Paul Smith

Paul Smith is an attorney in Willkie's Intellectual Property Department, where he advises clients on the development, protection, and commercialization of their brands in the United States and internationally. Serving as a lead attorney on the firm's trademark matters, Paul works directly with clients on a day-to-day basis and attorneys across the firm to advise on complex issues involving trademark prosecution, enforcement, portfolio management, and intellectual property transactions.

Paul counsels clients on all aspects of domestic and international trademark protection, including brand selection and clearance, prosecution, portfolio development, and enforcement. He regularly develops and implements global trademark strategies, coordinates multijurisdictional filing and enforcement initiatives, and represents clients in contested proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) and in domain name disputes. His practice also includes drafting and negotiating a broad range of intellectual property agreements, including licensing, assignment, coexistence, and other commercial arrangements involving the use and ownership of intellectual property.

Paul represents clients across a broad range of industries, including financial services, insurance, technology, entertainment, hospitality, and consumer products. He provides strategic, business-oriented counseling, helping clients navigate complex intellectual property issues while advancing their broader commercial objectives.

Prior to joining Willkie, Paul served as an attorney in IBM's Intellectual Property Department, where he handled trademark matters throughout the United States and internationally, and advised on significant licensing, sponsorship, and commercial transactions. His in-house experience provides valuable insight into the business considerations that inform effective intellectual property counseling.