W. Whitaker Rayner

Whitaker Rayner is a distinguished partner at Jones Walker and co-leader of the firm’s Intellectual Property Team. With a focus on copyright and trademark registration, software licensing, and intellectual property litigation, Mr. Rayner provides strategic legal counsel to domestic and international clients across various industries, including outdoor lifestyle brands, technology companies, and financial institutions.

Mr. Rayner earned his Juris Doctor magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University School of Law in 1986, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and served as Managing Editor of the Washington and Lee Law Review. He also graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Millsaps College in 1983. Licensed to practice in Mississippi, Mr. Rayner has built a career of excellence in intellectual property law.

With extensive experience in both litigation and counseling, Mr. Rayner represents clients in intellectual property disputes, commercial litigation, and contract matters. He is a recognized leader in his field, frequently advising on complex IP matters and assisting clients in protecting their innovations and brand identities.

His legal practice includes editing key publications such as the Mississippi section of the International Trademark Association (INTA) State Trademark and Unfair Competition Law and contributing to West Publishing’s Encyclopedia of Mississippi Law.

Mr. Rayner actively engages in professional organizations, serving as Chair of the Intellectual Property Section of The Mississippi Bar and on INTA’s U.S. Legislation Committee. He has also held roles as Sub-Committee Chair of the Copyright Committee and as a member of the INTA Panel of Neutrals.

Recognized annually by Best Lawyers in America since 2001 in areas including Copyright Law, Information Technology Law, and Intellectual Property Litigation, Mr. Rayner was named “Lawyer of the Year” in Jackson, Mississippi, for both Litigation – Intellectual Property and Copyright Law.

Through his dedication to innovation and intellectual property protection, W. Whitaker Rayner continues to provide effective legal strategies that help clients safeguard their intellectual assets and achieve business success.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Jones Walker LLP
• Member, Capital Area Bar Association
• Member, Federal Bar Association
• Chairman, Section of Intellectual Property Law, The Mississippi Bar
• Board President, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership
• Co-Chairman, Trademark Law Study Group, Mississippi Secretary of State’s Business Reform Committee
• Board of Directors, Jackson International Ballet Competition

Licensed State

• Mississippi

Education

• Washington and Lee University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Millsaps College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges