Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
Mahatma Gandhi
MaryJo E. Smart Pinocchio
MaryJo Smart Pinocchio is an associate in Fennemore’s Business Litigation and Intellectual Property practice groups. She represents businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations in complex commercial litigation, intellectual property disputes, and a wide range of business matters. Her practice includes contract disputes, business torts, trademark and copyright litigation, trade secret matters, and strategic business counseling. She has extensive litigation experience guiding clients through every stage of the dispute resolution process, from pre-litigation strategy and case development through trial.
A fifth-generation Nevadan and the youngest of four siblings, MaryJo has always been driven to advocate for others. That determination serves her well in civil litigation, where she approaches each matter with persistence, strategic thinking, and a practical understanding of her clients’ business objectives. She believes effective representation begins with understanding how each client’s business operates, taking the time to learn their industry, day-to-day operations, and long-term goals so she can develop litigation strategies aligned with their priorities.
MaryJo works with companies across a variety of industries to resolve business disputes efficiently while protecting their intellectual property, business interests, and competitive position. Whether navigating commercial litigation, intellectual property conflicts, or day-to-day business challenges, she is committed to providing practical legal guidance that supports her clients’ continued success.
Outside the office, MaryJo enjoys practicing yoga and Pilates, exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains, and spending time with her family.
Education
- J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, With Great Distinction
- Order of the Coif
- Traynor Honor Society
- Chief Articles & Symposium Editor, The University of the Pacific Law Review
- Judicial Extern, Honorable Judge Morrison C. England, Jr., U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
- B.S., University of Nevada, Reno
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Experienced, forward-thinking advocates who go beyond the expected for clients in dispute prevention and resolution.
Create. Protect. Thrive.
Your Technology and Intellectual Property Assets Are The Lifeblood Of Your Business: We Partner With You To Protect Your Critical IP —and To Identify and Implement IP Strategies To Help You Thrive.
Our Apparel & Fashion practice weaves together deep experience with a commercial mindset. We offer strategic and practical advice attuned to the demands of those in the garment, footwear, and accessories industries, as well as companies in the beauty and personal care products fields.
We are poised and ready for the next revolution in the legal industry:
blockchain technology.
OTHER EXPERIENCE
- Litigation
- Real Estate Litigation
- Mediation and Arbitration
Awards and Honors
- Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Intellectual
Property, 2026 - Mountain States Super Lawyers Rising Stars®, Business Litigation – Intellectual Property, 2025
ARTICLES AND PRESENTATIONS
- Co-Author, “California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act To Go Into Effect In 2026,” Fennemore Blog October 21, 2025
- Featuring, “MaryJo Smart joins the Fennemore Business Litigation practice group,” Northern Nevada Business Weekly, April 14, 2023
Admissions
- California
- Nevada
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California
- U.S. District Court, District of Nevada