Edward Playfair is a seasoned attorney specializing in Global Intellectual Property, known for his dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. With a passion for tackling challenging cases and a keen ability to devise multifaceted strategies, Edward excels in navigating complex trademark applications to successful completion. While he enjoys collaboration, he understands the value of trust and takes the burden off his clients' shoulders, ensuring that their intellectual property and brand are safeguarded.
In his transactional practice, Edward assists clients in establishing and expanding their global brands. Leveraging his extensive experience as an IP attorney and previous background as a business consultant, he provides expert counsel on trademark portfolio development and protection strategies, offering guidance on clearance, registration, and portfolio management both domestically and internationally. Additionally, Edward conducts due diligence for corporate transactions, securities, and mergers and acquisitions.
On the enforcement front, Edward is a staunch defender of intellectual property rights. He adeptly handles trademark infringement actions, opposition and cancelation proceedings, domain name disputes, and anti-cybersquatting actions, ensuring his clients' interests are safeguarded at every turn.
Edward's expertise extends to monetization matters, where he oversees all legal aspects of trademark licensing. His particular focus on domestic and multinational franchise systems covers everything from disclosure and registration to operations manual, franchise and ancillary agreements, renewal, termination, and enforcement against rogue and former franchisees.
Clients value Edward's creativity and flexibility, illustrated by a successful trademark matter before the USPTO, where he employed an unconventional approach that proved more cost-effective than the traditional route. Born in Australia, raised in the United Kingdom, and currently residing in the United States, Edward's international perspective is invaluable in advising clients with cross-border interests. His previous experience practicing international law in the UK and being admitted as a non-practicing Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales further enhances his ability to create and implement seamless, coordinated multijurisdictional strategies.
Drawing on his pre-legal career, Edward brings a business mindset to his practice, reflecting his time as an independent consultant for The Coca-Cola Company during the XIX Olympic Winter Games, Salt Lake City 2002, and The Masters golf tournament. He also served as an appraiser and auctioneer at Sotheby's, specializing in sports antiques and military medals.
Edward Playfair's commitment to delivering practical, effective solutions, along with his international insights and business acumen, make him a trusted and valuable ally for clients seeking to protect and maximize the value of their intellectual property.
Year Joined Firm: 2009
Education/Alumni: University of the West of England
Network Memberships:
- American Bar Association, Intellectual Property Law section and Forum on Franchising
- International Trademark Association, former Enforcement Committee Member
- International Franchise Association
- Nashville Bar Association
- Tennessee Bar Association
- The Law Society - England and Wales
- St. George's Kindergarten, former Board Member
- St. George's Institute of Church and Cultural Life, former Advisory Committee Member
Regular charity auctioneer
