A word from Mark about himself... 

 

As a principal in Mark Andrew Smith, PLLC, my legal practice concentrates on Intellectual Property law and builds upon prior experience both as a partner in a boutique IP firm and as in-house counsel for leading R&D, software and energy companies. This prior experience spans a broad range of Intellectual Property procurement, trade secrets, licensing and other IP related transactions, strategy counseling, litigation and ADR, compliance (antitrust and export controls), and leadership/management (managed satellite office at R&D campus and led numerous client training,  process improvement and staff development initiatives).  

With mechanical engineering and law degrees from SMU, an LL.M from UH and a graduate business degree from UT/McCombs, I am admitted to the Texas Bar and USPTO, and credentialed as a CLP Emeritus (Certified Licensing Professional, CLP, Inc.) and RTTP (Registered Tech Transfer Professional, Association of Technology Transfer Professionals).  

I also offer separate and independent services to select emerging technology companies through TechCrossings, LLC, a business consultancy, addressing IP strategy and management, IP process design and implementation, and business issues related to technology commercialization.

Active in the Licensing Executive Society, I have served on the Board and as Vice President in the LES Foundation (2014-2018), led the mentorship faculty in the LES Foundation International Business Plan Competition and Co-Chair the Local Austin and Texas Hill Country LES Chapter.

 

 

 

Interests

I have always sought out opportunities to add value across a broad and diverse set of IP related issues.  Two areas of particular interest to my current law practice include:

  • Patent Prosecution: I enjoy the opportunity to draft and prosecute patent applications across a breadth of technical arts appropriate to my background and experience. Medical devices are of particular interest, as are alternative energy, software, materials, instrumentation and a broad range of mechanical technologies in application to other industries. And oil and gas technology is an old friend I still very much enjoy.

  • IP Related Transactions: I particularly enjoy transactional work of a strategic nature to a company, including key licensing agreements, joint ventures, joint development agreements and agreements for the acquisition or commercialization of technology.

Similarly, I look for diversity in my opportunities to contribute to businesses dealing with emerging technologies, and business areas of particular interest to TechCrossings, LLC include, but are not limited to: 

  • IP Strategy: Developing an IP strategy in alignment with the business model and strategy of tech start-ups.

  • Board Service: Service on the advisory board of companies, mentoring executives and facilitating the implementation the IP strategy into operations.

I also have a deep passion for teaching.  Representative activities include:

  • Mentoring: I enjoy mentoring entrepreneurs and executives, both formally and informally, on constructively engaging opportunities at the intersection of technology, business and law. Though available for retained engagement, this is also an area where I volunteer significant pro bono service.

  • Speaking: I accept speaking engagements through professional societies, for staff development, and to raise awareness in company personnel and consumers relating to both business and legal issues involving technology and IP issues.

  • Academic: I enjoy supporting academic programs at the intersection of technology, business and law through adjunct service, lecture, guest speaking, mentorship and judging competitions.

 

vOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE

  • Speaker and/or discussion leader in various professional forums including plenary sessions, workshops, panels, roundtable discussions and webinars for graduate students, bar associations, professional associations and law schools.

  • Mentor to academic teams in Business Plan Competitions, including the Licensing Executive Society’s International Business Plan Competition in which I had the privilege of mentoring the 2013 and 2015 LES Grand Champions and a 2014 Global Finalist.

  • Judge for various Business Plan Competitions, including the final rounds of academic programs, accelerators, and the LES Foundation International Business Plan Competition.

  • Contribution of Pro Bono IP services as “In-Kind” prizes to finalist and winners of the LES Foundation Business Plan Competition.

  • (Unrelated personal activities) President, Texas Gulf Coast Vizsla Club (2014-2015) and Vice-President and Board, Texas Gulf Coast Vizsla Club (2016-2017). The TGCVC is an AKC recognized club dedicated to the protection, enhancement and betterment of the Vizsla breed. The club holds multiple events throughout the year including social, training and/or competition events relating to agility, confirmation, and hunting and is active supporting rescue efforts.

 

ORGANIZATIONS

State Bar of Texas

  • Member: Intellectual Property, International Law, Computer and Technology, Antitrust and Business Litigation sections.

Licensing Executive Society (“LES”)

  • Board of Directors, LES Foundation (2014-2018)

  • Vice President, Competition Mentorship and Chapter Engagement, LES Foundation (2014-2018)

  • Chapter Chair, Austin and Texas Hill Country

  • Member: Emerging Enterprises Committee; Industry-University-Government Interface, Life Sciences, and Chemicals, Energy, Environment and Materials Sectors.

Member,  AUTM (Association of University Technology Managers)

 

admissions & CERTIFICATIONS

  • Admitted to the Texas State Bar

  • Admitted before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”)

  • Credentialed CLP Emeritus (Certified Licensing Professional, CLP, Inc.)

  • Credentialed RTTP (Registered Technology Transfer Professional, Association of Technology Transfer Professionals)

This website is intended solely for residents of Texas or those seeking representation either in Texas or specifically and solely before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.