William M. Merone

William’s practice encompasses all aspects of trademark law, including client counseling, brand enforcement, trademark prosecution, administrative proceedings and litigation.

In addition, William, who has a technical background in aerospace engineering, has substantial experience in design and utility patent matters as well, including advising clients on issues such as patent validity and infringement, prosecuting ornamental designs and mechanical inventions through the Patent and Trademark Office, and participating in several high profile patent litigations.

Consequently, William routinely handles a diverse array of intellectual property matters, including filing and prosecuting new trademark applications, advising clients on proper trademark usage, assisting with corporate name changes and branding efforts, counseling clients on issues such as infringement and enforcement, practicing before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and representing clients in federal district and appellate courts. In addition, William also practices in the areas of sports law and copyright law, including proceedings under the Amateur Sports Act and under the Copyright Act, and he is frequently involved with Internet-related intellectual property issues, such as domain name acquisitions and portfolio management, UDRP proceedings and Internet branding initiatives. As a result of this breadth of practice, William has acquired substantive experience in a variety of brand-driven industries, including radio broadcasting, alcoholic beverages, Internet commerce, amateur and Olympic sports, children’s toys, televised shopping and restaurant services.

William also dedicates a portion of his practice to pro bono. He has presented oral arguments to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in a court-appointed pro bono matter, and has worked with the University of Virginia School of Law both in connection with the law school’s Post-Conviction Assistance Project, and as a volunteer judge for mock appellate arguments presented by first-year law students. William has also contributed to several articles and conference presentations on trademark issues. 

Representative Experience

• Obtained dismissal of declaratory judgment action against the U.S. Olympic Committee regarding trademarks, social media, and First Amendment issues. HSK LLC v.The United States Olympic Committee (D.Minn.)