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Michael T. Smith

Education

  • J.D. University of Akron
    B.A. West Virginia University

Bar Admissions

  • West Virginia

Recent Publications By Michael T. Smith

"12th Man" at NFL Game Causes Trademark Flap,
January 10, 2012
No Utopia for Medical Form Copyrights,
October 22, 2010


Michael T. Smith
Of Counsel

Michael T. Smith
Of Counsel


Michael Smith concentrates his practice in the areas of patent prosecution as well as other intellectual property matters.  Mr. Smith is a registered patent attorney and represents clients in matters pertaining to patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, and unfair competition law.   He is co-leader of the firm’s Intellectual Property Team.

REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE

  • Represented the owner and publisher of 40 daily newspapers and numerous other publications in 11 states, including representation in the acquisition, policing, and enforcement of federal trademark rights, domain name disputes, and intellectual property licensing
  • Represented international toy manufacturer in patent, trademark infringement, and copyright litigation in the United States District Court for the Central District of California
  • Represented local nursery and landscaping business in federal trademark infringement and dilution litigation in the United States District Court for the Northern District of WV
  • Negotiated trademark settlement for local resort against newly opened bar and restaurant seeking to use similar name
  • Represented t-shirt manufacturer accused of federal trademark infringement and dilution based on Father’s Day t-shirts which were parodies of companies’ logos

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • 2001
    Steptoe & Johnson

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS / AWARDS

  • American Bar Association, Intellectual Property and Sports & Entertainment Lawyer sections
  • American Intellectual Property Law Association

INDUSTRY / CIVIC MEMBERSHIPS

  • The First Tee of West Virginia at the Eastern Panhandle
  • Affiliate Leadership Council, West Virginia High Technology Consortium Foundation
  • Board Member, TechConnect WV
  • Director, Gateway New Economy Council

PUBLICATIONS / SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

  • “The Role of Trademarks in Developing a Brand Image,” Mountain State Manufacturing Magazine
  • Adjunct Lecturer, West Virginia University College of Law
  • Presenter at various WV Export Council and Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneur’s Forum events
  • Presenter at 2009 Mid-Atlantic SBIR/STTR Conference, Morgantown, West Virginia
  • Speaker at West Virginia CLE seminar concerning trademark basics for business lawyers