Protect Your Brand: Trademark 101

Ariana C. Smith, Esq. is the founder and principal attorney of The A.C. Smith Law Firm, PLLC where she provides trademark, copyright, contract and business entity formation services to small businesses and entrepreneurs. During the foundational stages of starting her own legal practice, Ariana also served as an Administrative Law Judge where she conducted hearings and issued decision on parking and camera violations issued in the City of New York. Prior, she served as a prosecutor with the Office of the Bronx District Attorney where she handled the prosecution of felony and misdemeanor cases including robbery, burglary, grand larceny, driving while intoxicated, and assault. Ariana developed successful trial strategies and has tried several cases to verdict. She has also handled immigration law, criminal defense, personal injury, and breach of contract matters. Ariana's passion for working with small businesses arose from her own desire to be a small business owner herself by launching her law firm. After several years in litigation practice with various law firms and organizations, she decided that it was time to pivot and created The A.C. Smith Law Firm. Since launching her practice, Ariana has had the pleasure of connecting with countless entrepreneurs and learning about the goals and visions of their business. Brand protection is a key component to business growth and sustainability, and Ariana is honored to be a part of her client’s entrepreneurial journey in such a foundational way. She is continuously inspired by her clients and their courage to live out their dreams, no matter the obstacles. Ariana received her Juris Doctor degree from Howard University School of Law where she also studied International Business Transactions, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Constitutional Law at the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa. She received her Bachelor's degree from Temple University. She is licensed to practice law in New York and New Jersey.