William R. Poynter

William R. Poynter is a highly skilled attorney specializing in intellectual property, complex commercial litigation, data privacy, and technology law. As a Principal at Kaleo Legal, he serves as fractional General Counsel and Chief Intellectual Property Counsel for several companies. He helps businesses with software licensing, commercial contracts, and technology transactions.

With extensive experience in the federal courts of the Eastern District of Virginia, also known as the “Rocket Docket,” William R. Poynter has successfully handled numerous patent and intellectual property disputes. His strong litigation background and in-depth knowledge of compliance, procurement, and vendor contracts make him a trusted legal advisor for businesses of all sizes.

William earned a B.S. in Chemistry and a B.A. in Medieval and Renaissance Studies, magna cum laude, from Washington & Lee University in 1998. He then completed his J.D. at the University of Virginia School of Law in 2002.

With 22 years of experience, William has played a key role in intellectual property law, focusing on IP creation, enforcement, dispute resolution, and software-related legal issues. He has advised software providers on licensing agreements, partner agreements, and service contracts, ensuring businesses operate smoothly while protecting their intellectual property.

William R. Poynter’s litigation experience includes representing clients in federal courts across the U.S., particularly in high-profile patent and IP cases in California, Texas, and Delaware. Before joining Kaleo Legal, he served as the Co-Chair of Intellectual Property Litigation at Williams Mullen and clerked for The Honorable Alvin A. Schall at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

William’s excellence is recognized through rankings in Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, Virginia Super Lawyers, and Virginia Legal Elite. He is a permanent member of the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference and actively contributes to legal associations, including the ABA, VBA, and FBA. His dedication helps businesses effectively navigate intellectual property protection, litigation, and technology law.

Law Office Affiliations

• Principal, Kaleo Legal
• Member, Federal Circuit Bar Association
• Member, Virginia Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Greater Norfolk Corporation
• Board of Directors, Virginia Opera
• Member, Virginia State Bar

Licensed State

• Virginia
• District of Columbia

Education

•  University of Virginia School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Washington & Lee University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges