Joel R. Samuels

Principal / St. Louis Metro Office

Joel’s unique combination of business experience and global outlook sets him apart from other intellectual property practitioners. With degrees in economics and business administration, Joel began his career focused on antitrust compliance in Hart-Scott-Rodino reportable transactions as well as Hatch-Waxman litigation. As a result, Joel approaches his current practice from the viewpoint of business investment and asset management.

Clients appreciate his ability to dissect their corporate financial information and investor reports to better understand their business and recommend effective IP strategies for furthering the bottom line. As a trusted counselor, he advises clients on contested matters in district courts and Patent Office proceedings, including post grant review proceedings and TTAB oppositions and cancellations. He also handles Markman hearings, district court arguments and oversees the day-to-day management of cases. Additionally, Joel negotiates and documents a wide variety of agreements, including settlement, license and inventor development arrangements. Joel also provides IP training and management advice for his clients.

News/Events

In the News

Presentations

“ABA Young Lawyers Division Brown Bag Series, False Advertising 101: Procedural Issues,” Moderator, August 4, 2010
“ABA Young Lawyers Division Brown Bag Series, Pleading Standards for Section 1 Violations,” Moderator, December 20, 2010

Publications

Articles

Blogs

“Keeping It Under Wraps: Trade Secret Protection,” ABA Young Lawyers Division 101 Practice Series, 2009-2010
“Playing By The Rules: An Antitrust Primer,” ABA Young Lawyers Division 101 Practice Series, 2008-2009
“’Tain’t What You Do’: Effect of China’s Proposed Anti-Monopoly Law on State Owned Enterprises,” 26 Penn St. Int’l L. Rev. 169 (2007)
“Justices Set Sights On Reach Of US Trademark Law,” Law 360, 2022

Background

Born in Calcutta, India, Joel grew up in the Midwest and on the Big Island of Hawaii. During law school, he clerked in the in-house legal department at Coca-Cola’s world headquarters in Atlanta. After law school, Joel worked in New York City for several years before returning to St. Louis. This personal experience allows Joel to provide legal advice in the context of a global marketplace and cross-cultural issues.

Outside of the office, Joel is a music enthusiast and a multi-instrumentalist. His musical accomplishments include a performance at the famed Carnegie Hall. He also enjoys hiking, fishing and gardening. Prior to becoming an attorney, Joel served as a first responder as an emergency medical technician basic.

In addition to his career as an attorney, Joel is an Adjunct Professor at Washington University School of Law.

Awards & Distinctions

Best Lawyers, Litigation – Intellectual Property, 2018-2024
Best Lawyers, Litigation – Patent, 2021-2024
Best Lawyers, Trademark Law, 2020-2024
Missouri Super Lawyers, 2020-2021
Missouri Super Lawyers, “Rising Star,” 2019
Missouri Lawyers Weekly, “Up & Coming,” 2019
Woolsack Honor Society
Penn State International Law Review, Executive Editor

Memberships

Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis: Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law Section; Chair, 2021 – 2022; Chair-Elect, 2020 – 2021; Secretary, 2019 – 2020; Steering Committee Member 2012 – present
Industrial Development Authority Board, St. Louis County, Board of Directors 2023
Penn State Law School, Pro Bono Counsel & Advisor to the Intellectual Property Clinic
American Bar Association