Three Ward and Smith attorneys have earned a place among the elite in the world of intellectual property.
Managing IP has selected Angela Doughty, Joe Schouten, and Ryan Simmons for inclusion in its 2023 "IP Stars," a prestigious directory honoring the most outstanding IP firms and attorneys across the world.
Angela was named a 'Trade Mark Star' while Ryan also earned that designation plus the recognition as a 'Patent Star.' Making his debut on the roster, Joe earned the 'Patent Star' accolade.
The "IP Stars" is an exclusive rankings publication covering contentious and non-contentious IP work in over 80 jurisdictions. Inclusion is based on merit and endorsements by peers and clients. For more information on the methodology, click here.
About the 2023 IP Stars
Angela is a North Carolina State Bar Board Specialist in Trademark Law and a Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) who also serves as the firm's Director of Legal Innovation. In her IP practice, Angela routinely counsels and assists clients with identifying, protecting, enforcing, and managing their U.S. and international IP rights; trademark and service mark selection, clearance, and registration; opposition and cancellation proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; Internet and domain law issues; software development and licensing transactions; and negotiating the acquisition, licensing, and transfer of intellectual property rights. She has extensive experience with strategic planning and management of IP portfolios, including IP audits to assist clients with the identification of intellectual property assets and the related risks and opportunities.
Joe is an experienced litigator who focuses on intellectual property disputes. In particular, Joe handles patent, trademark, and copyright infringement claims, as well as claims dealing with misappropriation of trade secrets. His experience includes successful representations in trial courts, appellate courts (including the Federal Circuit), and administrative agencies (such as the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board). Along with intellectual property disputes, Joe also regularly handles complex, high-stakes litigation on behalf of a wide variety of clients.
Ryan's practice encompasses a wide range of intellectual property ("IP") matters, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. He supports and negotiates IP issues, including licensing and non-disclosure agreements and IP-related terms and conditions in various other types of agreements, such as joint development, manufacturing, service, and sales agreements. He is a registered patent attorney and has significant experience with preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications in a broad range of technologies, including electronics, computer hardware and software, medical devices, and general mechanical technologies.
