David Paulus, PhD, PE

Fort Smith, Arkansas
David Paulus, PhD, PE Expert Witness
Curriculum Vitae

Mechanical Engineering & Human Factors Expert

Contact this Expert Witness

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

General Specialties:

Engineering and Intellectual Property

Keywords/Search Terms:

Mechanical Engineering Expert, Intellectual Property, Patent Validity, Human Factors Expert, Product Liability, Mechanical Design Expert Witness, Patent Litigation, Safety, Patent Infringement Expert, Industrial Engineering Expert

Education:

PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University; MS, Industrial Engineering, University of Tennessee; BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Tennessee

Years in Practice:

25

Number of Times Deposed/Testified in Last 4 Yrs:

10

Additional Information

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.