Jack Charles Goldstein

Jack Charles Goldstein, a prominent patent attorney and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, died peacefully with his daughter by his side in Houston, Texas, on October 24, 2025.

Jack was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, to the late Bennie and Rae Goldstein. After he graduated from Paschal High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 1964. While at Purdue, he was a member of Phi Tau Sigma, the national mechanical engineering honor society, and Sigma Alpha Mu (Sammy) fraternity, where he formed friendships that lasted his entire life.

Jack moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue his law degree while working as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent Office. He graduated with honors from George Washington University Law School in 1968. At GW, he served on Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif. Following graduation, he served as the first law clerk and technical advisor to Judge Phillip B. Baldwin at the U.S. Court of Customs and Patent Appeals (a precursor to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit).

On July 3, 1965, Jack married Leslie Silber, sister of his fraternity brother Stan Silber. Their marriage of more than 60 years was filled with love, partnership, and respect. They raised two children, Jason and Jill. Jack was a dedicated father who always made time for the things that mattered most, whether traveling to Jason’s tennis tournaments or taking Jill to Tony’s for treasured father-daughter dinners. In later years, he doted on his grandchildren with the same unwavering devotion and patience.

Once settled in Houston with Leslie and their young family, Jack joined Arnold, White & Durkee, a boutique intellectual property law firm. He spent 28 years there, helping shape its growth from a 12-lawyer practice into one of the largest IP boutiques in the country, with more than 150 attorneys across six offices. He was a respected shareholder, partner, and mentor who influenced the careers of many young attorneys.

Jack rose to national prominence in intellectual property law, yet remained remarkably humble. His sharp intellect, integrity, and genuine kindness defined his professional reputation. His many leadership roles included State Bar of Texas Intellectual Property Law Section Chair, Houston Intellectual Property Law Association President, Federal Circuit Bar Association President, AIPPI United States President, Association International pour la Protection del la Propriété Industrielle Treasurer General, American Intellectual Property Law Association President, and American Bar Association Section of Intellectual Property Law Chair. He was a life fellow of the Houston, Texas, and American bar foundations.

His achievements earned him significant recognition, including honors from The National Law Journal as one of the “100 Most Influential Lawyers in America,” repeated selections to Texas Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America, and acknowledgment as a leader in one of the top IP law firms in Texas. Before China officially opened its economy, Jack was invited to advise on developing intellectual property law, where he was welcomed with the respect typically reserved for dignitaries. Jack loved the law, and the law truly loved him back.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Leslie, and their daughter, Jill. He is preceded in death by their son, Jason, who died from ALS in February 2025. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter-in-law, Amy S. Goldstein; his grandchildren, Ethan H. Goldstein and Zoe S. Goldstein; his sister, Sue G. Rubenstein (Buddy); his brother-in-law, Stan B. Silber (Jo); and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and his beloved dog, Bubbles.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, November 2, at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel at Beth Israel Memorial Garden, 1101 Antoine, Houston, Texas 77055. Leslie will sit Shiva at her home Sunday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be made in honor of Jack C. Goldstein to ALS Research at the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General and mailed to the Massachusetts General Hospital Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114, Attention: Kylie Baruffi. Memorial Contributions can also be made online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate?re_fund=233893&is_designation=1&designation=Healey%20Center- Please be sure to indicate that the gift is a tribute gift in memory of Jack C. Goldstein.