In the latest edition of the highly respected Chambers USA directory, Pirkey Barber PLLC again earned rankings that place the firm and six of its attorneys among the best practitioners of intellectual property law in Texas and across the United States.
With rankings based on extensive client and peer interviews, as well as data provided by the firm, the 2020 installment of this annual guide to the legal profession names Pirkey Barber one of the top Intellectual Property firms in Texas. The firm is a “greatly acclaimed IP boutique, particularly known for its high-level expertise in trademark and copyright law,” the guide states, noting that Pirkey Barber attorneys represent clients in federal courts across the United States.
Chambers USA 2020 also praises Pirkey Barber for the firm’s “notable international practice, often advising US companies on the establishment of brands abroad.” It lauds the firm’s strength in trademark prosecution proceedings at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and in matters before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), as well as its “substantial expertise in domain name disputes before ICANN,” the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.
Six Pirkey Barber Members — Louis Pirkey, Bill Barber, Christopher Kindel, Wendy Larson, Steve Meleen, and Shannon T. Vale — earned individual recognition for Intellectual Property: Trademark and Copyright in Texas, with firm co-founder Louis Pirkey earning Chambers USA’s highest ranking of “Star Individual” as he has each year since 2010.
Together, these Pirkey Barber attorneys constitute more than a third of the total number of individuals ranked in this category.
Chambers USA published the following comments about Pirkey Barber’s ranked individuals:
Louis Pirkey enjoys a stellar reputation for his longstanding expertise in trademark law. “He is remarkable,” comments one source, while another calls him “an exceptional lawyer” and “a leader in the space.” He has a wealth of experience acting for clients in trademark litigation.
Bill Barber is an expert in the trademark space, with significant experience acting on proceedings before the TTAB. Sources praise his “understanding of US case law and its impact on trademark rights,” as well as “his high-level strategy in complex situations.”
Chris Kindel regularly counsels clients on a range of matters, including portfolio management and enforcement on a national and international scale. One interviewee calls him an “extremely good communicator, strategic and knowledgeable.” Another says: “He provides well-reasoned and actionable opinions, as well as excellent advice and solutions to trademark disputes.”
Wendy Larson is well regarded for her trademark litigation practice. She has experience representing clients before the TTAB and in federal court and offers particular expertise in the technology sector.
Steve Meleen is noted in the market for his trademark litigation practice. He handles disputes concerning brands and descriptive marks, and is active across a range of sectors, including the education and retail fields.
Shannon Vale is an experienced trademark lawyer who is called upon to assist clients with copyright and branding issues. “He’s a meticulous lawyer,” notes one interviewee.
“In addition to being great attorneys, the team consists of very passionate people,” one source told Chambers USA. “The firm is always trying to evolve, and they are flexible and open-minded.”