Nathan S. Smith

Nathan Smith is a partner in Snell & Wilmer’s Orange County office and is a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group. He advises companies at every stage of growth — from startups to large-cap companies — on the full lifecycle of their IP assets. Nate’s practice encompasses patent prosecution, portfolio strategy, IP transactions and licensing, and due diligence in connection with acquisitions and enforcement matters. He regularly assembles and manages cross-functional teams to evaluate and protect clients’ technology investments, and he guides product-driven businesses through the strategic and legal considerations that arise from initial development through commercialization.

Nate brings broad technical experience managing intellectual property across a variety of technologies, with a particular emphasis on the life sciences and technology sectors. He has handled matters involving medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and therapies spanning eye care, medical aesthetics, cardiology, heart valve replacement, neurovascular disorders, orthopedics, dental implants, spinal fixation, gastroenterology, and women’s health. His experience also extends to managing IP for clients in industries including eyewear, personal electronics, oil and gas, software, automotive, agriculture and grain management, and aeronautics.

Nate is committed to balancing his practice through meaningful pro bono service. He has personally represented victims of domestic violence and their families in obtaining nonimmigrant status and has assisted foundations that provide therapy to children whose families are unable to afford treatment for autism spectrum disorder, support mothers of children with disabilities and survivors of grief and trauma, and offer therapeutic activities for individuals diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Nate has authored various articles and hosted a podcast addressing developments in intellectual property law in the United States and internationally. He has spoken at events and on panels on topics including international IP filing strategies, IP portfolio management, technical aspects of the America Invents Act, and administrative trials before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, such as inter partes review.