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Biography

Carl is a highly regarded intellectual property attorney specializing in trademark, copyright, and advertising issues. Carl has been recognized by the World Trademark Review (WTR) in 2022 and 2023 as one of the world’s leading trademark professionals. Carl has experience managing all aspects of global branding strategy, including international trademark portfolio management, clearance, application drafting, prosecution, monitoring, licensing, transfers, enforcement, and litigation. Carl provides expert advice to clients in a variety of industries, including food/beverage brands, cosmetics and lifestyle brands, consumer products, as well as technology, blockchain, and start-ups. Carl also has vast experience with domain name protection and enforcement, and with copyright issues for his clients, including registration, transfers and licensing, enforcement, and litigation.

In addition to his trademark and copyright expertise, Carl is the co-lead of FBT’s Advertising, Media, Entertainment, and Copyright service team. Carl advises his clients on a vast array of advertising issues, including state and federal regulatory compliance, advertising review and clearance, traditional and digital advertising campaigns and promotions, and various technology and service agreements.

Prior to joining the firm, Carl was a judicial clerk for the Honorable Jon P. McCalla, Chief Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Before practicing law, Carl was an active music teacher and taught a number of nationally competitive high school marching bands and drum and bugle corps. Carl has continued to stay active in the arts by serving as President of the Board of Directors for the Music City Mystique non-profit percussion ensemble, and by supporting music education in Nashville.

Other Info About Carl

Experience

Legal Work Highlights

Evaluating potential trade and service marks; prosecuting federal trade and service marks; enforcing and protecting trademark rights.

Advising clients on copyright matters, including registration, licensing, enforcement, and litigation.

Drafting and negotiating intellectual property licensing and protection agreements.

Advising clients on advertising copy, including label requirements and regulatory disclosures.

Providing legal support for service agreements, vendor contracts, and technology transactions.

Business litigation matters including intellectual property matters, contract disputes, and non-compete agreements.

Education

Law School

University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, J.D., 2012, magna cum laude

Undergraduate School

Belmont University, B.A., Video and Film Production and Theory, 2002, magna cum laude, Honors program

Clerkships

Carl served as a clerk for the court(s) and judge(s) below:

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, Hon. Jon P. McCalla, 2012-2013

Bar Memberships

Carl is licensed to practice in the following state(s):

Tennessee, 2013

Courts

Carl is admitted to practice before the following court(s):

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

Recognition

Local & National Recognition

The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch, Litigation—Intellectual Property, 2025

World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000 (The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals), 2023
– Top Attorney in Tennessee – Recommended

Nashville Young Leaders Council, 2015

Outstanding Student Note, University of Memphis Law Review, 2012

Commencement Speaker, Class of 2012

Editor-in-Chief, University of Memphis Law Review, 2011-2012

Sam Myar Memorial Scholarship recipient, 2011-2012

Dean’s Distinguished Service Award

Student Bar Association Distinguished Service Award

 

Professional Affiliations

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

International Trademark Association (INTA)

Commercialization of Brands Committee, Member 2021–24 (by appointment)

Association of National Advertisers (ANA)

Nashville Bar Association

Civic Activities

Civic & Charitable Organizations

MCM Productions, LLC, Board of Directors, Past President 2017–2023

Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville – Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts

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