A company’s technology and intellectual property rights are often its most significant assets. When those assets need to be protected or are threatened by litigation, Rob Van Arnam can help. He represents clients of all sizes from emerging technology clients and entrepreneurs to large retail and manufacturing companies and financial institutions by providing practical advice and business solutions. Rob is the chair of the firm's Intellectual Property Section, as well as the Data Protection & Cybersecurity Practice. He previously served on the firm's board of directors.
A company’s technology and intellectual property rights are often its most significant assets. When those assets need to be protected or are threatened by litigation, Rob Van Arnam can help. He represents clients of all sizes from emerging technology clients and entrepreneurs to large retail and manufacturing companies and financial institutions by providing practical advice and business solutions. Rob is the chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Section, as well as a co-chair of the Data Protection & Cybersecurity Practice. He previously served on the firm’s board of directors.
Rob is an experienced intellectual property lawyer who focuses his practice on litigation involving patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. He has litigated high-stakes IP cases throughout the country and before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), including through trial and appeal. He is adept at understanding clients’ IP assets and business goals and providing practical strategies to achieve those goals. Clients in a variety of industries, including software, telecommunications, life sciences, ag-chemical, firearms and financial services, have used Rob to help protect, license and grow their intellectual property, enforce their rights and defend against suits by competitors and non-practicing entities (NPEs).
In addition to his IP practice, Rob counsels clients regarding the protection of data, and the preparation of privacy and cybersecurity policies, and investigates and represents clients in data breach matters and litigation. Rob also advises clients on matters relating to advertising and anti-counterfeiting and on matters involving the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the International Trade Commission (ITC).
Prior to joining Williams Mullen, Rob practiced IP and antitrust law with a national law firm and worked for the U.S. Department of Justice as a special assistant in the Office of Intelligence Policy and the Office of International Affairs.
He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for Patent Litigation, Patent Law, Copyright Law and Intellectual Property Litigation (2014-present). He has been named Best Lawyers® Raleigh “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation - Patent Law (2016, 2020 and 2022) and for Copyright Law (2018). He has been recognized by Chambers USA for Intellectual Property Law (2013-present), named among North Carolina’s “Legal Elite” by Business North Carolina (2011-2015, 2017-present) and listed in North Carolina Super Lawyers (2016-present). In addition, he has been named one of the “Top Attorneys in North Carolina” by Charlotte Magazine.
Rob earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dickinson College and his Master’s degree in international law from American University. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he was a member of the Holderness National Moot Court Team and the North Carolina Journal of International Law & Commercial Regulation.
THE CASES LISTED BELOW ARE ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE MATTERS HANDLED BY THE FIRM. CASE RESULTS DEPEND UPON A VARIETY OF FACTORS UNIQUE TO EACH CASE. NOT ALL CASE RESULTS ARE PROVIDED. CASE RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE OR PREDICT A SIMILAR RESULT IN ANY FUTURE CASE UNDERTAKEN BY THE LAWYER.
Patent Litigation
- Represented client in a patent infringement lawsuit based on camera mount device for outdoor market. The case was resolved on a basis favorable to the client.
- Represented Defendant, a manufacturer of beverage tracking technology in a suit alleging patent infringement, false advertising and related claims. Case was dismissed.
- Represented Plaintiff, a developer and manufacturer of photoluminescent safety products, against a competing manufacturer in a patent infringement suit.
- Represented Defendant, a medical device developer, in a suit regarding oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) devices.
- Served as co-counsel for Defendant, a developer of smart fitness technology, in a patent infringement suit.
- Represented Defendant, a U.S. and German manufacturer of lab equipment, in a matter alleging infringement of Plaintiff’s patent.
- Represented Defendant, a franchisee of a pest control company, against a competitor’s patent infringement claims.
- Represented Defendant, a home automation company, alleging infringement of Plaintiff's patent by making, selling, or offering for sale a product without Plaintiff’s permission and authorization.
- Represented Defendant, a national building supply manufacturer, in a patent infringement suit against a competitor related to an electrical block.
- Represented Defendant, a developer of smart fitness technology, in a suit alleging infringement of patents related to heart monitoring features of wearable devices.
- Represented Defendant, a financial institution, in a suit alleging infringement of registered patent by making, using, offering to sell and or selling products and services of user unique identifier and providing the account information in a text-based response without Plaintiff's authorization.
- Represented Plaintiff, an international manufacturer of furniture products, in a patent infringement suit for features contained in casual outdoor living furniture.
- Represented Defendant, a firearms manufacturer, against claims of infringement of Plaintiff’s patent related to a folding buttstock for firearms.
- Represented Defendant, a full-service national event ticket marketplace, through appeal and ultimate dismissal of patent infringement claims related to its online reservation system.
- Represented Defendant, a manufacturer of semiconductor devices, in a suit alleging infringement of Plaintiff’s patent by making, importing, using and selling the infringing products.
- Represented Defendant, a national building supply manufacturer, in a patent infringement suit brought by an NPE alleging infringement of a patent related to an integrated j-channel for commercial and retail windows. Williams Mullen led a joint defense group of Defendants in co-pending cases.
- Represented Defendant, a communications technology company, against infringement claims as to Plaintiff’s patent related to Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) products.
- Represented Defendant, a safety prescription eyewear manufacturer, in a patent infringement suit. Plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the suit.
- Represented Defendant, a manufacturer of strollers, against claims relating to a mechanical patent on a folding mechanism, and allegations of trade dress infringement, brought by a direct competitor.
- Represented Defendant, a financial institution, in patent infringement action by an NPE designer of analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits, related to secure communications and mobile banking and payment applications.
- Represented Plaintiff, a manufacturer of crop and life science products, in a suit against a competitor for infringing on Plaintiff’s patent for manufacturing a plant growth regulator.
- Represented Defendant, a software developer, in the infringement of various intellectual property relating to medical image and video data conversion software.
- Represented Defendant, a developer of law enforcement technology and weapons products, against claims of patent infringement related to an electric shock device and breaching a patent purchase agreement.
- Represented Plaintiff, a software manufacturer, in Declaratory Judgment action against an NPE asserting patent infringement of a system for computer-based visual data evaluation.
- Represented Defendant, a government contractor, in a dispute alleging infringement on Plaintiff’s patent.
- Represented Defendants with a joint defense group in a patent suit alleging infringement of a process related to “Invoiceless Trading and Settlement Method and System.”
Trademark Litigation
- Represented Plaintiffs, manufacturers of lawn and pest control products, in suit alleging trademark infringement.
- Represented Plaintiff, an aircraft engine part manufacturer, in a trademark infringement matter.
- Represented Plaintiff, a federal government contractor, in a trademark infringement and unfair competition suit against a competing government contractor.
- Represented Plaintiff, a regional bank, in a trademark dispute against competing financial institution regarding use of an infringing new name.
- Defended a real estate company in a trademark infringement matter.
- Represented Plaintiff, a dog training and animal behavior company, in a trademark dispute regarding use of its mark related to dog training services.
- Represented Defendant, an online e-commerce platform, in a trademark dispute.
- Served as lead counsel for Plaintiff, a nutritional and herbal supplements manufacturer, against Defendant in a case for trademark infringement.
- Represented Defendant, a furniture retail company, in a suit alleging trademark and copyright infringement and false advertising.
- Served as lead counsel for Plaintiff, a nutritional and herbal supplements manufacturer, in a trademark infringement suit against Defendant’s use of name and logo through the sale of products and goods.
- Represented Defendant, a developer of computer applications and software programs, in a trademark dispute regarding use of Plaintiff’s name and mark.
- Represented Defendant, a Fortune 500 national discount retailer, in a suit alleging trade dress and unfair competition from the sale and distribution of non-woven fabrics with a purportedly proprietary design.
- Served as lead counsel for Plaintiff, a national real estate developer, in a trademark dispute through appeal to the Sixth Circuit.
- Represented Plaintiff, a concierge service provider, in a suit alleging infringement of its mark in connection with its concierge and personal assistant services.
- Represented Defendant, a manufacturer of poultry and farming products, in a suit alleging trademark and trade dress infringement by competing manufacturer.
- Represented Plaintiff, a Fortune 500 health care provider, alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition against a competing healthcare system that provides the same health services targeting customers in Texas and elsewhere.
- Represented Defendant, a distributor, manufacturer and remanufacturer of aftermarket locomotive parts, in a trademark infringement case.
- Represented Defendant, a furniture manufacturer and a national retail chain, in a trademark and trade dress infringement case related to the sale of a specific line of children’s furniture.
- Represented Defendants, two national aviation parts manufacturers, asserting counterclaims of trademark infringement and unfair competition against the opposing parties. Summary judgment awarded for clients.
- Represented Plaintiff, a Fortune 500 health care provider, alleging trademark infringement in Texas and Pennsylvania against a competing healthcare system that provides the same health services.
- Represented Plaintiff, a manufacturer of candles and other scented products, in parallel district court actions, both enforcing registered and unregistered marks and trade dress against a direct competitor and defending client against claims of trademark infringement by the Defendant.
- Represented Defendant, a national satellite provider, in a case involving trademark infringement and unfair and deceptive trade practices. Post-trial the court dismissed Plaintiff's claims and awarded damages on counterclaims. Case affirmed by Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Trade Dress Litigation
- Represented Defendant, a manufacturer of poultry and farming products, in a suit alleging trademark and trade dress infringement by competing manufacturer.
- Represented Defendant, a Fortune 500 national discount retailer, in a suit alleging trade dress and unfair competition from the sale and distribution of non-woven fabrics with a purportedly proprietary design.
- Represented Defendant, a furniture manufacturer and a national retail chain, in a trademark and trade dress infringement case related to the sale of a specific line of children’s furniture.
Trade Secret Litigation
- Represented Defendant, a developer of auto parts distribution system, against claims of trade secret misappropriation and related claims regarding the purported misuse of software.
Copyright Litigation
- Represented Defendant in a copyright infringement case alleging use of photo.
- Represented Defendant in resolving copyright infringement case alleging use of photo.
- Represented Defendant, a furniture retail company, in a suit alleging trademark and copyright infringement and false advertising.
- Represented Defendant in a copyright infringement case.
- Represented Defendant, a private university, in a dispute regarding the publication of an academic journal. The Plaintiff alleged claims of copyright infringement, breach of contract and unfair competition under the Lanham Act.
- Represented Plaintiffs, behavioral health services providers, in suit alleging Defendant made defamatory Internet postings against Plaintiffs which damaged their reputations.
- Represented Defendant, a construction company, in a copyright infringement matter.
Contracts & Licensing Disputes
- Represented Plaintiff, a software company, in a dispute alleging Defendant breached a software license agreement.
- Represented Plaintiff, a biotechnology company, in a case alleging intellectual property and other claims.
- Represented Plaintiff, a software developer, in suit alleging Defendants breached the parties’ software development contract.
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01.25.2024
PODCAST: AI Considerations in M&A Transactions and Contract Drafting
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01.16.2024
15 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2024 North Carolina Super Lawyers List
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01.02.2024
14 Williams Mullen Attorneys Honored by Business North Carolina's 2024 “Legal Elite”
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08.17.2023
131 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2024 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®
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06.02.2023
44 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 14 Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA 2023
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03.27.2023
Triangle Business Journal Ranks Williams Mullen as the Sixth Largest Patent Law Firm in The Triangle
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03.15.2023
Firm Represents Long-Time Client Leesa Sleep in Sale to 3Z Brands
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03.09.2023
FIC 2023 to Help FFLs Mitigate Compliance Risk
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02.16.2023
Firearms Industry Conference 2023 Agenda to Address FFL Operational Concerns
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01.18.2023
15 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2023 North Carolina Super Lawyers List; Camden and Kapp Named to Top List
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01.05.2023
11 Williams Mullen Attorneys Honored by Business North Carolina's 2023 'Legal Elite'
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12.16.2022
PODCAST: NIL - New NCAA Guidelines and State Law Implementation
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08.18.2022
123 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
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06.02.2022
39 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 14 Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA 2022
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01.18.2022
16 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2022 North Carolina Super Lawyers List; Camden, Johnson, Kapp and Scott Named to Top List
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01.03.2022
14 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Business North Carolina’s 2022 ‘Legal Elite’
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08.23.2021
124 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
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08.23.2021
13 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named "Lawyers of the Year" by Best Lawyers®
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07.12.2021
Podcast: False and Misleading Advertising, Label Review
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06.24.2021
PODCAST: Advertising: ADA Compliance Related to Websites and Mobile Applications
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06.09.2021
PODCAST: Sweepstakes and Contests
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05.26.2021
40 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 12 Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA 2021
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05.20.2021
PODCAST: Advertising & Customer Engagement in the Digital Age - Customer Reviews and Response
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05.06.2021
PODCAST: Advertising and Customer Engagement in the Digital Age - California Privacy update
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04.20.2021
North Carolina Proposes Expansive Consumer Privacy Protections
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04.19.2021
TCPA Litigation Update: The Aftermath of the Supreme Court’s Facebook v. Duguid Decision
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02.18.2021
PODCAST: Telecommunication Consumer Protection Act (TCPA): Update and Practical Guidance
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02.04.2021
PODCAST: Cause Marketing: Do’s and Don’ts
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01.14.2021
17 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2021 North Carolina Super Lawyers List; Camden, Kapp, Scott and Johnson Named to Top Lists
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01.05.2021
16 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Business North Carolina’s 2021 ‘Legal Elite’
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11.02.2020
COVID-19 Comeback Plan: Identifying IP Opportunities in Today’s Economy
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08.20.2020
116 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2021 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©; Most Total Lawyers in Virginia
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04.28.2020
29 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 11 Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA 2020
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04.24.2020
Supreme Court in Romag v. Fossil Finds Willfulness Not Required for Trademark Profits
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01.22.2020
10 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2020 North Carolina Super Lawyers List; Camden, Kapp and Scott Named to Top Lists
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08.30.2019
Rob Van Arnam and Drew Shores Write About Copyright Protection in Video Games for DRI
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08.15.2019
15 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named "Lawyers of the Year" by Best Lawyers®
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08.15.2019
119 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2020 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
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04.25.2019
30 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 12 Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA 2019
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02.05.2019
11 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2019 North Carolina Super Lawyers List; Keith Kapp and Elizabeth Scott Named to Top Lists
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01.02.2019
13 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Business North Carolina’s 2019 ‘Legal Elite’; Keith Kapp and Elizabeth Scott Inducted Into Hall of Fame
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12.10.2018
Lawsuits Regarding ADA-Compliant Websites Spike in 2018
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10.15.2018
PTAB Adopts Phillips Claim Construction Standard for AIA Challenges
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08.15.2018
110 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in Latest Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
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07.13.2018
Fourth Circuit Ruling Makes Data Management Policies More Important than Ever
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05.03.2018
29 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 12 Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA 2018 Guide
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04.11.2018
Rick Matthews Discusses Recent Trademark Infringement Victory with Law360
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01.25.2018
9 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in North Carolina Super Lawyers for 2018; 3 Included in Rising Stars List
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01.03.2018
11 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Business North Carolina’s 2018 ‘Legal Elite’
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10.30.2017
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) – Designate Your Agent.
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09.14.2017
Rob Van Arnam and Mike Sajovec Discuss Patent Infringement Suit Against TaylorMade with GolfWRX
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08.14.2017
Nine Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2018 ‘Lawyers of the Year’ by The Best Lawyers in America
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08.14.2017
114 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2018
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05.26.2017
32 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 12 Practice Areas Recognized by Chambers USA for 2017
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05.24.2017
Back to the Future: Supreme Court Narrows Patent Venue in TC Heartland Case and Returns Dispute to State of Incorporation or Where Defendant Has Regular and Established Place of Business
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02.01.2017
10 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to the 2017 North Carolina Super Lawyers List
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01.06.2017
Eight Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Business North Carolina’s ‘Legal Elite’ in 2017
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08.15.2016
100 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2017 Best Lawyers in America
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08.02.2016
No Harm, Yes Foul: FTC Rules Risk of Consumer Harm Sufficient to Find LabMD Liable for Security Breach.
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06.02.2016
26 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 11 Practice Areas Recognized by Chambers USA for 2016
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03.23.2016
Latest "Ransomware" Attack Affects Hospital Data – How Secure Are Your Patient Data?
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11.11.2015
Rob Van Arnam to Present Award for Best “New Media/Digital Company” at NCTA’s 20th Annual NC Tech Awards
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10.02.2015
Do You Know Your IP Rights In Your Imagery and Other Data Products?
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10.01.2015
31 Tips for 31 Days - National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
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08.27.2015
In FTC v. Wyndham Worldwide, Third Circuit Upholds FTC Authority to Enforce Flawed Cybersecurity Measures
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08.17.2015
15 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2016 “Lawyers of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in America
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08.17.2015
106 Williams Mullen Attorneys named 2016 Best Lawyers in America
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08.04.2015
Cybersecurity & Data Protection announcement picked up in editorial by FierceBigData
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07.30.2015
Rob Van Arnam and Kevin Pomfret quoted by Law360 about Data Protection & Cybersecurity Practice
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07.28.2015
Williams Mullen Announces Data Protection & Cybersecurity Practice
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06.30.2015
Cybersecurity Standards Apply to Thee, Not Me
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04.28.2015
Fourth Circuit Cleans Up Damages Award in Paper Towel Dispute and Sets Standard for the Award of Fees in Trademark Cases
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03.27.2015
Clearing Up the Confusion as to Preclusion: Supreme Court’s Trademark Ruling Gives Deference to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB)
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01.12.2015
Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2015 North Carolina “Legal Elite”
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08.18.2014
100 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2015 Best Lawyers in America
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05.23.2014
Williams Mullen Recognized by Chambers USA for 2014
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03.28.2014
Supreme Court Clarifies Standing For False Advertising Claims Under The Lanham Act
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03.12.2014
Special Due Diligence Concerns When Buying Unmanned Aircraft Systems
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01.03.2014
Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2014 North Carolina Legal Elite
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08.16.2013
100 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2014 Best Lawyers in America
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06.06.2013
Rob Van Arnam quoted in Law 360 about White House patent troll proposal
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05.24.2013
Williams Mullen Attorneys Recognized by Chambers USA for 2013
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05.14.2013
Williams Mullen Attorney Rob Van Arnam discusses AFAs with Triangle Business Journal
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06.27.2023
Williams Mullen Hosts the Triangle Technology Executives Council
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02.08.2023
Privacy Law Updates in the United States
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04.25.2022
2022 Firearms Industry Conference
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11.16.2021
Limiting The Ever-Present “Bet the Company” Risk
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10.08.2021
CLE Institute 2021
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11.20.2020
CLE Institute 2020
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11.12.2020
CLE Institute - Advertising and Customer Engagement in the Digital Age
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10.01.2019
Cybersecurity Vigilance – An Expert Panel Briefing for Directors and CEOs
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08.20.2019
M&A Webinar Series - Get What You Pay For: IP Due Diligence in M&A Transactions