Pirkey Barber

Firm overview:

Pirkey Barber is one of the largest and most respected boutique firms in the US devoted exclusively to trademark, copyright, and unfair competition law. Founded in 2006 by industry leaders Louis Pirkey and Bill Barber, the firm has grown into a powerhouse offering highly specialised expertise unconstrained by a patent-heavy practice model. Pirkey Barber’s delivery of exceptional value and precision in every aspect of US brand protection propels it into the highest tier for non-contentious trademark work for 2025.

“They’re a really good practice,” says a peer. Based in Austin, Texas, the firm operates with a strong national presence, supported by attorneys across multiple states who manage sophisticated matters coast to coast. Pirkey Barber handles large volumes of trademark filings both domestically and internationally, entrusted with the portfolios of brands such as 3M, Nintendo, Amazon, Yum! Brands (parent company of Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC), and The University of Texas.

Also adept in contentious matters, the team secures favourable outcomes for clients before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), federal courts and other forums. Recent victories include obtaining a preliminary injunction to prevent the opening of a new restaurant, and representing 12 universities in a lawsuit with significant implications for collegiate licensing.

Team overview:

Pirkey Barber has a primary office in Texas but a nationwide footprint and international presence thanks to deep relationships with local counsel in various countries. The firm embraces a flexible work culture and fosters a collaborative environment for colleagues to share ideas and expertise.

Co-founder Bill Barber is one of the nation’s leading trademark litigators, known for his command of complex brand disputes and TTAB proceedings. A former chair of the USPTO Trademark Public Advisory Committee, he is widely recognised for shaping modern trademark enforcement strategy, and is highlighted in this year’s Hall of Fame category for his stand-out career. Clients rely on his disciplined, trial-ready approach and deep industry insight across high-value brand portfolios.

An expert in trademark and copyright law, Rebecca McCurry is well-versed in all aspects of trademark portfolio management and has assisted on numerous global filing initiatives. She also has significant expertise in trademark policing and enforcement matters, with a particular focus on internet-related violations.

Anna Kuhn advises clients on global brand strategy, trademark clearance, prosecution, and high-stakes TTAB matters. She is known for her analytical approach to portfolio management, helping clients balance legal, commercial, and reputational considerations when protecting and expanding their trademark rights. Her cross-border experience and steady strategic instincts make her a trusted counselor to emerging and established brands alike.

Sherri Eastley has a multifaceted trademark and copyright practice, focused on advising clients on global brand strategies and managing trademark portfolios. One of the team’s top contacts for non-contentious matters, her expertise covers selection and clearance of trademarks, brand roll-outs, due diligence and much more.

Trademark law veteran Steven Meleen has more than 25 years’ experience in the field, with his practice focused on trademark litigation; he also has significant expertise in copyright matters.

First-chair trial lawyer Travis Wimberly is singled out by an industry counterpart as “really good”. Wimberly has argued in courts across the country and been the lead author of successful briefs at every level of federal and state court.

Alex Bistline represents clients in the full range of trademark, copyright, and unfair competition matters, with a strong emphasis on federal court litigation and TTAB proceedings. She is known for her clear, strategic advocacy and ability to simplify complex disputes for practical decision-making. Bistline also manages global portfolios, guiding brands through clearance, registration, enforcement, and evolving online brand protection challenges.

Key matters:

• Joyce Yang d/b/a Coco’s Café: US litigation

Pirkey Barber represented local bubble tea restaurant Coco’s Café in trademark infringement litigation against international chain Coco Fresh Tea and Juice, which sought to open a franchised shop less than a mile from Coco’s Café’s flagship Austin location.

Following suit and a request for immediate injunctive relief, the US district court granted a preliminary injunction after an evidentiary hearing. The dispute ultimately settled, with Coco Fresh Tea and Juice agreeing to adopt the alternative name “Doka” for its Austin locations.

• University of Georgia Athletic Association et al v Vintage Brand et al

Pirkey Barber acts as lead counsel for 12 universities in a trademark counterfeiting and infringement case against Vintage Brand and related entities in the Northern District of Georgia. The defendants allegedly sold unlicensed merchandise bearing university marks and assert defences such as ornamental use, sufficient disclaimers, and public-domain arguments.

The dispute has broad implications for collegiate licensing, as the defendants challenge the general concept of trademark licensing. A counterfeiting finding could result in one of the largest damages awards in a trademark case.

• H-E-B: Prosecution/licensing

Pirkey Barber serves as H-E-B’s primary outside trademark counsel, supporting one of America’s top-ranked grocery retailers and iconic Texas brand with 450+ stores and over 150,000 employees. The firm manages H-E-B’s expansive trademark portfolio of several thousand registrations, handles policing and enforcement, and leads all IP-related transactional work.

This includes drafting and negotiating sponsorships, endorsements, NIL agreements, naming-rights deals, music and content licensing, advertising contracts, and co-branding arrangements. The work spans partnerships with major professional sports leagues, college athletes, celebrities, community organisations, artists, hospitals, and national advertisers. Pirkey Barber also advises H-E-B on influencer programmes and FTC compliance.

Clients:

3M, 7-Eleven, Adonis Health, Amazon, American Bar Association, Baylor University, Best Buy, Century Fox Development, Cirrus Logic, Coffee Unplugged, Dell, Dryshod International, Ecolab, Exxon Mobil, Fifth Generation (Tito’s Vodka), Frito-Lay North America, General Mills, H-E-B, HDN Development (Krispy Kreme), Hope Organics, Joyce Yang, King Ranch, LeMans, Moonshot Industries, National Women’s Political Caucus, NeighborFavor, OpenAI, PepsiCo, Phillips 66, Pop Mart, Sonova, Taco Bell, University of Texas, Yum! Brands