Stephen J. Smith

Stephen J. Smith practices in the area of intellectual property law. Mr. Smith prosecutes patent applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and assists clients in the acquisition of U.S. and foreign patent rights in diverse technologies such as financial transactions, software, aeronautics, robotics, medical devices, and lighting, which has included AI and machine learning specific features. He performs due diligence reviews of patent portfolios, freedom-to-operate searches, and assists in the preparation of patent opinion letters. Additionally, Mr. Smith assists attorneys in a variety of post-grant proceedings before the USPTO, including technical analysis of prior art in connection with inter partes reviews.

Mr. Smith further assists attorneys with complex intellectual property litigation involving varied technologies such as telecommunications, computer networking, and surveillance systems. In support of patent litigation, Mr. Smith draws on a diverse set of skills, including technical knowledge from his engineering background and hands-on experience as a former naval nuclear engineer.

Prior to joining Duane Morris, Mr. Smith served seven years as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. He served as an officer onboard an Ohio-class submarine, where he managed the operation and maintenance of the nuclear power plant, including electrical power generation and distribution, mechanical, and propulsion plant systems, and was qualified as a nuclear engineer officer. He later served as an instructor at the Naval Submarine School. 

Mr. Smith is a 2025 graduate of the Georgia State University College of Law. He is also a graduate of Auburn University (Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering) and Duke University (Master of Engineering Management).