Michael J Douglas

 

Attorney Profile

At Work – Michael Douglas is a founding shareholder in the firm. He maintains a general litigation practice with an emphasis on intellectual property, business and franchise disputes. Mike has litigated matters in Alabama state and federal courts associated with intellectual property rights, construction liability, insurance coverage disputes, fraud, personal injury, contractual disputes, minority shareholder oppression, derivative actions, and franchise disputes. Also, he has filed over five hundred trademark applications and defended and prosecuted matters before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He focuses on resolving issues early in the pre-litigation process to save his clients the time and expense that come with litigation.

At Home – Mike is married with two sons and enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting and music events, and traveling. The Douglases are members of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and are active in social and community outreach programs.

Education

Auburn University, B.S., 1997
Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, 2001

Concentration

Copyrights
Intellectual Property
Trademark

Awards & Affiliations

Alabama State Bar Association (Leadership position for the Intellectual Property, Entertainment and Sports Law Section – 2014)
Adjunct Professor – Media and Entertainment Law, University of Alabama School of Law (2011-2012); Cumberland School of Law, Samford University (2012-Present)
Alabama Law Institute – Defenses Subcommittee Chair of Right of Publicity Statute Drafting Committee
American Bar Association
Birmingham Bar Association
UAB Leadership Committee
Named “Best of Bar” for Entertainment Law by the Birmingham Business Journal (2011-2015)
Named “Rising Star” of the Birmingham Bar by B-Metro Magazine

Notable Cases & Clients

  • Lead counsel in numerous multi-million dollar trademark, copyright and trade secret disputes in federal courts.
  • Lead counsel in a misappropriation of trade secrets case against one of the largest makers and suppliers of musical instruments, amplifiers and professional audio systems in the world.
  • Obtained Declaratory Judgment establishing his client’s ownership of the trade secret. The case was settled for a confidential amount.
  • Represents three franchising companies with over 200 franchisees each. Secured and defended their intellectual property portfolios.
  • Admitted pro hac vice in several states to represent franchisors in breach of contract, fraud, and deceptive trade practice cases.
  • Negotiated contracts on behalf of performers, television/radio personalities and producers, radio stations, record companies, talent agencies, and management companies.
  • Tried over 30 cases to a jury or bench verdict, in addition to settling cases during trial.
  • Served as lead counsel on behalf of six former coaches of the now-defunct United Football League against their former employers for non-payment and secured payments for each coach.
  • Handles contractual, employment, and transactional matters for dozens of small to medium-sized businesses.
  • Won an appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals involving a client’s trademark and commercial free speech rights.