Our Background  

The Law Office of Smith & Hopen concentrates its practice exclusively on intellectual property matters which include patents, trademarks, copyrights and franchises. For more information contact us online or view our firm video.

Our members have been recognized as a leading practitioners in the area of high technology intellectual property development. Readers of the Wall Street Journal, Smart Business for the New Economy, Capital District Business Review, and The Business Journal know our attorneys to be authorities on patent, trademark and copyright protection.  Our firm is AV® rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Conflicts of Interest

Occasionally we may decline to accept matters which would be a conflict of interest with another existing or past client.   This should never be construed as an opinion on the merits of the subject matter or desirability of the client.  Regulations on the practice of law and ethics require "conflict checks" to confirm our potential representation of your matters is not comprised by the competing interests of another client.

Political Action

Anton Hopen and Jonathan Dudas, Director of the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office - October 15, 2004. (click photo to expand).

Smith & Hopen maintains a presence in national patent practice and routinely travels to Washington D.C. for matters that affect both prosecution and litigation of intellectual property assets.

We had a chance to spend some time with PTO Director Jon Dudas last week.  Jon has a good case that the Republican admin has lived up to its promise to end fee diversion (i.e., patent filing fees end up paying for prescription drug benefits).  There is the implicit assertion that the Democratic Party – particularly during the Clinton era, let the PTO go wayward.  Keep in mind that Jon is a Bush appointee.

To reduce delay, the PTO wants to hire 900 more patent examiners (on top of the 3,500 now in place).  While that sounds impressive, adding 900 completely inexperienced employees does not sound like a cakewalk.  Nevertheless, if new hires are not brought on, the statistics warn of an average patent pending span of 5 years.

Foreign policy with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) was also a substantial issue.  There is a theory that the current administration resists harmonization with other countries for the benefit of the IP rights of larger corporations.  A change in administration might result in less U.S. IP strength abroad but perhaps reduced costs for securing foreign protection.

Community Involvement

Fall 2004 Smith & Hopen Soccer Team

Smith & Hopen Spring 2004Rascals Soccer Team

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