Bill Needle

Bill Needle is a registered patent attorney who has been exclusively practicing all aspects of Intellectual Property law for 42 years. Mr. Needle began his legal career at the first IP boutique firm in Atlanta (Newton, Hopkins & Orsmby) from 1970-1983. He then founded the IP boutique Needle & Rosenberg which, in 2008, merged into Ballard Spahr LLP. He served as the first Chair of Ballard Spahr's Intellectual Property Department until July 1, 2012 and remains a partner in the firm. His litigation experience includes being counsel in the copyright and trademark litigation for the CABBAGE PATCH KIDS(R) dolls and the State of Georgia in infringement cases involving the VIDALIA(R) onion trademark, as well as patent infringement actions involving diverse technologies. Mr. Needle has served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Georgia for intellectual property law issues for more than 30 years. Mr. Needle currently serves as an alternative dispute resolution Neutral Panel Member, JAMS. Since 1995, Mr. Needle has been mediating and arbitrating cases dealing with a wide array of intellectual property matters. See details about Mr. Needle's ADR experience under Professional Experience.