William G. "Bill" Barber

William G. "Bill" Barber: Leading Trademark Attorney in Austin

William G. "Bill" Barber is a renowned and highly respected trademark attorney dedicated to safeguarding intellectual property rights. With over three decades of experience, Bill has established himself as a leading expert in trademark litigation and policing, consistently representing clients in federal courts across the United States and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He is known for his strategic approach, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients.

Bill’s expertise spans all facets of trademark law, including complex litigation involving trademark infringement, dilution, and unfair competition. He skillfully navigates the intricacies of ICANN’s domain name dispute resolution policies, protecting clients’ brand identities in the digital realm. He proactively assists clients with comprehensive trademark needs, encompassing strategic trademark policing programs, thorough trademark clearance searches to mitigate potential conflicts, and meticulous trademark prosecution services, ensuring seamless protection of their valuable brand assets.

Bill’s contributions to the legal community extend far beyond his courtroom successes. He served as vice chair of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Public Advisory Committee, offering invaluable insights and guidance to the agency. His testimony before Congress regarding reforms to the federal trademark dilution statute demonstrated his deep understanding of critical legal issues. He is a frequent author and speaker on a wide range of trademark and unfair competition topics, consistently educating and informing the legal profession and the public.

As a past president of the American Intellectual Property Law Association and a past chair of the State Bar of Texas Intellectual Property Law Section, Bill has been instrumental in shaping the future of intellectual property law. These leadership roles underscore his commitment to professional excellence and his dedication to advancing the field. Bill’s numerous professional accolades reflect his exceptional achievements, including multiple “Best Lawyers” awards: Austin Lawyer of the Year for Trademark Law (2012, 2015, 2017) and Intellectual Property Litigation (2013, 2016). Recognition from prestigious publications such as WTR 1000 has consistently lauded him as a “legend in the field,” earning him a Gold status nationally in both “Prosecution and Strategy” and “Enforcement and Litigation” categories.

Bill’s legal prowess has been independently recognized by Chambers USA/Global, Expert Guides Trademark, Texas Super Lawyers, Trademark Law Experts, and Who’s Who Legal: Texas/Trademarks, solidifying his position as a leading authority in trademark law. He has consistently been recognized as a top attorney, appearing in WTR 1000 since the inaugural edition.

Bill’s academic foundation is equally strong. He earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering with highest honors from The University of Texas at Austin in 1984, demonstrating a rigorous and analytical approach to problem-solving – skills he consistently applies to his legal practice. He further honed his legal skills with a J.D. with high honors from The University of Texas School of Law in 1987.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill is a devoted husband and father. Bill and his wife Melinda share a loving family, and they have three wonderful daughters, Robyn, Elyse, and Melynn. This personal grounding reinforces his commitment to integrity and strong ethical values.

Practice Areas

• Trademark Law
• Litigation - Intellectual Property
• Internet & Domain Disputes
• Trademark Policing
• Trademark Clearance
• Trademark Prosecution

Awards

• Lawyer of the Year: Trademark Law, Austin (2012, 2015, 2017)
• Lawyer of the Year: Intellectual Property Litigation, Austin (2013, 2016)
• Best Lawyers® Austin Lawyer of the Year for Trademark Law (2012, 2015, 2017)
• Recognized: Litigation - Intellectual Property, Recognized: Trademark Law
• WTR 1000 The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals
• “Lawyer of the Year” for Intellectual Property Litigation in Austin, Best Lawyers® by Woodward/White, Inc. (2013, 2016)
• State Bar of Texas Intellectual Property Law Section Chair Award

Education & Credentials

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin (1984)
• J.D., The University of Texas School of Law (1987)
• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Trademark Public Advisory Committee - Vice Chair
• Testified before Congress regarding trademark dilution statute reform

Affiliations

• American Intellectual Property Law Association - Past President
• State Bar of Texas Intellectual Property Law Section - Past Chair
• Chambers and Partners USA Guide to America's Leading Lawyers
• The Best Lawyers in America® by Woodward/White, Inc. (2008-2017)
• Law Business Research Ltd. (2005-2016)
• Trade Mark Expert Guide, Legal Media Group (2004-2014)

Contact: Bill Barber is based in Austin, Texas, and is dedicated to providing exceptional legal counsel to businesses and individuals seeking to protect their intellectual property assets.