About
William B. Cannon is a highly skilled attorney specializing in intellectual property, technology law, business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. As a partner at Parker Poe, he advises a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, universities, startups, and mid-sized businesses, on complex legal matters related to intellectual property protection, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance.
Mr. Cannon earned his Juris Doctor cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2005 and obtained his Bachelor of Science from Davidson College in 2002. He was admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 2005 and has since built a distinguished career helping clients protect their innovations, negotiate technology agreements, and navigate complex corporate transactions.
A North Carolina State Bar board-certified specialist in trademark law, Mr. Cannon has extensive experience managing trademark portfolios for universities and advising businesses on brand protection strategies. He has represented clients in trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and has successfully handled domain name disputes and online infringement cases.
Mr. Cannon has negotiated multimillion-dollar contracts in the technology sector, including software licenses, cloud service agreements, and electronic medical record agreements. He provides legal counsel on emerging technologies, including virtual reality and artificial intelligence, ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks. His expertise extends to cybersecurity and data privacy, where he advises clients on key regulations such as the FACT Act, COPPA, and the FTC Act.
Beyond his legal practice, William B. Cannon serves on Parker Poe’s Artificial Intelligence Committee and leads the firm’s Technology Industry Team. He is also actively involved in pro bono work, providing intellectual property counsel to nonprofit organizations across North Carolina. The Best Lawyers in America have recognized his contributions to the legal community, World Trademark Review 1000, and North Carolina Super Lawyers.
With a commitment to innovation and strategic legal counsel, Mr. Cannon continues to be a trusted advisor for businesses navigating intellectual property, technology transactions, and corporate legal challenges.
Law Office Affiliations
- Partner, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP
- Member, North Carolina State Bar, Board of Specialization Trademark Law Committee
- Co-Chair, North Carolina Bar Association Intellectual Property Law Section
- Board of Directors, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle
Licensed State
- North Carolina
Education
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Juris Doctor (JD) - Davidson College
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Awards & Badges

- Commercial Real Estate
- Contracts And Agreements
- Mergers And Acquisitions
- Science & Technology
- Copyright
- Trademark




