Michael C. Whitticar

phone (703) 777-7319 (Ext. 3316)
fax (703) 777-3656
email Email Me

Mike Whitticar has over fifteen years of intellectual property and commercial litigation experience in state and federal courts around the country. He has litigated intellectual property disputes involving patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade dress, trade secrets, computer chips, and rights of publicity.

He has represented franchisors, suppliers, breweries, wineries, importers, and substantial distributors and franchisees, in litigation and negotiations over termination, nonrenewal and brand transfer issues.

Mike has represented employers and employees in employee competition disputes involving unfair competition, covenants not to compete, customer and employee solicitation claims, and copyright, trademark and trade secret claims.

He has advised and litigated on behalf of substantial licensees in matters before courts and alcoholic beverage control agencies relating to license applications and to the sale, distribution, advertising and marketing of beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages.

Mike has represented technology companies in negotiating, drafting and litigating over license, development, joint venture and consulting services agreements.

He has advised corporate officers and employees on how to lawfully and effectively start their own businesses in competition with their former employers.

Mike was born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia where he was President of his high school class and played football and basketball. He graduated from Stanford University and the University of Virginia School of Law. Mike played basketball and rowed crew at the college level.

After working for some of the country's largest law firms, including Hunton & Williams and Mintz-Levin, Mike has moved to small firm practice so he could provide more personalized, efficient and effective service to clients. A father of three who has been married for over twenty years, Mike is an active supporter of many youth sports.

Areas of Practice:

• 40% Trademark
• 10% Copyrights
• 20% Patent
• 10% Commercial Litigation
• 10% Distribution

Litigation Percentage:

• 90% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Bar Admissions:

• Virginia, 1991
• U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia, 1994
• U.S. District Court Western District of Virginia, 1996
• U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit, 1998

Education:

• University of Virginia School of Law, Charlottesville, Virginia, 1991 J.D.
• Stanford University, Stanford, California, 1988
  B.S.
  Honors: With Honors
  Honors: Dean's List

Published Works:

• Franchise Termination Deskbook, ABA Forum of Franchising (Contributing Editor)

Representative Cases:

• American Innovative Mfg. Indus., Inc. v. Air Ride Technologies, Inc., Case No. CV: 04-2505 PHX SRB (D. Az. 2004)
• K & B Underwriters, LLC v. Alpine Eldercare, LLC,, Case No. CL 2006-7588 (Fairfax Cir Ct. 2006)
• Visa USA, Inc. v. VeriSign, Inc., Case Np. C02 5294 SI (N.D. Cal. 2002)
• Ramsey Group, Inc. v. Expo Power Systems, Inc.
• Harper Systems Co. v. Norton (W.D. La. 1998)

Professional Associations and Memberships:

• American Bar Association, 2001 - Present
• American Bar Association, Franchising & Antitrust Sections
• Virginia Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section
• Franchise Law Bibliography Member, Editorial Board
• International Trademark Association
• American Bar Association - Forum on Franchising
• Masonic Charitable Foundation - Haymarket VA President
• Haymarket Historical Foundation Board of Directors
• Virginia Oaks Sea Devils Swim Team Treasurer and Board Member
• Youth Basketball Coach
• YMCA Indian Guides Nation Chief

Languages:

• English