William Cannon

Practice Areas

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning

Business Law

Contract Services

Information Technology

Intellectual Property

Mergers, Acquisitions & Joint Ventures

Retail Automotive Dealers

Career

Clients turn to Will Cannon to negotiate their technology contracts at scale, manage their trademark portfolios, and advise on the development of innovative products. He leads Parker Poe's Technology Industry Team, is a former leader of the firm's Education Team, and serves on the firm's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee, which drives the firm's efforts to deliver the most value to clients through AI. He is also one of the firm's Raleigh leaders, where he serves as Office Relationship Partner.

Global leaders in the technology, life sciences, and automotive industries have outsourced their IT, AI, and other technology contract negotiation and maintenance to Will and his team. He develops a deep understanding of each client's strategy, assembles the right attorneys to scale their processes, and tailors his collaboration based on each client's preferences. This can include using technology to function as fully integrated members of a client's team, which can accelerate product development. Clients have emphasized the peace of mind and quality control Will delivers, as they rely on him and his team to know their business, keep it moving, and iterate along the way.

In addition, clients across the country depend on Will to manage and enforce their trademark portfolios. He "excels in analyzing complex legal mandates to propel clients to success," as the World Trademark Review 1000 described him based on feedback from his clients and peers. Will has overseen trademark selection, registration, maintenance, and enforcement on behalf of clients that include Fortune 500 companies, universities, private entities, and individuals. He serves on the North Carolina State Bar's Trademark Law Specialty Committee and is himself a board-certified specialist in trademark law.

Will uses his understanding of intellectual property to serve nonprofits in North Carolina as well. He provides pro bono services to the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, StepUp Ministry, Carroll's Kitchen, A Place at the Table, Pretty in Pink Foundation, Kanuga, Water for Wildlife, and other organizations. The NC Bar Association's Intellectual Property Section has honored Will with its Outstanding Achievement Pro Bono Award.

Education