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Best Lawyers ® Recognizes 93 Moore & Van Allen attorneys
Five attorneys honored with “Lawyer of the Year” in their practice areas, (August 2020)
Moore & Van Allen PLLC is pleased to announce that 93 firm attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2021. Additionally, five attorneys were selected for Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” recognitions. Twenty-five attorneys were recognized among “Ones to Watch.”
MVA IP team and attorneys recognized in IAM Patent 1000
(June 2020)
Moore & Van Allen has once again been recognized in the ninth edition of IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals, a unique guide that identifies the top patent professionals in key jurisdictions around the globe. Charlotte members Chris Knors, Dick Lupo, Kevin Ransom, Todd Taylor, Henry Ward and Mark Wilson were listed as recommended attorneys in their respective practice areas.
Moore & Van Allen attorneys ranked in Managing IP
(May 2020)
Moore & Van Allen was named one of North Carolina’s leading intellectual property firms in Managing Intellectual Property’s edition of IP Stars, a legal directory that provides state-by-state analysis of the nation’s IP market. The firm’s Intellectual Property practice received a “Recommended” ranking. Additionally, the following Charlotte Intellectual Property Members were recognized as “IP Stars.”
Chambers & Partners Recognizes Moore & Van Allen Attorneys and Practices in 2020 USA Guide
(April 2020)
Moore & Van Allen is pleased to announce that Chambers & Partners has ranked eight firm practice groups and 26 firm attorneys in the 2020 edition of its legal directory Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business released on April 23.
Hanks, Ward, Wilson and MVA Receive WTR 1000 Recognition
(February 2020)
MVA Intellectual Property Members Arlene Hanks, Henry Ward and Mark Wilson received World Trademark Review 1000 (WTR 1000) recognition. Additionally, MVA’s Intellectual Property practice was recognized as one of six recommended North Carolina trademark practices. Now in its tenth year, the WTR 1000 research directory, which focuses exclusively on trademark practices and practitioners, has firmly established itself as the definitive ‘go-to’ resource for those seeking world-class legal trademark expertise. As with previous editions, to arrive at the 2020 rankings, World Trademark Review undertook an exhaustive qualitative research project to identify the firms and individuals that are deemed outstanding in this critical area of practice.
Member Kate Cole named a Women in Business Achievement Award winner
(January 2020)
Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that Member Kate G. Cole has been selected as one of the Charlotte Business Journal’s 2020 Women in Business Achievement Award winners. The 2020 class of honorees will be formally recognized during an awards event on February 24, as well as with special print and online features.
MVA advises George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers
South Carolina Lawyers Weekly, (December 2019)
A trademark lawsuit involving MVA’s client George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, the well-known personal injury law firm founded by George Sink, Sr., was recently covered by South Carolina Lawyers Weekly. The article discusses how MVA attorneys were successful in securing injunctive relief from the federal court in Charleston, SC against George Sink, Sr.’s son, George Sink, Jr. George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers is represented by Charleston Corporate Member Trudy Robertson, and Charlotte Intellectual Property Members Mark Wilson and Kate Cole.
Best Lawyers® recognizes 83 Moore & Van Allen attorneys
10 attorneys named “Lawyer of the Year” across various practices in Charlotte, (August 2019)
Moore & Van Allen PLLC is pleased to announce that 83 attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020. Additionally, 10 attorneys from the firm’s Charlotte office were selected for Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” recognitions.
Moore & Van Allen IP team and attorneys recognized in IAM Patent 1000
IAM 1000, (June 2019)
Moore & Van Allen PLLC is pleased to announce that its Intellectual Property and Commercial & Technology Transactions practices have been recognized in the eighth edition of IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals, which published on June 6. Additionally, Charlotte members Christopher (Chris) J. Knors, Dickson M. Lupo, W. Kevin Ransom, Todd C. Taylor, Henry B. Ward III and J. Mark Wilson were listed as recommended attorneys in their respective practice areas.
Moore & Van Allen attorneys ranked in Managing IP
(May 2019)
Moore & Van Allen was named one of North Carolina’s leading intellectual property firms in Managing Intellectual Property’s edition of IP Stars, a legal directory that provides state-by-state analysis of the nation’s IP market. The Firm’s Intellectual Property practice received a “Recommended” ranking. Additionally, Charlotte Intellectual Property Members Arlene Hanks, Dickson Lupo and Henry Ward were recognized as “IP Stars.”
Moore & Van Allen Attorneys and Practices Recognized in 2019 Chambers & Partners Guide
(April 2019)
Moore & Van Allen PLLC is pleased to announce that Chambers & Partners has ranked seven firm practice groups and 26 firm attorneys in the 2019 edition of its legal directory Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.
Hanks, Wilson and MVA Receive WTR 1000 Recognition
(February 2019)
MVA Intellectual Property Members Arlene Hanks and Mark Wilson received World Trademark Review 1000 (WTR 1000) recognition. Now in its ninth year, the WTR 1000 shines a spotlight on the firms and individuals that are deemed outstanding in the intellectual property practice. The WTR 1000 remains the only standalone publication to recommend individual practitioners and their firms exclusively in the trademark field, and identifies the leading players in 70 key jurisdictions globally
Moore & Van Allen recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers with top-tier ‘Best Law Firms’ rankings
Firm honored regionally and nationally in 2019 rankings, (November 2018)
U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers have recognized Moore & Van Allen PLLC in their 2019 “Best Law Firms” rankings, both nationally and within the Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina metropolitan regions.
Best Lawyers® Recognizes 69 Moore & Van Allen Attorneys
(August 2018)
Moore & Van Allen PLLC is pleased to announce that 69 attorneys representing each of the Firm’s three offices were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2019.
IP Team Receives International Recognition in IAM Patent 1000
IAM Patent 1000, (June 2018)
Moore & Van Allen's Intellectual Property practice received top-tier recognition in the seventh edition of IAM Patent 1000— The World’s Leading Patent Practitioners, which published in June 2018. Additionally, Charlotte Intellectual Property Members Chris Knors, Dick Lupo, Kevin Ransom, Henry Ward and Mark Wilson were listed as recommended attorneys within their respective practice areas.
Dick Lupo, Arlene Hanks, Chuck Moore and Henry Ward Named "IP Stars"
(May 2018)
Moore & Van Allen was named one of North Carolina’s leading intellectual property firms in Managing Intellectual Property’s inaugural edition of IP Stars, a legal directory that provides state-by-state analysis of the nation’s IP market. The firm’s Intellectual Property practice received a “Recommended” ranking. Additionally, Charlotte Intellectual Property Members Dickson Lupo and Henry Ward and Triangle Intellectual Property Members Arlene Hanks and Chuck Moore were recognized as “IP Stars.”
Fuierer Teaches UNC Law Class
(March 2018)
Research Triangle Intellectual Property Member Tristan Fuierer is co-instructing a patent prosecution class during the Spring 2018 semester. The seminar focuses on practical application of patent law concepts in preparing and prosecuting patent applications.
Moore & Van Allen elects six attorneys as new members
(January 2018)
Moore & Van Allen PLLC is pleased to announce that the following six attorneys have been elected as the firm’s newest members: Colby B. Jenkins, Lesley Attkisson Lewis, Michael (Mike) R. Miller, Meredith French Reedy, Frank E. Schall and F. Emmett Weindruch. Their new designation went into effect on January 1, 2018. All six attorneys are based in Charlotte.
Best Lawyers® Recognizes 71 Moore & Van Allen Attorneys
(January 2018)
Moore & Van Allen is pleased to announce that 71 attorneys representing each of the Firm’s offices were listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 2018.
41 Moore & Van Allen attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers
(January 2018)
Moore & Van Allen PLLC is pleased to announce that 28 attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers’ 2018 list of top attorneys in North Carolina, and 13 attorneys were named to Super Lawyer’s 2018 Rising Stars list. These attorneys represent the firm’s Charlotte and Research Triangle offices.
Moore & Van Allen Attorneys and Practices Recognized in 2017 Chambers & Partners Guide
(May 2017)
Moore & Van Allen PLLC is pleased to announce that Chambers & Partners has ranked seven firm practice groups and 24 firm attorneys in the 2017 edition of its legal directory Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.
Thirty Seven Moore & Van Allen Attorneys Named by Super Lawyers
(January 2017)
WTR 1000 Honors Hanks & IP Team
(May 2016)
Thirty-nine Moore & Van Allen Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers
(January 2016)
Horne Participates in LESI's 1st Pan-American Young Members Congress Event
(September 11, 2015)
IP Team Receives International Recognition
Firm’s Patent practice and members Lupo, Ransom, Ward, and Wilson ranked
IAM Patent 1000, (August 2015)
Moore & Van Allen’s Intellectual Property patent practice received top-tier recognition in the fourth edition of IAM Patent 1000 2015—The World’s Leading Patent Practitioners.
Moore & Van Allen Announces New Members for 2015
Nine attorneys named members effective January 1, (January 2015)
Moore & Van Allen PLLC is pleased to announce that nine attorneys have been elected as the Firm’s newest members. Their new designation went into effect on January 1.
Forty-three Moore & Van Allen Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers
(January 2015)
Forty-three total MVA attorneys were named to either Super Lawyers’ 2015 list of top attorneys in North Carolina, or the 2015 Rising Stars list.
Firm Named for CLT Joules Support
The Charlotte Observer, (August 2014)
MVA was named for its support of energy incubator CLT Joules in The Charlotte Observer.
Moore & Van Allen Invests in Success of Queen City Forward Entrepreneurs
Firm aligns resources to support and cement partnership with growing business incubator entity, (August 2014)
IP Team Receives International Recognition
Firm’s patent practice and members Lupo, Ransom, Ward, and Wilson ranked
IAM Patent 1000, (August 2014)
MVA's IP team received top recognition in the IAM Patent 1000, and four Charlotte IP members were listed as "recommended" attorneys.
Managing IP Ranks Intellectual Property Practice
Four Members Named "IP Stars"
Managing IP, (July 2014)
The Firm's IP practice was "Highly Recommended" by Managing IP, and Lupo, Hanks, Moore and Ward were all named "IP Stars."
MVA Practices & Attorneys Among Chambers’ Finest
(June 2014)
Chambers & Partners recognized eight MVA practice groups and 28 MVA attorneys in their 2014 guide.
Wilson Reviews the "Burden" of Patent Infringement
Bloomberg BNA Patent, Trademark & Copyright Journal, (April 2014)
Mark Wilson was published in Bloomberg BNA's Patent, Trademark & Copyright Journal on April 25.
Weindruch Invited to Judge Davidson Venture Tournament
(April 2014)
Charlotte Associate Emmett Weindruch served as a judge at Davidson College's Next Play Venture Tournament.
IP Practice Recommended by World Trademark Review
Managing Member Arlene Hanks featured as a leading trademark practitioner
World Trademark Review 1000 – The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals, (February 2014)
WTR recommended the Firm's Intellectual Property practice, and named Arlene Hanks one of nine leading North Carolina trademark practitioners.
Forty-four Moore & Van Allen Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers
(January 2014)
Forty-four total MVA attorneys were named to either Super Lawyers’ 2014 list of top attorneys in North Carolina, or the 2014 Rising Stars list.
Moore & Van Allen Announces Newly-Elected Members
(January 2014)
Moore & Van Allen has elected eight attorneys as new members of the Firm.
MVA Sponsoring CLT Joules Energy Innovation Group
Firm providing financial support and pro bono legal work, (November 2013)
CLT Joules has Moore & Van Allen fully charged-- The Firm has committed to three years of financial and pro bono support.
Managing IP Features MVA Member as One of Top Women in Field
Arlene Hanks Ranked in Inaugural “IP Stars – Top 250 Women in IP”, (October 2013)
Research Triangle Managing Member and Trademark Team Leader Arlene Hanks was featured in “IP Stars-Top 250 Women in IP.”
Weindruch Publishes Legal Considerations of Big Data
Charlotte Business Journal, (September 2013)
IP Attorney Emmett Weindruch was published in the Charlotte Business Journal on September 20.
Best Lawyers Recognizes 77 MVA Attorneys
Members Fisher, Johnson, Hagood each named a “Lawyer of the Year”, (August 2013)
Seventy-seven MVA attorneys and 19 Firm practice areas were represented in The Best Lawyers in America® 2014.
Horne Completes Bar Leadership Program
(July 2013)
Intellectual Property Associate Patrick Horne graduated from the joint Mecklenburg County Bar/Mecklenburg Bar Foundation Bar Leadership Institute.
Managing IP Ranks Moore & Van Allen IP Practice Tier 1
Dick Lupo, Arlene Hanks, Chuck Moore and Henry Ward Named "IP Stars", (July 2013)
MVA's Intellectual Property practice received a Tier 1 “Highly Recommended” ranking.
IP Team Receives International Recognition
Group and Members Lupo, Ransom, Ward and Wilson rated in IAM Patent 1000, (June 2013)
The IP practice received top-tier recognition in the second edition of IAM Patent 1000— The World’s Leading Patent Practitioners. IP Members Dick Lupo, Kevin Ransom, Henry Ward and Mark Wilson were also listed as "recommended" attorneys.
MVA Practices & Attorneys Among Chambers' Finest
Seven practice groups and 21 attorneys named in 2013 Chambers USA Guide, (May 2013)
Seven Moore & Van Allen practice groups and 21 individual attorneys were recognized in the 2013 Chambers USA Guide.
Ward Invited to Join LESI Delegates Board
(April 2013)
Member Henry Ward was invited to join the LESI Board of Delegates.
IP Member Teaches UNC Law Class
(April 2013)
Research Triangle Park IP Member Tristan Fuierer is co-teaching a patent prosecution class offered within UNC School of Law’s curriculum.
MVA Member & Teams Recognized Internationally
Hanks, Intellectual Property and Corporate Practice Groups Named in WTR 1000, (March 2013)
The IP team and Research Triangle Park Managing Member and Trademark Team Leader Arlene Hanks were recommended within the 2013 edition of WTR 1000.
Lee Provides Insight on Cloud Computing
TechRepublic, (March 2013)
Corporate Member Marcus Lee was quoted in TechRepublic's piece on cloud computing.
Taylor Addresses Ownership of Third-Party Works in Final Column
InsideCounsel, (March 2013)
Commercial and Technology Transactions Senior Counsel Todd Taylor addressed third-party works ownership in final InsideCounsel column.
IP Attorney Selected for Local Leadership Honors
(February 2013)
IP Attorney Patrick Horne was selected to join the Mecklenburg County Bar’s 2013 Bar Leadership Institute class, and was also named to the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce’s 2013-2014 Young Professionals Board.
MVA Named a 2013 Go-To Law Firm
(January 2013)
Moore & Van Allen was again named a Go-To Law Firm at the Top 500 Companies for delivering “exceptional work.”
McGinnis & Cole Represent MVA at Fast 50 Functions
(December 2012)
Karin McGinnis and Kate Cole represented MVA at 2012 Fast 50 celebrations. Congratulations to this year's honorees!
Patent Practice Named in National Law Journal
(October 2012)
MVA's patent practice was named twice in October National Law Journal.
Seven "Lawyers of the Year" at Moore & Van Allen
(September 2012)
Best Lawyers has selected seven Moore & Van Allen attorneys as 2013 "Lawyers of the Year."
Taylor Published by Corporate Counsel
(September 2012)
Charlotte Senior Counsel Todd Taylor was published by Corporate Counsel.
Best Lawyers Recognizes 71 MVA Attorneys
(September 2012)
Best Lawyers has recognized a record seventy-one Moore & Van Allen attorneys for 2013 based on peer reviews.
Wilson Quoted in NC Lawyers Weekly
(August 2012)
IP Member Mark Wilson was quoted in North Carolina Lawyers Weekly.
Wilson & Cole Recognized in Charlotte Business Journal
(August 2012)
Mark Wilson and Kate Cole were recognized in the Charlotte Business Journal for successful representation.
Intellectual Property Team Receives International Recognition
IP practice group and Member Henry Ward ranked in IAM Patent 1000, (July 2012)
The IP Team and Member Henry Ward were recognized in the first edition of IAM Patent 1000.
MVA Practice Groups Receive Highest Chambers Recognitions
(June 2012)
Chambers recognized seven MVA practice groups and 21 Moore & Van Allen attorneys in Chambers USA Guide: America’s Leading Business Lawyers 2012.
Taylor Published in Charlotte Business Journal
(May 2012)
Todd Taylor was published in the Charlotte Business Journal on May 18.
Taylor Published in Corporate Board Member
(April 2012)
Senior Counsel Todd Taylor authored an article published in the Second Quarter 2012 edition of Corporate Board Member magazine.
Taylor Quoted in Christian Science Monitor
(April 2012)
Charlotte senior counsel Todd Taylor was quoted in The Christian Science Monitor.
Ward Speaks at Conference in New Zealand
(April 2012)
Intellectual Property member Henry Ward presented at the LESI program in Auckland, New Zealand on April 3rd.
Wilson Quoted in Managing Intellectual Property
(March 2012)
IP member Mark Wilson was quote in Managing Intellectual Property.
Moore & Van Allen Attorneys Receive Chambers Recognition
(March 2012)
Chambers & Partners has named 21 Moore & Van Allen attorneys “Leaders in their Field.”
Ward Quoted in Law360
(February 2012)
Intellectual Property member Henry Ward was quoted in Law360 on February 24.
Taylor Authors Law360 Article
(February 2012)
Senior counsel Todd Taylor was published in Law360 this month.
Senior Counsel Taylor Published in Bloomberg
(February 2012)
Senior Commercial and Technology Transactions counsel Todd Taylor was published in Bloomberg.
Taylor Quoted in SHRM
(January 2012)
Charlotte senior counsel Todd Taylor was quoted in Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Online.
Moore & Van Allen Named a 2012 Go-To Law Firm
(November 2011)
MVA has again been named a Go-To Law Firm by Fortune 500® clients.
Ward and IP Team Recognized by IAM Licensing 250
(October 2011)
MVA's Intellectual Property group and Charlotte IP Member Henry Ward were recognized in the second edition of IAM Licensing 250.
Lupo Published in Corporate Board Member
(August 2011)
IP Member Dick Lupo co-authored an article published in the Third Quarter 2011 edition of Corporate Board Member magazine.
Intellectual Property Group Releases Client Update
(July 2011)
MVA's IP Group releases update on ICANN's approval of the gTLD expansion.
Lee Featured as "Legal Expert"
Charlotte Corporate Member Marcus Lee was the featured legal expert in TechRepublic’s IT Leadership article entitled, “The ‘fine print’ of cloud computing”.
Wilson Quoted in Law360
(April 2011)
Intellectual Property attorney Mark Wilson was quoted in an April 8 Law360 article entitled, "False Marking Cases On Shaky Ground After BP Ruling."
2011 Legal Elite recognizes 20 MVA attorneys
(January 2011)
Moore & Van Allen (MVA) is pleased to announce that 20 attorneys were included in Business North Carolina magazine’s Legal Elite.
MVA attorneys honored by NC Super Lawyers
(January 2011)
Forty-five of Moore & Van Allen's North Carolina attorneys were selected for inclusion in North Carolina Super Lawyers 2011.
Mark Wilson Quoted in InsideCounsel Article
(January 1, 2011)
IP attorney Mark Wilson is quoted in InsideCounsel Magazine.
Wilson Quoted in Lawyers Weekly
(November 2010)
Mark Wilson was quoted in a Lawyers Weekly article regarding Web marketing ethics.
Three MVA Attorneys Selected as "Women Extraordinaire"
(November 18, 2010)
MVA attorneys Karin McGinnis, Valecia McDowell and Arlene Hanks have all been selected as a 2010 Business Leader Women Extraordinaire honoree.
Henry Ward Recognized Among "The World's Leading Patent & Technology Licensing Lawyers" in IAM Licensing 250
(September 22, 2010)
Henry Ward was recently selected by Intellectual Asset Management, a leading intellectual property magazine, for inclusion in IAM Licensing 250: The World’s Leading Patent & Technology Licensing Lawyers.
MVA's Intellectual Property Team Recognized in IP Today
(May 6, 2010)
Moore & Van Allen's Intellectual Property Team has been recognized in IP Today's "Top Trademark Firms" and "Top Patent Firms" list.
Intellectual Property Team Releases New IP Law Blog
(April 2010)
MVA's IP Team Releases New Blog Site.
Moore & Van Allen Announces New Members
(January 2010)
MVA is pleased to announce the election of Tristan Fuierer, Charlie Harris, Ron Melamed and Mark Nebrig as new members of the firm.
MVA Named "Go-To Law Firm"
(December 4, 2009)
Moore & Van Allen has been recognized as a Go-To Law Firm in the practice areas of Litigation, Intellectual Property, and Corporate/ Mergers & Acquisitions/ Securities.
Mike Johnston Will Serve as Duhatch 2009 Coaches on Call
(September 15, 2009)
Mike Johnston has been asked to serve as a Duchatch, one of Duke University’s Student Business Incubators. A Duhatch incubator connects enterprising students with mentors from faculty and industry.
Tony Lathrop and Mark Wilson Published in the Charlotte Business Journal
(April 3, 2009)
Tony Lathrop and Mark Wilson published an article on Internet searches creating trademark infringement cases.
Tony Lathrop and Mark Wilson Featured in North Carolina Lawyers Weekly article (February 1, 2009) for Winning Trademark Infringement Case
(February 1, 2009)
Tony Lathrop and Mark Wilson were featured in North Carolina Lawyers Weekly for successfully defending their client in a trademark infringement case.
Moore & Van Allen is Named a “Go-To Law Firm” for the Fortune 500® by Incisive Media
(December 1, 2008)
Incisive Media has named Moore & Van Allen a “Go-To Law Firm” for the nation’s Fortune 500® companies.
Moore & Van Allen is Named a “Go-To Law Firm” for Financial Services Companies
(August 11, 2008)
American Lawyer Media’s Corporate Counsel magazine has named Moore & Van Allen a “Go-To Law Firm” for the nation’s leading financial companies in its annual survey of in-house counsel teams at top financial services companies.
Moore & Van Allen is Named a “Go-To Law Firm” for Technology
(July 7, 2008)
American Lawyer Media’s Corporate Counsel magazine has named Moore & Van Allen a “Go-To Law Firm” for technology in its annual survey of in-house counsel teams at the world’s largest technology companies.
Tony Lathrop Participated in a Panel Discussion at the Network of Trial Law Firms' Spring Meeting
(May 2, 2008)
Tony Lathrop participated in a panel discussion on trademark litigation involving internet key word searches.
Name blame: More trademark woes for all-9s lawyer Sink
Personal injury lawyer George Sink, who successfully fought his namesake son over professional rights to the family moniker, will now have to fight an out-of-state rival over a similar name claim.
The federal Trademark Trial and Appeal Board recently ruled that Philadelphia lawyer Robert Sink’s trademark complaint against George Sink has enough teeth to go to trial.
George Sink, the ubiquitous “all-nines” television pitchman, had asked the board for a judgment on the pleadings — a ruling that’s granted when the opposing party doesn’t have a legal leg to stand on.
The board disagreed and scheduled a trial for next year.
If he loses, George Sink would have to give up the George Sink P.A. Injury Lawyers trademark that’s identified his North Charleston law firm since 2010.
Robert Sink, who’s practiced law in the City of Brotherly Love since 1994, says George Sink shouldn’t get the trademark because it confuses consumers into thinking the two law firms are affiliated. He said George Sink’s trademark is too similar to his Law Offices of Robert W. Sink trademark.
George Sink, who is no relation to Robert Sink, wanted the case thrown out, saying the two names are so “different in sound, appearance and meaning” that they couldn’t possibly create confusion.
That might have been enough to convince the board had both men not been lawyers.
But when trademarks are used for similar goods or services, like personal injury law, “the degree of similarity necessary to support ... likelihood of confusion declines,” the board ruled.
Robert Sink didn’t file his trademark complaint until last year, when George Sink alleged his son — George Sink Jr. — was violating the elder Sink’s trademark by using his birth name to advertise a competing law firm. The family dispute was ultimately settled in a secret arbitration hearing.
A federal judge in Charleston recently confirmed the arbitrator’s award, which is confidential and under seal.
A lifeboat in a storm
As South Carolina continues to deal with an unemployment crisis, the state’s Department of Employment and Workforce announced plans to start marketing so-called “lifeboat jobs” to people who are out of work.
DEW announced last week that it would begin sharing these emergency job offers with the tens of thousand of people who are still relying on state unemployment benefits.
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The “lifeboat jobs,” the agency explained, may not match the careers that many people lost amid the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, DEW said they are intended to hold people over until the economy recovers — whenever that might be.
“The bottom line is simple,” the agency said in a press release. “Lifeboat jobs are out there, and they can lead to promising career paths.”
Staff at DEW will pick the lifeboat jobs from “the most frequently posted positions in South Carolina,” and it will promote four to five of them a week. DEW will start releasing these specially-selected jobs this week.
Switching banks
The merger and acquisitions expert at what had been South Carolina’s largest bank has lined up a new gig that’s within the industry but out of state.
James C. “Jim” Mabry IV began on Aug. 1 as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Renasant Corp., according to a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. He also assumed similar roles and titles at the Tupelo, Miss.-based holding company’s Renasant Bank subsidiary, which, at $15 billion in assets and 200-plus offices in multiple states, is roughly the same size as his previous employer.
From August 2015 until last month, Mabry was the Charleston-based executive VP in charge of investor relations and M&A for Columbia’s South State Corp.
Earlier in his career, he had worked closely with his latest employer “as we grew the company in the early 2000s,” CEO Mitch Waycaster said. “His financial experience, knowledge of our markets and familiarity with our company, makes him a great addition to the Renasant family.”
South State merged June 7 with CenterState Corp. of Winter Haven, Fla. The name and the “SSB” stock symbol survived the $2.3 billion tie-up, but the company’s corporate offices are now in Florida.
Desk jobs
Loctek, a Chinese company that designs and manufactures ergonomic desks and other products, said it will open an office in rural Clarendon County.
The $5 million investment is expected to create 10 jobs. The site will serve as a warehousing, shipping and receiving location for products made in China and shipped to the Port of Charleston.
The new facility, located in the Clarendon County Industrial Park, is expected to be completed by March.
Founded in 1999, Loctek makes sit-stand desk risers, height-adjustable desk and other ergonomically designed office structures.
Top Rated Intellectual Property Lawyers in Charleston, SC
Have you created, designed, written, produced, or invented something that you’d like trademarked, copyrighted, or patented?
If you’re a writer, musician, painter, architect, film producer, broadcaster, photographer, or performance artist and you’ve created an original piece for public or commercial consumption, use Super Lawyers to find an intellectual property lawyer to protect your intellectual property.
Intellectual property attorneys primarily advise on licensing and transactions for names, logos, symbols, images, products, technology, and designs in the commercial realm.
They also help respond to the unauthorized use of intellectual property, whether scientific or artistic.
Super Lawyers offers a free, comprehensive directory of accredited intellectual property attorneys who’ve attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement in their field.
Protect your rights.
Protect your property.
Find help with Super Lawyers today.
Are you searching for a top intellectual property lawyer in Charleston, South Carolina?
Through Super Lawyers directory, we index attorneys who practice quality and excellence in their work. It is easy to browse intellectual property attorney listings in your immediate area, search for a specific individual referred by a friend, or start narrowing your search by practice area.
Did you find individuals who interest you? Learn more by exploring their profiles. There you will find a intellectual property attorney’s contact, education, and biographical information to supplement your research. Where possible, our profiles will also include links to a intellectual property lawyer’s personal biography, firm website, and other relevant information to consider.
Are you ready to take action? Our profile’s contact form is simple to use and makes it easy to connect with a Charleston, South Carolina lawyer and seek legal advice.
Super Lawyers Rating System
Super Lawyers is a research-driven, peer-influenced rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of professional achievement and peer recognition. The patented selection process combines peer nominations, independent research evaluations and peer evaluations by practice area. Each year no more than 5 percent of the attorneys in the state are selected for the Super Lawyers list, and no more than 2.5 percent for the Rising Stars list.
George Sink Jr. can’t use his own name to market his North Charleston law firm, judge says
North Charleston attorney George Sink Jr. can’t use his name to market his fledgling law firm because consumers might think they’re dealing instead with his father, ubiquitous television pitchman and personal injury lawyer George Sink Sr.
A federal judge on Friday issued a temporary restraining order banning the younger Sink from using the “George Sink” name on his firm’s website, social media accounts and email address. The ban will stay in place until the case is heard by an arbitrator.
The elder Sink’s corporation — George Sink P.A. Personal Injury Lawyers — sued Sink Jr. in April to stop him from using his birth name professionally, saying it violates trademark laws and confuses consumers.
Judge David Norton agreed, stating in his order that while Sink Jr. is not barred from practicing law under his own name, “he must do more to differentiate himself between him and (his father)” in advertising for legal services.
George Sink Sr.’s law firm “has spent nearly two decades and an exorbitant amount of money advertising for its legal services and building up awareness of and goodwill in its trademark,” Norton stated. He added “it would not be just” to let the younger Sink benefit from the marketing his father’s firm has done.
A lawyer for the elder Sink’s firm said it spends millions of dollars each year on television and radio commercials and billboards.
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The family feud started in February when Sink Sr. — whose “all-nines” catchphrase is heard on thousands of commercials daily — fired his son from the 23-year-old North Charleston law firm. Four days later, Sink Jr. started his own practice — George Sink II Law Firm — across town under the name he says he’s always used professionally.
Kathryn Cole, a lawyer representing the elder Sink’s firm, said in a court hearing last month that Sink Jr. is taking advantage of the millions of dollars his dad spends each year to market his practice. She said the younger Sink intentionally embedded meta tags in his website so Google searches for “George Sink” would direct people to him instead of his father.
Lawyers for Sink Jr. had asked Norton to dismiss the request for a temporary injunction, saying an arbitrator should decide the matter.
Sink Jr., a graduate of Yale and the Charleston School of Law, was working as a marketing executive in New York when his father urged him in 2013 to join his law firm as a marketing employee. The younger Sink later got a law degree and started handling client matters at his father’s firm last year.
The elder Sink’s law firm has 14 offices in South Carolina and Georgia.
Trademark law
Barnwell Whaley Charleston SC trademark attorneys have obtained thousands of trademarks on behalf of clients to protect their brands, products and reputations throughout the United States.
A trademark is a word, phrase, design, sound or symbol, used to identify a source of goods, such as a particular manufacturer or seller, products and distinguish those goods from the goods of another. A service mark performs the same source identifying function with regard to services rather than goods.
Trademark rights arise 1) by filing an application for registration of a mark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office based on a bona fide intent to make use of the mark on a product or in association with a service that will soon be offered to the public, or 2) by actual use of the mark in commerce on a product or in association with a service.
However, trademark rights can be lost through errors in applying for registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or through improper licensing or other agreements involving the mark. It is important to consult with a trademark attorney to guide you through the trademark process. The United States Patent and Trademark Office recommends that you hire a private attorney.
Trademarks are different from copyrights and patents. A copyright generally protects artistic or literary works. A patent protects inventions. A trademark identifies a brand and can be a name, logo, design, slogan – even a color or a scent.
No. It takes more than having a website and an early use date to fully protect your mark. You want to make sure that you protect your mark and that the mark is not being used by others for related goods or services, so that your proposed mark is available to you and that you do not infringe on someone else’s mark. You don’t want the expense of having to change your name and re-do all of your packaging, merchandise, signage, advertising, etc.
Trademark infringement occurs when consumers are confused –it is the unauthorized use of a trademark in connection with goods or services in a manner that is likely to cause confusion, deception, or mistake about the source of the goods and/or services.
Barnwell Whaley trademark attorneys assist trademark owners in protecting their reputation, brands, products, services and businesses through cease and desist letters and court orders which may include the infringing party destroy all infringing materials, and provide monetary damages.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has put together an informative booklet and video on trademark basics (for video link, scroll to bottom of page).
We also find this IP WatchDog’s article interesting: Using Do-It-Yourself or Online Trademark Registration Services Can Prove Disastrous for Entrepreneurs
If you do business in the states of South Carolina, North Carolina or Georgia, we look forward to assisting you with your trademark needs as local counsel.
Related areas:
Business law
Intellectual property
Patents
Patent litigation
Unfair Competition law
False Advertising
Copyrights
Restaurant and Hospitality law
Civil litigation
Todd Hess is a member of Barnwell Whaley and is a registered patent attorney and certified financial analyst. He has been practicing law since 2007. Hess is licensed to practice in GA, NC and SC.
David Cox is a member of Barnwell Whaley. He has been practicing law since 1993.