I concentrate my practice in intellectual property law, with a particular emphasis on patent, trademark and copyright preparation and prosecution.  I have been registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office since 1992.  Within the patent field, I have extensive experience in several areas, including the biological, business methods, chemical, electro-mechanical, mechanical, medical device and software arts.

I received my B.S. in Biology from Texas A&M University in 1984 and my M.S. in Biotechnology Studies from the University of Maryland University College in 2004.  I received my J.D., cum laude, from The University of Tennessee College of Law in 1996.  My academic achievements include Certificates of Academic Excellence in Business Associations, Constitutional Law, and Intellectual Property, Dean’s List, and Regents Scholarship.
          
Prior to founding Smirman IP Law, I was an associate at Howard & Howard for almost three years, where I prepared and prosecuted patent applications, drafted legal opinions, prepared and prosecuted trademark applications, and participated in various litigation matters for a diverse range of clients, including those in the medical device, gaming, automotive parts, and building construction industries.  Prior to that, I was an associate at Warn, Hoffmann, Miller & LaLone, for four years, where I primarily prepared and prosecuted patent applications for several Tier 1 automotive suppliers.  Prior to that, I was an associate at Harness, Dickey & Pierce, also for four years, where I serviced a number of prominent aerospace, automotive, chemical, and medical device clients.  Prior to that, I was employed by Lockheed Martin at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for seven years, the last year there as Associate Counsel for Intellectual Property.  I also worked as a paralegal for several years at various large New York law firms, including Pennie & Edmonds and Weil, Gotshal & Manges.   

I am admitted to practice law in the states of Michigan and Tennessee.  I am a member of the Michigan Bar Association, the American and Michigan Intellectual Property Law Associations, as well as the International Trademark Association.