Gavin B. Parsons
Gavin Parsons is an experienced attorney representing many clients—from large corporations to local businesses and individuals—in high-stakes civil litigation in state and federal courts, including the North Carolina Business Court. Known for his practical, results-driven style, Gavin employs a strategic approach and creative thinking to deliver solutions clients need in a manner they appreciate.
With a practice centered on both business and intellectual property litigation, Gavin tackles an extensive range of legal issues. He has substantial experience litigating complex commercial disputes and intellectual property matters, including trademark, copyright, patent, and trade secret claims. His work spans issues of unfair trade practices, antitrust violations, breach of contract, land use disputes, and insurance coverage conflicts on behalf of the policyholder.
Throughout his career, Gavin has helped his clients achieve their desired outcomes. He has successfully resolved numerous intellectual property cases, including patent and trade dress disputes. Gavin has also handled complex trade secret cases along with business sales disputes in the North Carolina Business Court. In commercial litigation, he has successfully defended against multi-million-dollar contract disputes and dissolved injunctions threatening critical projects.
Gavin’s extensive experience and dedication to client advocacy make him a trusted advisor. He helps clients navigate complex legal challenges and confidently move forward.
Education
- J.D., Wake Forest University School of Law, 2001
- B.A., North Carolina State University, 1998
Representative Experience
Patent Infringement Litigation
- Represented a patent holder in a jury trial and an appeal to the Federal Circuit concerning patent infringement claims, ultimately securing a confidential settlement.
- Defended an online retailer against patent infringement claims related to a utility patent, achieving a dismissal with prejudice after a Rule 11 letter and motion were served.
- Defended against a patent infringement claim involving commercial replacement parts in the Middle District of North Carolina.
- Represented a manufacturer in defending against patent infringement allegations in the Western District of North Carolina.
Copyright Litigation
- Defended a small business in a copyright infringement and trade dress case, resulting in the dismissal of all claims.
- Prosecuted a copyright infringement suit for a home designer against a builder, draftsperson, and homeowners, reaching a confidential settlement.
- Brought a copyright infringement claim against a baby garment manufacturer, securing a confidential settlement.
- Defended a general contractor, draftsman, and homeowners in a copyright infringement dispute over an architectural design, resulting in a dismissal.
- Negotiated a confidential pre-suit settlement of copyright infringement damages from an infringing construction company on behalf of an architectural design firm.
Trademark & Trade Dress Infringement Litigation
- Defended an online retailer against trade dress infringement claims over aftermarket parts, resulting in a dismissal without any payment after the close of discovery.
- Successfully defended a client in a trademark infringement case, dismissing all claims with no settlement payment, aside from minor label adjustments.
- Represented a magazine publisher in a trademark infringement suit against a competitor, leading to a positive confidential outcome.
- Secured an arrest order for a defendant violating a preliminary injunction in a trademark infringement case, leading to a significant judgment for attorney's fees and damages.
- Obtained a permanent injunction against a foreign defendant in a trademark and copyright infringement case, resulting in the defendant’s Amazon Marketplace account shutdown.
- Represented trademark holders in proceedings before the United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, successfully achieving desired outcomes.
Trade Secret Litigation
- Defended a client against federal and Alabama trade secret misappropriation claims involving electronic files improperly handled by a new hire.
- Represented a business in trade secret litigation, leading to a confidential settlement as part of the sale of the company.
Commercial Litigation
- Represented a minority shareholder in a case against the majority owner, resulting in a confidential settlement and payout for the shareholder’s interest in the business.
- Defended a business purchaser against breach of contract claims related to a multi-million-dollar indemnification escrow, successfully upholding the client’s position.
- Represented a minority LLC owner in a dispute with majority stakeholders over the buyout and valuation of their interest.
- Defended a petroleum supplier in a civil action challenging an NCDOT encroachment approval, successfully dissolving a preliminary injunction that jeopardized a $12 million project, and securing summary judgment on all claims.
- Advocated for a group of physicians in a contract dispute with an accountable care organization in the NC Business Court, obtaining a temporary restraining order and an early settlement.
- Served as trial counsel for a national book distributor in a federal jury trial over personal guarantee breaches, winning a $29 million judgment. Further represented the same client to enforce the judgment, ultimately negotiating a substantial settlement.
- Prosecuted a breach of contract action for a municipality in the NC Business Court, leading to a settlement affirming the municipality’s rights and expanding its customer base.
Honors and Distinctions*
- The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers®, 2021-2025, in Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, and Intellectual Property Litigation
- Chambers USA, Litigation, General Commercial - North Carolina, 2015-2024
- Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite – Intellectual Property 2020, 2024
- "Super Lawyer," North Carolina Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2019-2025, in Business Litigation and Intellectual Property Litigation
- Leadership North Carolina, Class of 2019
- "Rising Star," North Carolina Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2009-2018
Professional and Community Affiliations
- Wake County Bar Association
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh, Board of Directors Member
- Appellate Counsel, North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program, 2014-2022
Admitted to Practice
- North Carolina
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals Federal Circuit
- U.S. Cort of Appeals 4th Circuit
- U.S. District Court of Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina
About Me
Timeless guidance for lawyers… “Pray that, for the glory of God and in the pursuit of His justice, I may be trustworthy with confidences, keen in study, accurate in analysis, correct in conclusion, able in argument, loyal to clients, honest with all, courteous to adversaries, ever attentive to conscience. Sit with me at my desk and listen with me to my clients’ tales. Read with me in my library and stand always beside me so that today I shall not, to win a point, lose my soul.” Excerpt from a Lawyer’s Prayer to St. Thomas More.
What I admire most about my clients…their resilience in the face of adversity and ingenuity in finding new ways to tackle challenges.
The best thing about Ward and Smith is…the people and their team-minded approach to assisting the firm’s clients.
I became a lawyer because...as a History graduate I did not want to work the butter churn at the Mordecai House in Raleigh.
One surprising thing people don't know about me is…I once “Fed-Exed” a live bear. https://aldf.org/article/gavin-parsons/
Where I'd most like to live and why: The North Carolina coast boating and fishing with family and friends. There is no more peaceful place on earth.
When I'm not litigating, you will find me with my wife walking our dogs on the Raleigh Greenway, or traveling to our childrens’ collegiate and high school athletic competitions. With what time remains I cheer on the Wolfpack.
* Please see the following websites for an explanation of the membership standards for the following recognitions: www.bestlawyers.com; businessnc.com/special-sections/legal-elite/; and www.superlawyers.com/north-carolina.
