Source: https://www.gdhm.com/attorneys/peter-d-kennedy/
Timestamp: 2019-04-18 20:59:49+00:00

Document:
Pete Kennedy practices at the intersection of law and disruptive technologies, communications, intellectual property and constitutional limits on governmental regulation. He first earned national attention in 1993 as lead trial lawyer for Austin-based Steve Jackson Games in a lawsuit against the United States Secret Service that helped establish limits on searches and seizures of email. He has represented an array of clients in a wide variety of industries and matters, from complex commercial disputes to matters involving technology, intellectual property, publishing, free speech and constitutional law. Pete has developed a unique specialty advising and representing companies and individuals accused of the unauthorized practice of law.
Pete is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He handles appeals in state and federal courts in Texas and around the country. Pete obtained reversals of substantial jury verdicts against libel defendants in two recent pro bono cases before the Texas Supreme Court. Burbage v. Burbage, – 447 S.W.3d 249 (Tex. 2014); Salinas v. Salinas, 365 S.W.3d 318 (Tex. 2012) (per curiam).
Trademark: Won federal court jury trial for Texas bourbon distillery, defeating infringement claim and obtaining a finding that opponent’s trademark was abandoned. Allied Lomar, Inc. v. Lone Star Distillery, LLC, 2017 WL 1187949 (W.D. Tex. March 28, 2017)), aff’d, 2018 WL 3486835 (5th Cir. July 18, 2018).
Computer privacy and internet litigation: Represented operators and users of computer systems in lawsuits against government officials for unauthorized computer seizures. Guest v. Leis, 225 F.3d 325 (6th Cir. 2001); Steve Jackson Games, Inc. v. United States Secret Service, 816 F. Supp. 432 (W.D. Tex. 1993), aff’d, 36 F.3d 457 (5th Cir. 1994).
Spyware: Represented ex-employee in lawsuit against former employer for clandestine installation of computer spyware and use of intercepted electronic communications.
Copyright: Represented a variety of national, regional and local clients in prosecuting and defending claims of copyright infringement.
Libel/media defense: Represented local, regional and national print and broadcast companies in the defense of libel, business disparagement, invasion of privacy, incitement and related claims. Assists print and electronic publishers of all kinds in liability risk assessment and prepublication review.
Anti-SLAPP: Won dismissal of libel lawsuit brought by City Councilmember-elect against online investigative journalism project, with award of fees and sanctions.
Commercial speech: Represented craft brewery, distributor and retailer in successful challenge to restrictive beer advertising and labeling laws. Authentic Beverage Co. v. Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, 835 F. Supp.2d 227 (W.D. Tex. 2011).
Open records/open government: Assists companies in protecting trade secrets from disclosure under the FOIA and the Texas Public Information Act. Represented legal self-help publisher in original action before Texas Supreme Court resulting in the opening to public scrutiny operations of the Texas Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee. Nolo Press v. Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, 991 S.W.2d 768 (Tex. 1999).
Unauthorized practice of law: Represents national and local companies and individuals in investigations and litigation involving allegations of the unauthorized practice of law, risk mitigation and related regulatory issues.
Class actions: Defeated effort to certify national class action in lawsuit against online retailer. Solotko v. Legalzoom.com, Inc., 2013 WL 3724770 (Tex. App. – Austin, July 11, 2013, pet. denied).
Arbitration: Enforced consumer arbitration agreements on behalf of online retailer and computer manufacturer. Legalzoom.com, Inc. v. McIllwain, 2013 Ark. 370 (Ark. 2013); Smith v. Gateway, Inc., 2002 WL 1728615 (Tex. App. – Austin 2002, no pet.).
Religious freedom: Secured religious tax exemption for nontheistic religious congregation. Strayhorn v. Ethical Society of Austin, 110 S.W.3d 458, (Tex. App. – Austin 2003, pet. denied).
Trade secret litigation: Represented internet banking company alleging theft of trade secrets and unauthorized access to computer network; Represented computer chip equipment manufacturer in trade secret theft suit against parts fabricator.
Member, American Bar Association, Austin Bar Association, Fifth Circuit Bar Association.
Board of Councilors, Texas Civil Rights Project.
Co-Chair, ABA Subcommittee on Interactive Services, 1996-1997.
“A Practical Guide for Corporate Counsel and Technology Lawyers on How to Respond to Requests for Information,” University of Texas Technology Law Conference, May 2011.
“Internet Libel – The Anonymous Writer and the Online Publisher,” 52 The Advocate, 59 (Fall 2010).
Lawyers On-Line: What are the Obligations and Risks? 6 Austin Lawyer 14 (Fall 1997) with J. Roger Williams, Jr.

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