About W.

Whit Rayner is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group and co-leader of the intellectual property team. He focuses on copyright and trademark registration and protection, software licensing, and intellectual property litigation and prosecution. Whit provides counsel and advice to notable large domestic and international clients, including outdoor lifestyle brands, technology companies, and financial institutions. He also represents clients in commercial litigation and contract disputes. Whit is active in many professional intellectual property organizations including the International Trademark Association (INTA) and The Mississippi Bar, Section of Intellectual Property Law. Currently, he serves as chair of the Intellectual Property Section of the Mississippi Bar and is a member of the US Legislation Committee of INTA, having previously served as sub-committee chair of the Copyright Committee and a member of the INTA Panel of Neutrals. In addition to his professional roles, Whit speaks regularly at the University of Mississippi CLE programs and the Intellectual Property, Entertainment & Sports Law Section Teleseminar hosted by The Mississippi Bar, and mentors entrepreneurs with Innovate Mississippi. He is also the Mississippi editor of the INTA publication State Trademark and Unfair Competition Law, and the IP chapter of West Publishing’s Encyclopedia of Mississippi Law. Whit was recently named ”Lawyer of the Year,“ Litigation- Intellectual Property, and ”Lawyer of the Year“ Copyright Law, in Jackson, Mississippi by Best Lawyers. Since 2001, he has been recognized annually by Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Copyright Law; Information Technology Law; Litigation – Intellectual Property and Trademark Law

Practice Areas

Education

• Washington and Lee University, J.D., graduated 1986
• Millsaps College, BA, graduated 1983

Bar Admissions

• Mississippi, Mississippi Bar
• Mississippi, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
• Mississippi, USDC-Northern and Southern Districts

Languages