Edward T. White

Ed White helps clients build, protect, and maximize the value of their brands and technology assets through practical, business-focused intellectual property (IP) counsel. 

As Vice-Chair of the IP Section and Chair of the firm’s Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) Practice, Ed focuses on global brand management, IP strategy, technology transactions, and artificial intelligence (AI) and data governance for companies and organizations at the intersection of innovation, media, and commerce.

With decades of experience advising clients across industries, Ed’s approach is proactive and solutions-driven—grounded in protecting what matters most to his clients: their brand reputation, creative assets, and competitive advantage. He represents companies in financial services, biotechnology, consumer products, retail, food and beverage and technology-driven industries, often counseling businesses that merge brand strategy with innovation to manage risk and position for growth.

Brand Management & IP Strategy

Ed partners with companies to strengthen and safeguard their brands worldwide. He guides clients through every stage of brand development and protection, from trademark clearance, registration, and enforcement to brand portfolio management and anti-counterfeiting programs. His work includes negotiating licensing, co-branding, and sponsorship agreements and developing brand-enforcement strategies that reduce risk and support growth in both traditional and digital markets.

He has designed and implemented scalable brand monitoring and enforcement programs that protect trademarks, trade dress, and copyrights, ensuring brand integrity across global platforms.

Technology & Commercial Transactions

Ed advises clients on a full range of technology and IP-related agreements, including software development, SaaS/cloud services, AI systems, and content-licensing transactions. He conducts IP audits, crafts portfolio-management policies, and negotiates strategic alliances and technology acquisitions aligned with business objectives.

By integrating brand strategy and technology expertise, Ed helps clients commercialize innovation while preserving ownership, compliance, and long-term value.

NIL Rights

As Chair of the firm’s NIL Practice, Ed leads a multidisciplinary team advising universities, athletes, collectives, and sponsors on the full spectrum of NIL rights monetization. He counsels clients on structure, governance, and regulatory compliance, drafts endorsement and collective agreements, and provides strategic IP advice to help individuals and organizations protect and grow their personal and institutional brands.

His practice combines deep understanding of IP law, collegiate athletics, and brand licensing to help clients navigate this evolving area with confidence and creativity.

AI & Data Governance

As businesses adopt AI-driven technologies, Ed provides practical guidance on AI data governance, IP ownership, licensing, and responsible AI deployment. He helps clients assess the legal and ethical implications of generative AI, develop governance frameworks, and structure contracts that clearly define rights, risks, and accountability.

His forward-looking counsel helps companies innovate responsibly while safeguarding their data, IP, and brand reputation.

Dispute Resolution & Enforcement

When disputes arise, Ed draws on extensive litigation experience to protect and enforce client rights. He has handled complex cases involving trademark and copyright infringement, trade secrets, unfair competition, and technology disputes, and regularly designs enforcement strategies for domestic and international IP portfolios.

Ed is recognized in Chambers USA for Intellectual Property Law and in The Best Lawyers in America^® for Trademark Law, Copyright Law, and Litigation – Intellectual Property. He has been named Best Lawyers^® Richmond “Lawyer of the Year” for Trademark Law (2018, 2022) and Copyright Law (2016), and is consistently listed among Virginia Business magazine’s “Legal Elite” for Intellectual Property.

He is a past president of both the Greater Richmond Intellectual Property Law Association and the Thomas Jefferson Intellectual Property Inn of Court, and a past member of the Virginia State Bar Intellectual Property Section Board of Directors. Ed is active in the International Trademark Association (INTA), American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), and state and local bar associations.

A former Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy, Ed retired as a Commander after 24 years of active and reserve service. He also represents veterans before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

Ed earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of New Hampshire School of Law. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University.