Joseph J. Weissman

Joe Weissman is a board-certified intellectual property attorney and seasoned trial lawyer with more than 25 years of experience litigating high-stakes disputes in state and federal courts across the country. A partner in Johnson Pope’s Tampa office, Joe has built a practice at the forefront of intellectual property and complex commercial litigation, representing clients in cases involving trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade secrets, antitrust issues, and computer-related disputes.

Joe regularly advises businesses and individuals on protecting and enforcing their most valuable assets, from brand portfolios and proprietary software to confidential business information. He has handled countless trademark and copyright registrations, as well as opposition and cancellation proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. In addition to his litigation practice, Joe counsels clients on proactive strategies for safeguarding intellectual property rights, minimizing litigation risk, and navigating the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and data protection and artificial intelligence.

Recognized for his deep experience and practical approach, Joe has served in leadership roles within the International Trademark Association, including as a member of the Internet Committee and the Editorial Board of The Trademark Reporter. His scholarship on trademark law and cybersquatting reflects his longstanding commitment to advancing the practice of intellectual property law.
Clients appreciate that he doesn’t just guide them through litigation—he helps them see around corners. Joe particularly enjoys taking a new case, unraveling the details, and mapping out how it is likely to unfold over the months and years ahead. He is often described as personable, creative, and committed to helping clients overcome difficult obstacles.

Before joining Johnson Pope, Joe practiced at a prominent litigation firm in Washington, D.C., where he developed the foundation of his expertise representing clients in complex business disputes. He is known for combining big-firm litigation rigor with a responsive, client-focused approach that has earned the trust of startups, established companies, and entrepreneurs alike.

Representative Matters

• Trademark Infringement and Enforcement: Successfully represented a client in a trademark dispute against a foreign defendant attempting to shield assets and declare bankruptcy, securing a favorable settlement and full recovery of funds.

• Patent Law Litigation: Effectively defended imaging products against claims of patent infringement, thereby protecting main income stream for California tech company.

• Trade Secret Misappropriation: Prosecuted claims against a former employee who unlawfully copied and deleted proprietary business data, resulting in court-imposed sanctions for spoliation of evidence.

• Right of Publicity Litigation: Defended a business in a high-profile advertising dispute over the unauthorized use of likeness and secured dismissal of claims, with the opposing party sanctioned for discovery misconduct.

Bar Admissions

• Florida, 1994
• Washington D.C., 1996 (inactive)
• United States District Courts (Middle, Northern & Southern Districts of Florida)
• United States Court of Appeals (Eleventh Circuit & Federal Circuit)

Education

• George Washington University, J.D., with honors, 1994
• University of Pennsylvania, B.A., Economics & History, 1990

Awards & Recognition

• The Florida Bar, Board Certified in Intellectual Property
• AV® Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• The Best Lawyers in America©, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Patent Litigation & Trademark Law, 2012 – 2025
• Florida Trends’ Florida Legal Elite
• Super Lawyers, 2011 – 2025
• Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year”, 2016 Trademark Law
• Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year”, 2015, 2021 Litigation – Patent
• Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year”, 2022 Litigation – Intellectual Property

Community & Professional Organizations

• The Florida Bar, 1994 – Present
  • Member
• Florida Bar Board of Specialized Legal Education
  • Former Board Member for six years
• Federal Bar Association, Middle District of Florida
  • Member
• International Trademark Association
  • Internet Committee Member
• Tampa Jewish Family Services
  • Former Board Member for eight years
  • Former Treasurer

Outside the Office

Joe is an avid runner who has completed the New York City Marathon three times and hopes to run a future marathon with his daughters. He also enjoys international travel and exploring remote natural landscapes like Iceland’s Gullfoss waterfall and Oregon’s Crater Lake. When he’s not working or training, he values time outdoors and sharing new experiences with his family.