Aaron McKown focuses his practice primarily in complex business and intellectual property litigation in both state and federal courts.  He has represented numerous multinational companies in complex litigation matters and has a wide-range of experience in corporate and partnership disputes, unfair business practices, trademark, patent and copyright infringement, employment controversies, misappropriation of trade secrets, and client counseling.  Mr. McKown has also developed an expertise in life settlements, premium financing, and trustee liability through his representation of lenders, brokers, and trusts in the life settlement industry.

Representative Experience

• Representation of major software company in cases against counterfeiting rings for trademark and copyright infringement
• Representation of major software company and online store in various spam/spoofing cases
• Representation of major online retailer in defense of claims for unfair business practices
• Representation of Internet businesses in defense of defamation and other related claims
• Representation of aftermarket auto kit retailer and manufacturer in patent design infringement lawsuit
• Representation of comic book artist (and his company) in trademark infringement and contract dispute with former employer
• Representation of minority shareholders in a derivative and related direct action
• Representation of toy manufacturer in trade dress and false designation of origin suit against seller of “knock off” toys
• Representation of massage table manufacturer in defense of trademark, copyright, dilution, and unfair competition suit
• Representation of software manufacturer in defense of patent infringement claim
• Representation of restaurant company in defense of domain name dispute and counterclaim for trademark dilution and cyber squatting
• Representation of software manufacturer in defense of breach of contract claim
• Representation of premium finance lender in dispute with competitor
• Representation of life settlement broker in commission dispute
• Representation of borrowers against premium finance lender for fraud, unfair business practices, and related claims
• Representation of beneficiaries of life insurance trust against trustee for breach of fiduciary duties
• Representation of trust against life insurance carrier regarding rescission of policy

Civic Involvement and Distinctions

• Music For a Cure, Inc. – President

• North Carolina Law Review – Editor, 1999-2000