Joel Smith

Practice Areas

Joel focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation and also IP in the context of global transactions and commercial IP arrangements, with over 25 years of experience and expertise across both contentious and non-contentious IP, including heavyweight trial, deal and strategic counselling roles.

As a seasoned litigator, he has acted in IP cases in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Privy Council from patents, trade marks, copyright, designs, database rights, trade secrets to confidential information. He advises clients strategically, with a view to achieving a mutually satisfactory commercial resolution, often without the need for litigation. He focuses upon key industry sectors from consumer products, retail, media, life sciences, agribusiness, energy, financial services and automotive.

He advises on advertising and allied regulatory issues.

Joel is also a leader on M&A transactions, projects and other major commercial IP arrangements in which IP plays a pivotal role, particularly complex collaboration, licensing and tech transfer.

He has unique specialist expertise in plant biotech involving plant breeders’ rights, patents, royalty-collection schemes and GMOs, recognised as the leading practitioner in the UK.

Career

Worked in Hong Kong, Milan and, most recently, in Sydney. Admitted in England & Wales and Australia (NSW).

Professional Memberships

INTA, CITMA, Marques

Publications

Publishes widely.