Atty. John Gerard Smith

Atty. John Gerard Smith

John Gerard Smith is a lawyer practicing intellectual property, patents, intellectual property litigation and 1 other area of law. John received a B.S.E.E. degree from Marquette University in 1987, and has been licensed for 35 years.

Washington Washington 35 yrs experience 35 year
Call (202) 770-4377 Book Appointment

Intellectual Property & More Attorney · Serving Washington, DC · 35+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About John Gerard Smith at a Glance

John Gerard Smith is a Partner based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. They have 35+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1991. Their practice focuses on patent, ip, and international. Admitted to practice in Maryland (1991), District of Columbia U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (1992), and Colorado (1995). Educated at The George Washington University Law School (J.D., 1991) and Marquette University (B.S.E.E., 1987). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About John Gerard Smith

  • John Gerard Smith is a lawyer practicing intellectual property, patents, intellectual property litigation and 1 other area of law
  • John received a B.S.E.E. degree from Marquette University in 1987, and has been licensed for 35 years
  • John practices at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP in Washington, DC

Practice Areas Explained

John Gerard Smith's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John Gerard Smith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Washington.

Patent Law in Washington

John Gerard Smith is one of 20,632 patent attorneys indexed nationally. Browse patent attorneys in District of Columbia →

Intellectual Property in Washington

IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.

John Gerard Smith is one of 105,285 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in District of Columbia →

International Law in Washington

International law attorneys for cross-border transactions, trade, foreign investment, and treaties.

John Gerard Smith is one of 39,787 international attorneys indexed nationally. Browse international attorneys in District of Columbia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Washington

Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Washington Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Washington-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About John Gerard Smith

Where is John Gerard Smith's law office located?
John Gerard Smith's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John Gerard Smith handle?
John Gerard Smith focuses on patent, ip, international. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in District of Columbia.
How long has John Gerard Smith practiced law?
John Gerard Smith has 35+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1991.
Where did John Gerard Smith go to law school?
John Gerard Smith earned their education at (J.D., 1991); (B.S.E.E., 1987).
How can I contact John Gerard Smith for a consultation?
You can contact John Gerard Smith directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has John Gerard Smith received?
John Gerard Smith's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Washington Choose John Gerard Smith

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish John Gerard Smith's practice in the field of patent, ip, and international.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

John Gerard Smith brings 35+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in Maryland, District of Columbia U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and Colorado, John Gerard Smith can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering patent, ip, and international, John Gerard Smith can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Washington

A Washington-based practice means John Gerard Smith attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues John Gerard Smith Handles in Washington

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters John Gerard Smith has experience with under District of Columbia law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Trademark registration
IP
Copyright infringement defense
IP
Patent prosecution
IP
Trade secret protection
IP

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact John Gerard Smith directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find John Gerard Smith Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Washington commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like John Gerard Smith.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with John Gerard Smith directly.

John Gerard Smith's Practice Areas & Specializations

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
The George Washington University Law School
- 1991
B.S.E.E.
Marquette University
- 1987

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Maryland
Admitted: 1991
District of Columbia U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Admitted: 1992
Colorado
Admitted: 1995

Client Reviews & Ratings — John Gerard Smith

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