Douglas Rettew

Douglas (Chip) A. Rettew has been recognized in World Trademark Review WTR 1000 as “[o]ne of the best litigators in the country with an unbelievable success rate,” “a go-to litigation lead for world-famous consumer brands,” and “a bigwig in the IP arena” whose “shrewd litigation and trial skills are unmatched.” He focuses his practice on trademark, false advertising, and unfair competition litigation, trials, appeals, and disputes.

Doug has been noted by clients in World Trademark Review WTR 1000 as “practical and responsive,” and “a fantastic resource and ally for any company in a complicated dispute.” “He brings an amazing amount of enforcement experience to the table and is excellent at providing different legal and commercial viewpoints.”

Doug litigates cases involving a broad range of issues, including traditional trademarks, false advertising, product disparagement, rights of publicity, unfair competition, trade dress, design patents, and domain names.

Doug is also involved in advertising issues and counseling, right-of-publicity matters, and trademark and copyright prosecution and licensing. Clients include Under Armour, Bridgestone, the NFL Players Association, Capital One, Subaru, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), and PNC Bank.

Doug has first-chair jury and bench trial and appellate experience and has argued appeals before the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Federal, Fourth, and Eighth Circuits. He also litigates oppositions, cancellations, and ex parte appeals before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Doug has significant experience in obtaining (and defeating) temporary restraining orders (TROs) and preliminary injunctions, including those involving counterfeiting and ex parte seizures. He previously served as leader of the firm’s trademark and copyright practice and is currently serving on the firm’s compensation committee.

Doug is frequently touted as one of the nation’s top trademark lawyers. Touting the group’s “brilliant courtroom reputation,” one source in World Trademark Review WTR 1000 said the following about Doug: “At the helm is eminent group chair Douglas Rettew: ‘His combination of deep legal knowledge and excellent contentious skills engenders a strategic and resourceful approach.

He is an exceptional team player whose representation could not be better.‘” Another source claimed that his “expertise and service level set the standard that I use to assess all other counsel (on a global basis)” and that he “provides succinct, insightful and strategic advice in a timely manner. His communication and negotiation skills are stellar.”

Another source noted, ”[h]e stands out for his ability to actually work out what really matters to me and become invested,” while another stated he is “a fantastic resource and ally.” Chambers USA notes that Doug is “considered a ‘standout’ for his counsel on trademark, false advertising, and right of publicity issues.”

Doug has also been recognized as a Star Lawyer by Acritas StarsTM; recognized by International Law Office (ILO) and Lexology’s Client Choice Awards for excellent client service in the area of Trademarks; recognized as a WIPR Leader for trademarks in the United States by World IP Review; and ranked among top U.S. trademark lawyers in Legal Media Group’s Guide to the World’s Leading Trademark Law Practitioners since 2016.

He has also served as the principal editor for Trade Dress: International Practice and Procedure: USA Section, International Trademark Association (INTA) from 2010-present.

Education :

• George Washington University, National Law Center J.D., 1995
• University of Michigan B.A., Political Science, 1992

Admissions :

• District of Columbia
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit

Professional Activities :

• International Trademark Association (Member, Publication Committee, 2014-2015)
• American Intellectual Property Law Association
• Federal Circuit Bar Association