Dr. David Paulus
Fort Smith, AR 72903
Dr. David C. Paulus is a nationally recognized expert in mechanical engineering, human factors, and product design, with over two decades of academic, research, and litigation consulting experience. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University, complemented by a Master’s in Industrial Engineering and a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee. He currently serves as a Professor of Practice and Director of Graduate Programs in Engineering and Operations Management at the University of Arkansas, Dr. Paulus is a Professional Engineer (PE) and Certified Human Factors Engineering Professional (CHFEP).
Dr. Paulus offers an exceptional blend of technical depth and legal acumen, having served as an expert witness in over 30 product liability and patent litigation matters, including high-profile cases involving Peloton, Big Ass Fans, ICON Health & Fitness, and Mad Dogg Athletics, among others. His expert testimony spans federal and state courts, as well as proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the International Trade Commission (ITC). He has presented trial testimony and been deposed in matters involving complex mechanical systems, intellectual property disputes, exercise and medical devices, and consumer product safety.
A prolific researcher, Dr. Paulus has authored more than 15 peer-reviewed publications on topics central to patent litigation such as biomechanical safety, product design, testing protocols, and instrumentation. His scholarly work underscores his credibility as a subject-matter expert who can clearly explain complex engineering principles to judges, juries, and attorneys alike. Dr. Paulus is an award winning communicator as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 University of Arkansas "Resident Raconteur Award" from the Department of Industrial Engineering.
Whether consulting on IP infringement, validity analysis, human factors, or design defect evaluations, Dr. Paulus combines analytical precision with courtroom-tested communication skills, making him a powerful asset in litigation strategy. His broad engineering background, combined with his litigation history and academic leadership, positions him as an expert uniquely qualified to deliver authoritative, objective, and compelling expert opinions in high-stakes patent cases.
Dr. David Paulus is available for consultation, deposition, and trial testimony nationwide.
- Design Engineering
- Ergonomics
- Fitness Equipment
- Human Factors
- Industrial Engineering
- Machine Guarding
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Devices
- Products Liability
- Safety Engineering
- Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
- A: PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University
MS, Industrial Engineering, University of Tennessee
BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Tennessee
Professional Engineer (PE) State of Arkansas, License # 12744
Certified Human Factors Engineering Professional (CHFEP) - Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
- A: Rocky Mountain Bioengineering Symposium, Board of Directors
American Society for Engineering Management, Board of Directors
American Society for Engineering Education, Board of Directors - Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
- A: University of Arkansas, Professor of Practice, Industrial Engineering (2023-present)
Washington State University, Clinical Associate Professor, Engineering & Technology Managementm (2014-2023)
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering (2004-2015)
- Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
- A: No
- Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
- A: Over 50
- Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
- A: Human Factors, Mechanical Engineering, Safety, Intellectual Property, Patent Infringement, Patent Invalidity
- Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
- A: 90%
- Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
- A: 10%
- Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
- A: 30
- Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
- A: 2024
- Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
- A: 30
- Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
- A: 5
- Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
- A: 11 years
- Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
- A: Consulting, Patent Infringement and Invalidity Analysis, Expert Witness Report, Testimony, Site Inspection
- Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
- A: $500/hr
- Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
- A: $500/hr
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
- A: $600/hr
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
- A: $600/hr
- Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
- A: Travel $300/hr
Available Upon Request