Litigation - Intellectual Property Trademark Law
Stephen P. "Steve" Meleen
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2011 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Steve Meleen has specialized in trademark law since he began his career with Arnold White & Durkee in 1996. Steve handles all aspects of trademark and unfair competition law, and primarily focuses on trademark litigation. He is also experienced in copyright counseling and litigation.
Steve has been actively involved in internet developments and policies affecting trademark owners, and devotes a significant portion of his practice to internet-related trademark issues. He has served as Chair of the Trademark Internet and Trademark Litigation Committees of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, and Chair of the State Bar of Texas Intellectual Property Law Section’s Trademark Committee.
Steve received his J.D. with honors from The University of Texas School of Law, where he was a member of Texas Law Review and Order of the Coif. Before law school, he was a nuclear engineer at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, where he specialized in reactor plant shielding of nuclear-powered submarines, aircraft carriers, and guided-missile cruisers.
Overview
- English
- The University of Texas, J.D., graduated 1995
- Oral Roberts University, BS, graduated 1988
- Texas, State Bar of Texas
- American Intellectual Property Law Association - Chair, Trademark Litigation Committee
- American Intellectual Property Law Association - Chair, Trademark Internet Committee
- The Honorable Lee Yeakel IP Inn of Court - Member
- Federal Bar Association - Member
- Texas Bar Association - Member
- Texas Bar Foundation - Fellow
- Austin Bar Foundation - Life Fellow
- Austin Intellectual Property Law Association - Treasurer and Board Member (2017)
- International Trademark Association - Online Trademark Use Subcommittee, Prior Chair
- State Bar of Texas Intellectual Property Law Section - Chair, Trademark Committee, Nominating Committee, Council Member
- Texas Law Review Association Board of Directors Sustaining Life Members - Board Member
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers - Member
- English
- Texas, State Bar of Texas
- American Intellectual Property Law Association - Chair, Trademark Litigation Committee
- American Intellectual Property Law Association - Chair, Trademark Internet Committee
- The Honorable Lee Yeakel IP Inn of Court - Member
- Federal Bar Association - Member
- Texas Bar Association - Member
- Texas Bar Foundation - Fellow
- Austin Bar Foundation - Life Fellow
- Austin Intellectual Property Law Association - Treasurer and Board Member (2017)
- International Trademark Association - Online Trademark Use Subcommittee, Prior Chair
- State Bar of Texas Intellectual Property Law Section - Chair, Trademark Committee, Nominating Committee, Council Member
- Texas Law Review Association Board of Directors Sustaining Life Members - Board Member
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers - Member
- The University of Texas, J.D., graduated 1995
- Oral Roberts University, BS, graduated 1988
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Litigation - Intellectual Property, Austin (2022)
- Trademark Law, Austin (2019)
- Trademark Law, Austin (2013)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Litigation - Intellectual Property
- Trademark Law
Special Focus:
- Trademark
Awards:
- Chambers & Partners USA, Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright in Texas (2015, 2016)
- “Lawyer of the Year” for Trademark Law in Austin, Best Lawyers® by Woodward/White, Inc. (2013)
- Managing Intellectual Property – Top Seven Outstanding IP Litigators in Texas (2015)
- The Best Lawyers in America® by Woodward/White, Inc. (2011-2016)
- Trade Mark Expert Guide, Legal Media Group (2014-2016)
- Texas Super Lawyers® list, a Thomson Reuters service (2015-2017)
- Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Commander’s Special Achievement Award, 1990
- WTR 1000 The World's Leading Trademark Professionals, World Trademark Review (2011-2016)
- Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars (2013-16)
- Who’s Who Legal: The International Who’s Who of Trademark Lawyers, Law Business Research Ltd. (2007 – 2016
- Texas Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers®, a Thomson Reuters service (2004)
News & Media
Case History
Cases
- Board of Regents, The University of Texas System v. Tower Car Wash, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:11-cv-00125-LY in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
Represented Board of Regents, The University of Texas (“UT”) in this case challenging Tower Car Wash’s construction of a 60-foot replica of the iconic UT Tower, as well as Tower Car Wash’s logo, which prominently features the UT Tower in an orange color scheme. Because the case involves a local landmark and unique areas of trademark law, it has received attention from a number of media outlets. On January 8, 2014, the court granted final judgment to UT, finding that UT operates one of the most successful collegiate trademark licensing programs in the world and that Tower Car Wash used the marks to take advantage of the university’s goodwill. The court enjoined the car wash and awarded UT $68,285.59 as a reasonable royalty for Tower Car Wash’s infringement. The case is pending appeal.
- Umami Burger Licensing USA, LLC v. Umami Mia Pizzeria, et al., Case No. A-13-CA-511-SS in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
Represented Defendants in this case challenging Defendants’ right to use the word umami in connection with a pizzeria. Because the case involved a local restaurant owned by several successful restaurateurs, as well as a fast-growing restaurant (Umami Burger) and an increasingly popular concept (umami), it received attention from a number of media outlets. On August 13, 2013, Pirkey Barber successfully represented Defendants at a hearing on Plaintiff’s preliminary injunction motion, after which the district court issued an order denying the injunction and finding that the word umami is a descriptive term available to third parties, including Defendants, rather than a name invented by Plaintiff. The parties have since amicably resolved the dispute.
- SXSW, Inc. v. Joseph Gingerella d/b/a Black Ice Booking & Entertainment, Shyan Selah d/b/a Brave New World Media Group, and BNW Global, Inc.
Defendants promoted and organized a series of battle-of-the-bands throughout the United States using the SXSW trademarks and promising that the winners would play at the SXSW Music Festival. Defendants, however, were not affiliated with SXSW. SXSW brought suit against Defendants in November 2011 for counterfeiting, trademark infringement and dilution, false advertising, unfair competition, and unjust enrichment. On March 5, 2012, SXSW sought, and the district court granted, a preliminary injunction against Defendant Gingerella enjoining his use of the SXSW trademarks and ordering that he advise the affected bands and venues, as well as the public, that he is not affiliated with the 2012 SXSW Music Festival
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