Areas of Practice

Education

New York University School of Law, L.L.M. in Trade Regulation, 1978
Boston University School of Law, J.D., Am Jur Award for Excellence in Legal History, 1970
University of Virginia. B.A., cum laude, 1967

Bar & Court Admissions

California
New York
Massachusetts

William A. Finkelstein

Senior Counsel

2121 Avenue of the Stars
Suite 2800
Los Angeles CA 90067
TEL: 310.734.3266
FAX: 310.734.3166

William A. Finkelstein is a Senior Counsel in the Century City office of Steptoe & Johnson LLP, where he is a member of the Intellectual Property Group. Mr. Finkelstein has extensive experience in all aspects of US and international trademark, unfair competition, and licensing law. He also advises his clients on copyright, franchising, marketing, branding, and related electronic commerce issues, and is an experienced mediator.

Prior to joining Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Mr. Finkelstein was a partner at two California law firms. He was Vice President and Intellectual Property Counsel to PepsiCo., Inc. from 1973 to 2000. Mr. Finkelstein has served as President of the International Trademark Association (INTA), the preeminent global group representing the rights of brand owners, and was on its Board of Directors for 20 years. He is a frequent speaker on trademark, franchising and licensing law, and alternative dispute resolution.

Noteworthy

Southern California Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property, 2010-2012
Top Ten Entertainment Intellectual Property attorneys in California, Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals
Who’s Who Legal, Trademarks, 2003-2011
President’s Award, INTA, 2007. This is one of the highest honors given to intellectual property practitioners and signifies exceptional service to the trademark community and impactful contributions to trademark law.
Founding Member, Trademark Review Commission
Past Governing Committee Member, American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, and author of numerous published materials in the franchising law area.

Select News & Events

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association
American Intellectual Property Law Association
Copyright Society
International Franchise Association
International Trademark Association
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Southern California Mediation Association