Lance Topham

Lance Topham is a partner in the Intellectual Property group who helps innovative teams turn complex software, hardware, and mechanical ideas into robust portfolios. Lance focuses on strategic counseling and patent prosecution of technologies such as AI and machine learning, enterprise systems, robotics and e-commerce for clients ranging from startups to global businesses.

Lance concentrates on patent prosecution and portfolio strategy. He drafts and prosecutes U.S. applications, coordinates international filings and advises on office action strategy, appeals and examiner interviews. He is frequently recruited to navigate tricky subject matter eligibility issues and to position claims, so they read on real products. Clients rely on him to build portfolios that support fundraising, partnerships and exit outcomes while keeping quality, clarity and value front of mind. He partners closely with engineers and product teams to capture inventions early and translate technical value into claim sets that matter to the business.

Drawing on a physics background and hands‑on curiosity, Lance works across AI and machine learning, front and back‑end systems, e‑commerce and logistics, data management, storage, enterprise architecture, telecommunications, embedded systems, robotics, autonomous tech, and digital electronics. His experience spans working with individual inventors, VC‑backed startups and global technology companies. He has helped launch greenfield portfolios, rationalize legacy assets and design processes that scale. On his personal time, he also writes light automations including AI‑assisted tools to streamline drafting and prosecution workflows.

Lance earned a B.S. in Applied Physics and a J.D. from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. He serves on the state bar innovation and AI committees and has presented on ethical and practical use of artificial intelligence in legal settings. Outside the office he enjoys building and fixing things, playing with the latest gadgets, and learning about cars, bleeding-edge technology, science and how things work. He particularly loves spending time with his family including his three children.