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Joshua P. Smith

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Partner
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VCard

Areas of Focus

Overview

Josh Smith helps corporations and individuals gain a competitive edge in their respective marketplaces through procurement, protection, and enforcement of intellectual property rights. Josh uses his real-world engineering experience to quickly understand the technology behind innovation. At the same time, Josh relies on his project management experience to view that innovation through the lens of business-need to craft and prosecute valuable patents that achieve the client’s overall goals.

With a background in both electrical engineering and computer science, Josh gained valuable real-world experience as an electrical systems engineer in the access/security and aerospace industries. Since then, Josh has transitioned from designing prototype aircraft systems for the F-15 and F-18 fighter jets that defend our nation to prosecuting and defending the high-tech electrical and software patents of the nation’s leading companies. Josh utilizes his previous experience to aggressively pursue and protect the IP rights of his clients while always keeping the client’s needs in target.

Currently, Josh’s practice involves patent prosecution, appellate litigation, and post-grant matters, focusing primarily in the electrical and software arts. This broad spectrum of legal experience results in a deeper understanding of the practical requirements behind efficiently drafting, prosecuting, and enforcing patents.

Although Josh works with many large international corporations, Josh also derives great joy from working directly with smaller companies and independent innovators and is always inspired by the genius and tenacity of those innovators. In kind, Josh takes that inspiration to heart and always strives to provide forward-thinking solutions and unparalleled client service.

Career & Education

    • The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
      Electrical Systems Engineer, 2004–2008 
    • Boeing Company
      Electrical Design Engineer, 2003–2004
    • The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
      Electrical Systems Engineer, 2004–2008 
    • Boeing Company
      Electrical Design Engineer, 2003–2004

    • University of Illinois, B.S., electrical engineering, 2003
    • DePaul University College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2011
    • University of Illinois, B.S., electrical engineering, 2003
    • DePaul University College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2011

    • Illinois
    • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
    • Illinois
    • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Joshua's Insights

Client Alert | 3 min read | 05.18.26

“To IPR or Not to IPR?” — Director Squires Offers Clarity, With Data and History

For 15 years, the question “Should we file an IPR?” was easy. The answer — almost invariably — was “yes.” High institution rates, a famously skeptical U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), and minimal downside made inter partes review (IPR) a nearly reflexive tool in the litigator’s arsenal. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director Squires’ precedential decision issued May 14, 2026, in Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc. v. Kurin, Inc. (IPR2026-00097) provides clarity to that calculus....

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Practices

Industries

Joshua's Insights

Client Alert | 3 min read | 05.18.26

“To IPR or Not to IPR?” — Director Squires Offers Clarity, With Data and History

For 15 years, the question “Should we file an IPR?” was easy. The answer — almost invariably — was “yes.” High institution rates, a famously skeptical U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), and minimal downside made inter partes review (IPR) a nearly reflexive tool in the litigator’s arsenal. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director Squires’ precedential decision issued May 14, 2026, in Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc. v. Kurin, Inc. (IPR2026-00097) provides clarity to that calculus....

View All Insights