Trademark Law for Attorneys: A 2012 Perspective

Paul is a Partner in the international commercial law firm of Locke Lord and global head of its trademark, copyright and branding practice. He works with in-house counsel, brand managers, marketing directors and advertising directors at public and private companies and entities in media, financial, insurance, retail, food, restaurant, government and energy. He assists these clients with the global legal and business aspects of selecting, clearing, resolving disputes and protecting brands and advertising and in transactions involving brands and advertising. He helps clients achieve their business and marketing goals with reduced risk. When litigation is necessary, he acts in offensive and defensive roles through trial if necessary. For example, he recently assisted agencies of the State of Texas in protecting branding rights in the name The Alamo and resolving a litigation dispute with another party over that name.

Thomas Williams is partner in Winston & Strawn’s Chicago office. He concentrates his practice in trademark and unfair competition litigation, as well as trademark prosecution and counseling. Mr. Williams represents clients in federal district and appellate courts, and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the United States Patent and Trademark office. He has also represented clients in alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

Mr. Williams has experience representing clients with both traditional trademark and non-traditional marks, including trade dress, color marks, and sound marks. He also has successfully represented brand owners in domain name disputes under the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy and Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act.

In 2012, Mr. Williams was recognized in the World Trademark Review 1000 rankings for being a “meticulous litigator” and his successful representation of clients in civil court litigation, federal court, and administrative proceedings.

Mr. Burlingame’s practice spans all facets of worldwide trademark protection and practice, as well as Internet, copyright and complex transactional matters. He has significant experience in trademark policing, litigation, counseling, clearance, prosecution/registration, licensing and due diligence. He also frequently assists clients with complex transactions, including a range of agreements including consulting and distribution agreements, supply agreements, nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements, asset and stock purchase agreements, assignments, copyright releases, privacy policies, website terms of use and domain name transfer agreements, software and technology licenses, intellectual property rights agreements and settlements and joint venture agreements.

Mr. Burlingame serves U.S. and international clients across a broad array of industries from software and telecommunications to alcoholic beverages and real estate services, and from emerging growth companies to Fortune 500 companies.