Russell M. Racine

Russell M. Racine (Russ) focuses his practice in the areas of intellectual property, professional liability, aviation, and insurance in state and Federal courts in both North Carolina and South Carolina. His background and experience allow him to strategically represent and advise clients in all aspects of disputes, including how to resolve conflicts and avoid litigation.

Intellectual Property

Russ helps clients navigate the challenges of enforcing their intellectual property rights and defending against infringement allegations from others. Russ litigates cases related to patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, and also represents clients in suits alleging unfair competition, deceptive trade practices, Lanhan Act violations, advertising injuries, and other business related issues. Russ routinely counsels clients on how best to obtain trademark registrations, and how to deal with other parties who may be infringing or about to infringe his client’s rights. As a key part of protecting client’s assets, he counsels his clients regarding the best strategies to protect, maintain, and expand their trademark rights.

As a licensed patent attorney, Russ uses his experience obtaining patents to pursue invalidity allegations and other defenses against patents asserted in litigation. Russ has assisted clients in obtaining patents in numerous areas of art including chemical, mechanical, pharmaceutical, automotive, water purification, industrial, and medical devices. As part of his intellectual property practice, he has represented clients in proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and in Internet domain disputes before the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. Russ also guides his clients in ways to avoid litigation and assists with resolving disputes before litigation via favorable, early settlements. He recognizes that many businesses benefit from early attempts to resolve intellectual property issues before they become lawsuits. Russ has represented a broad range of clients from individuals to Fortune 100 companies. In 2020 Russ became a member of Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite Hall of Fame as the overall winner in Intellectual Property.

Professional Liability

Russ also represents clients in the area of professional liability in state and Federal courts in both North Carolina and South Carolina. He defends professionals accused of negligence, malpractice, and other violations of their professional duties. Russ has represented real estate agents and brokers, directors and officers, and claims administrators and other insurance professionals. He has also represented attorneys accused of professional malpractice in claims repair and malpractice actions.

Aviation & Insurance

In addition to his intellectual and professional liability practice, Russ has also worked on aviation and insurance matters including wrongful death actions involving airplanes, tractor-trailers, cars, and motorcycles. He is a licensed mediator, and regularly advises and counsels clients regarding all forms of alternative dispute resolution. He is a member of the Cranfill Sumner COVID-19 Response Team.

*Cases or matters referenced do not represent the attorney’s entire record. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits. The outcome of a particular case cannot be predicated upon a lawyer’s or a law firm’s past results.