Intellectual Property Honors Cannon

The Intellectual Property Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association recently presented the 2016-17 Outstanding Achievement Pro Bono Award to William B. Cannon of Raleigh.

The award was presented at the section annual meeting and CLE in Wilmington on April 28.

Cannon is a partner at Parker Poe and a board-certified trademark specialist. One of his passions, his nomination noted, is the collection and distribution of whole, fresh foods. Over the previous year he devoted significant time and energy to seeking out community-based organizations that share in this passion, including the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle of Raleigh and Sow Much Good of Mecklenburg County.

Cannon is also engaged in ecological sustainability, which led to his involvement with Water for Wildlife, a national conservation organization with over 450 water projects throughout the U.S., and Soundside Oyster Farm, a startup dedicated to establishing a sustainable oyster farm in the Wilmington area.

“Will,” the nomination continues, “has two daughters of his own, and in 2016 he supported women by actively volunteering for pro bono organizations providing charitable assistance to women.”

He provided pro bono legal assistance to Carroll’s Kitchen, which hires, trains, counsels and even houses homeless women. When Cannon learned about the restaurant, which is across from Parker Poe’s downtown Raleigh offices, he contacted the owner and offered his assistance with intellectual property issues, including the preparation and filing of its federal trademark application.

Cannon also assisted the Pretty in Pink Foundation, which coordinates treatment for under-insured North Carolinians who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and Girl Scouts of America in Mecklenburg County.

He also provided pro bono counsel, the nomination concludes, to Legal Equalizer, LLC, a start-up company that was named one of the top 10 Best Apps from Black Founders in 2016 by Black Enterprise.

Cannon is a graduate of Davidson College and the University of North Carolina School of Law.

The award for outstanding individual achievement is presented to section members who have actively participated in pro bono activities such as direct indigent representation or direct community service efforts, excluding support of professional/business organizations such as bar associations, chambers of commerce, etc.