Overview

In addition to advising his clients on Intellectual Property and business matters, David also helps individuals and businesses avoid, calculate and mitigate environmental risks associated with ownership and/or use of the real property. In many circumstances, David serves not only as his clients' business attorney but as their trustworthy advisor. He is able to prevent and resolve issues for business clients across different areas of the law to ensure they receive valuable, comprehensive legal counsel.

Representative Experience

• Prepares and prosecutes patent applications, trademark/service mark applications and copyright applications for clients located around the world
• Challenges and defends the validity of intellectual property rights, assists clients in the purchase/sale and licensing of intellectual property rights, and the preparation of various forms of opinions relative to intellectual property rights
• Litigates various intellectual property matters including patent, trademark, copyright and trade dress infringement, and the misappropriation of trade secrets
• Advises clients on day-to-day business matters and routinely drafts and negotiates a wide range of contracts on behalf of clients
• Involved in the creation, acquisition and sale of businesses and assets
• Advises clients on how to avoid, calculate and mitigate environmental risks associated with the ownership and/or leasing of real property
• Served as an engineer in the Ohio Department of Transportation ("ODOT") where he was responsible for the development of the District Four Annual Work Plan (with an annual construction budget of over $80 million), and developed a computer-based prioritization system to track deficient bridges and pavements around the State of Ohio

Professional Honors & Awards

• Named Best Lawyers in America "Lawyer of the Year" in Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2022) 
• Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® (2017-2024)
• Named Best Lawyers in America® "Trademark Lawyer of the Year" (2020)
• Ohio Super Lawyers® (2015-2024)
• Ohio Super Lawyers® - Rising Stars™ (2005-2006, 2009-2010)
• Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating of "high" or "very high" legal ability and very high ethical standards as established by confidential opinions from members of the Bar
• Named a BTI Client Service All-Star (2019)
• ODOT Director's Silver Mug for Excellence in Government (1997)
• ODOT Outstanding Employee of the Year honors (1994, 1996 and 1997)

Professional & Civic Affiliations

• Akron Bar Association, Member 
• American Bar Association, Member
• Mahoning County Bar Association, Member 
• Ohio State Bar Association, Member 
• Intellectual Property Law Association, Member
• The University of Akron School of Law (basic and intermediate legal communications), Past Adjunct Professor
• Junior Achievement, Past Board Member

Courts & Bar Associations

• Ohio Bar
• U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio