Howell O'Rear

Howell O’Rear’s practice focuses on litigating business disputes, including copyright, trademark, unfair competition, and Internet matters. Mr. O’Rear’s recent experience includes representing individuals in corporate disputes; major music publishing and record companies in copyright infringement litigation; counseling a leading print and online publication company; and litigating issues specific to digital music rights.  Mr. O’Rear’s litigation experience extends to both state and federal courts. He also prosecutes trademark applications, and assists clients in developing enforcement procedures to protect their intellectual property rights.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. O’Rear earned his J.D. degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was the Editor of Articles Development for the Virginia Sports & Entertainment Law Journal and a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Law & Politics.  He graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. degree in Media Studies.  Before attending law school, he worked on Music Row in Nashville and as a music critic.  Mr. O’Rear is a voting member of the Grammy® Awards and serves on the Leadership Committee for the Tennessee Bar Association Entertainment and Sports Law Section.

Publications: 

• Are Songwriters Prepared to Recapture Ownership? www.american Songwriter.com, April 23, 2010.

• Protecting Your Band Name as a Trademark, American Songwriter, Vol. 24, May 2009.

• Songwriters’ Termination Rights Under the Copyright Act, American Songwriter, Vol. 23, May 2008.

• Pay Me My (Licensing) Money Down: Legal and Practical Aspects of Karaoke Licensing, 6 Va. Sports & Ent. L.J. 361 (2007).