4 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized as 2024 IP Stars by Managing IP

June 19, 2024

Ward and Smith, P.A.

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Ward and Smith is proud to announce that several of our attorneys have been named 2024 IP Stars by Managing IP!

This prestigious recognition covers contentious and non-contentious IP work in more than 70 jurisdictions. Inclusion is based on merit and endorsements by peers and clients. For more information on the methodology, click here.

The Ward and Smith attorneys recognized in the 2024 IP Stars are:

Art DeBaugh, Trade Mark Star, 2024 

Art, a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Trademark Law, was recognized as a Trade Mark Star 2024 for his outstanding work in his legal field. He has over thirty years of success advocating for clients' intellectual property rights and has an extensive background that includes an impressive portfolio with over 3,000 successful trademark applications in the U.S. across industries such as software, electronics, health care, marketing, consumer packaged goods, apparel/textile, retail, food and beverage, and higher education. 

Angela Doughty, Trade Mark Star, 2024 

Angela, another Trade Mark Star 2024, leads Ward and Smith's intellectual property practice and is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Trademark Law. Her strategic approach and thorough understanding of trademark issues have earned her this well-deserved recognition. 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 related risks and opportunities.

Joe Schouten, Patent Star 2024

Joe Schouten has been named a Patent Star for 2024. He is an experienced litigator who focuses on intellectual property disputes.  In particular, he 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).

Ryan Simmons, Patent Star 2024 and Trade Mark Star 2024

Ryan Simmons has achieved dual recognition as both a Patent Star 2024 and a Trade Mark Star  2024. Ryan's practice covers a broad spectrum of intellectual property ("IP") matters, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. He is a registered patent attorney with extensive experience in creating, filing, and prosecuting patent applications across a wide range of technologies, such as general mechanical, container and packaging, juvenile products, outdoor/hunting and fishing equipment, electronics, medical/dental devices, biomechanical, appliances, and computer hardware and software technologies. He also has significant experience with the Patent Cooperation Treaty and assisting clients with protecting their IP internationally.