Most Highly Regarded Firms: Texas 2008 - Trademarks
The vigorous Texas trademarks Bar contains full service and boutique firms in equal measure.
25 lawyers make an appearance in this chapter, from 16 separate law firms. PirkeyBarber LLP is home to the state's highest-nominated lawyer, Lou Pirkey. This trademark boutique is "the best in the state", according to peers, famed for its litigation prestige and high-end clients such as 3M. One respondent to the survey said of the firm's trademark lawyers: "their practice is marked by integrity and civility". Pirkey is deemed "one of the most eminent trademark litigators in Texas", and received consistent good remarks for his work. Managing partner William Barber focuses his practice on litigation and policing as well as domain name disputes. He is widely published and served on the board of The Trademark Reporter. He has represented the University of Texas in a number of cases, including against a company selling T-shirts and other products displaying the University's longhorn logo with the horns sawn off. Steve Meleen is yet another "top quality litigation attorney", who is praised for his internet-related expertise. He serves as chair of the Trademark Internet/Cyberspace Committee of the American Intellectual Property Law Association.
Fulbright & Jaworski LLP's trademark attorneys are "extremely talented, experienced and personable" and noted for their quotient of blue-chip clients, which include restaurant chains, television networks, video rental chains and health-care companies. Shannon Vale is "a big presence" in the market, with special expertise in protecting sports and entertainment marks. He recently represented a music festival against promoters of a copycat festival. A "top quality practitioner", Richard Groos was highly recommended to researchers for his "excellent counselling skills" and "creative approach to problems". Michael Metteauer is "excellent for internet issues". Linda Merritt is a "very big name" with experience in protecting clients from industries such as software, financial services, food products, pharmaceutical and retail.
Wong Cabello Lutsch Rutherford & Brucculeri LLP is a "high calibre" IP boutique based in Houston and Austin. William Raman is "one of the top disputes lawyers in Texas" and John Cain also scored highly in the research. Baker & McKenzie LLP's Margaret Boulware is "a prominent figure", who has a particular reputation for international portfolio work as well as representing clients on registration, procurement and protection matters. Lisa Meyerhoff is noted for her internet work as well as general trademark litigation and counselling. IP specialist firm Hitchcock Evert LLP also finds two of its partners on our list. Founding partner Elisabeth Evert garners praise for her "excellent trademark practice across the board". John Cone's strategic and litigation expertise is "much sought after", and he has tried cases all over the US. Howrey LLP has represented top clients such as Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola and MEGA Brands in a wide range of matters. Thomas Casagrande is "smart, effective and a great person to work with", according to sources. He is noted for his trademark and trade dress work in the restaurant, retail food, athletic gear and biotechnology industries. He recently represented American Tire Distributors against a company entering the market under the same name. The "excellent" Rodney Caldwell represents companies of all sizes and specialises in technologies litigation.
Molly Buck Richard of her own law firm, Richard Law Group, prompted a warm reception for her "great litigation style", and the "sensational" Paul Van Slyke of Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP is a "respected litigator" with a "top-notch" domain name practice. The "well known and well regarded" Paul Krieger represents Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP and is considered the "go-to guy" at the firm by one contributor.
At Sidley Austin LLP, Charles Cotropia is "pre-eminent", renowned for representing clients such as Justin Brands, Holiday Retirement Corporation, TGI Friday's and Lockheed Martin. Vinson & Elkins LLP partner Peter Mims's litigation, clearance and trademark cancellation work is "respected throughout the state", and he has represented clients such as Pinnacle Foods regarding the intellectual property elements of its acquisition of the Armour-brand canned meat business. Jill McWhirter of King & Spalding LLP "stands out" in the research, especially for her e-commerce and information technology-related work. For 40 years, Carrington Coleman Sloman & Blumenthal LLP's Craig Weinlein has practised trademark litigation, and he is a "respected name" in the community. He has represented E&J Gallo winery, among other clients. Baker Botts LLP's Paul Morico "has acted in some very significant trademark cases", and Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated, the "fabulous" Pete Peterson stands out. Noted for his "great litigation style", Bruce Sostek at Thompson & Knight LLP completes our trademarks listing.