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Meet Our Professionals

Timothy D. St. Clair

Partner
Greenville | 864.577.6371
Fax | 864.242.9888

Tim St. Clair assists clients through all aspects of intellectual property, connecting the dots in this valuable intersection of law and commerce. He brings a results-oriented, purposeful approach toward maximizing intellectual property value and minimizing IP risks.

Tim is a registered patent attorney. His practice focuses exclusively on the protection, commercialization, and litigation of intellectual property. Located in Greenville, South Carolina, he represents clients nationally and internationally in preparing and pursuing patents and trademark registrations. His practice also includes evaluations of IP coverage in freedom-to-operate opinions, infringement analyses, and due diligence studies. In addition, he has considerable experience in patent and trademark litigation in the United States federal courts. He has served as lead counsel in more than 60 jury trials.

Relying on his experience, Tim’s representation emphasizes effective communications, a craftsman-like approach, and right-sizing IP to meet clients’ broader business interests.

Tim is a member of Parker Poe’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, a team of two dozen lawyers covering the full suite of IP solutions – advice, clearance, due diligence, applications, commercialization, and enforcement – in a broad array of technologies.

Tim earned his law degree from the University of Virginia and his bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech.

Representative Experience

Patent Litigation

  • Helped client secure a consent injunction for willful patent infringements and other remedies on the eve of trial after two years of litigation.
  • Represented a multinational company accused of patent infringement and helped reach a settlement after discovery uncovered flaws in the plaintiffs' case.
  • Defended an innovative client accused of patent infringement in which the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the case after two years of litigation to avoid risking a ruling on summary judgment.
  • Represented a plaintiff against a patent infringer and helped reach a settlement despite claims of patent invalidity.
  • Secured summary judgment of patent infringement and patent claim validity against a copycat competitor.

Trademark Disputes

  • Successfully defended a client accused of trademark infringement for using Google ad words registered as federal trademarks. Through the settlement, the client was able to keep using the desired ad words.
  • Defended a client against a claim to cancel a federal registration. The case was settled after three years of litigation.
  • Represented a client against a former employee who took website data and passwords. After quickly initiating litigation, the client recovered all relevant content, including URL and passwords.

Copyright Litigation

  • Defended a business accused of copyright infringement and, after extensive discovery, helped reach a settlement before trial.

Misappropriation of Identity

  • Defended a client sued by a celebrity based on radio advertisements. The case was settled for nominal damages.

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Honors & Awards

  • The Best Lawyers in America "Lawyer of the Year" in Greenville for Intellectual Property Litigation, 2013, 2020, 2024; Trademark Law, 2016, 2024; Patent Law, 2014, 2017, 2021, 2023
  • The Best Lawyers in America in Trademark Law, Patent Law, Patent Litigation, Intellectual Property Litigation, 2011-2024; Trade Secrets Law, 2016-2024
  • Managing Intellectual Property magazine's IP Stars
  • Greenville Business Magazine's "Legal Elite" in Intellectual Property & Innovation, 2015, 2018-2020, 2022-2023; International Law, 2020
  • South Carolina Super Lawyers, 2012-2023
  • Benchmark Litigation, Local Litigation Star in South Carolina, 2011-2013

Memberships

  • American Bar Association, Litigation Section, 2006-2013; Subcommittee of IP Litigation Committee, Co-Chair, 2008-2013; Accelerated Examination Subcommittee of IP Section, Chair, 2008-2009
  • Carolina Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law Association, Secretary and Board Member, 2007-2010
  • JDRF, International Board of Directors, 2013-2016; Development Committee, 2009-2016; National Ride Committee, 2006-present, Chair, 2009-2011; IP Advisory Task Force, 2010; National Head Coach "Ride to Cure Diabetes," 2007-2011
  • Greenville Spinners Bicycle Club, Board of Directors, 2006-2012; President, 2008
  • Greenville Spinners Bicycle Safety Foundation, Chair, 2010-2012