisco, California 94111-5998

Open in Google Maps

2400 Hanover Street

Palo Alto, California 94304-1115

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Christopher "Chris" Kao

Christopher has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Christopher "Chris" Kao — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new ip attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Christopher usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Christopher charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Christopher will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a ip attorney in San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many ip matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Christopher

Christopher discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in ip practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every ip matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Christopher confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Christopher's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many ip practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Christopher "Chris" Kao

  • How much does it cost to hire Christopher for a ip case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Christopher walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Christopher offer a free consultation?

    Christopher charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office. Some ip attorneys offer free consults — check Christopher's current terms during booking.

  • How long do ip cases in California typically take?

    Simple ip matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Christopher gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Christopher take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?

    Christopher is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Christopher will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Christopher?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Christopher will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Christopher accepting new ip clients right now?

    Christopher's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

IP attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California

Christopher handles ip matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified ip attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Christopher's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these ip attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.