Arthur J. "Art" DeBaugh

Arthur J. DeBaugh: Protecting Your Intellectual Property with Strategic Expertise

For over 25 years, Arthur J. DeBaugh has been a dedicated advocate for protecting businesses and individuals' intellectual property rights. As a North Carolina State Bar certified specialist in trademark law, Mr. DeBaugh brings unparalleled experience and a strategic approach to safeguarding brands, copyrights, trade secrets, and other valuable assets. He’s not just a lawyer; he’s a trusted advisor who understands the complexities of protecting your competitive advantage.

Mr. DeBaugh’s career began with a significant role at Sara Lee Corporation, where he managed a global trademark portfolio of more than 20,000 marks across diverse industries – apparel, food and beverage, and household consumer goods. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of brand development, protection strategies, and the critical importance of proactive intellectual property management. Prior to joining Bell, Davis & Pitt in 2013, he honed his expertise as a partner in two Research Triangle area law firms, further expanding his knowledge and skillset.

Today, Mr. DeBaugh represents a wide array of clients spanning numerous industries, including software and electronics, healthcare, marketing, consumer packaged goods, apparel/textile, retail, and food & beverage. He's a prolific trademark prosecutor, having successfully overseen the registration of more than 3,000 trademarks within the United States alone. He doesn't just file applications; he strategically develops and executes comprehensive intellectual property protection plans, tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals.

What He Does For Your Business:

• Trademark Protection: From initial trademark searches and clearance opinions to application prosecution and ongoing enforcement, Mr. DeBaugh handles all aspects of trademark registration and protection.
• Brand Strategy & Protection: He assists clients in developing robust brand strategies, identifying potential infringement risks, and implementing proactive measures to safeguard their brand identity.
• Copyright & Trade Secret Protection: Mr. DeBaugh provides expert counsel on copyright law, protecting original creative works, and develops and implements strategies for safeguarding trade secrets – the engine of innovation.
• Trade Dress & Business Entity Matters: He advises clients on trade dress protection (the overall look and feel of a product or brand) and assists with the formation and governance of business entities, including LLCs and partnerships.
• Litigation – Intellectual Property: When infringement occurs, Mr. DeBaugh provides vigorous courtroom representation to protect your rights and pursue legal remedies.

Beyond Legal Expertise: Mr. DeBaugh's commitment to the community is evident through his active involvement with the Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestras Council and the Brenner Children’s Hospital Advisory Group. He currently serves as president of Augsburg Lutheran Church in Winston-Salem, demonstrating his dedication to civic engagement and leadership.

Professional Recognition & Credentials: Mr. DeBaugh's expertise and dedication have been consistently recognized through numerous accolades, including:

• Lawyer of the Year Awards: Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” for Trademark Law (Triad – 2023 & 2021; Triad – 2020), Lawyer of the Year for Business Organizations (Raleigh – 2025), and Lawyer of the Year for Trade Secrets Law (Triad – 2023)
• Best Attorneys Awards: Recognized as a “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Attorneys (2020 & 2023)
• Chambers USA: Recognized by Chambers USA, Intellectual Property, Copyright, and Trademark Law (2012-2022)
• Business North Carolina “Legal Elite”: Featured in “Legal Elite” for Intellectual Property Law (2011-2023)
• World Trademark Review 1000: Ranked in the World Trademark Review 1000, 2019-2021, 2023
• Best Lawyers: Recognized by Best Lawyers, 2011-2024
• Super Lawyer: Listed as an “Intellectual Property” attorney by North Carolina Super Lawyers, 2020-2024

Bar Admissions & Certifications:

• North Carolina State Bar Certified Specialist in Trademark Law
• North Carolina Bar Association – Intellectual Property Section Council Member
• North Carolina State Bar Association – Trademark Specialty Committee Vice Chair

Contact Information: Arthur J. DeBaugh, Bell, Davis & Pitt, Raleigh, North Carolina. He is dedicated to providing proactive, strategic, and results-driven intellectual property protection to businesses and individuals.