Russell M. Racine (Russ) is a highly experienced attorney with over 20 years of practice in intellectual property law, professional liability defense, and insurance litigation across state and federal courts. As Chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, Russ delivers strategic legal counsel to businesses, professionals, and individuals, focusing on litigation avoidance, risk management, and effective dispute resolution.
Intellectual Property & Patent Law Expertise
As a licensed patent attorney, Russ represents clients ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies in matters involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, trade dress, and domain name disputes. He has successfully litigated IP cases throughout the Southeast and appeared before the USPTO and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).
Russ specializes in trademark litigation, including infringement defense, opposition and cancellation proceedings, and complex federal court disputes. His approach combines deep knowledge of trademark law with practical litigation strategies to protect brand identity, enforce rights, and safeguard competitive advantage.
Trade Secret Protection & Litigation
Russ advises businesses on trade secret protection programs, drafting non-disclosure agreements, and implementing best practices to prevent misappropriation. When disputes arise, he litigates under the Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA) and Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA), pursuing injunctions and damages to protect proprietary information and maintain clients’ competitive edge.
Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) Rights
Russ helps athletes, influencers, and public figures protect and monetize their personal brand through NIL agreements. His services include drafting and negotiating endorsement contracts, licensing deals, and sponsorship agreements, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. He also advises on trademark registration, IP portfolio management, and risk mitigation for long-term brand success.
Core Intellectual Property Services
•IP Litigation: Patent infringement, trademark disputes, copyright violations, trade secret misappropriation
•Trademark & Brand Protection: Registration, licensing, enforcement, and defense
•Digital Rights: Domain name disputes, cybersquatting, website infringement, false advertising
•Trade Secrets: Identification, protection, NDAs, litigation
•Name, Image, Likeness: Protection, licensing, enforcement
•IP Strategy: Licensing agreements, contracts, pre-litigation resolution
Russ was inducted into Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite Hall of Fame in 2020 as the state’s top Intellectual Property attorney.
Professional Liability Defense
Russ defends professionals in malpractice, negligence, and liability claims in North and South Carolina, including:
•Attorneys - Legal malpractice and ethics violations
•IP Attorneys - Defense against patent/trademark malpractice claims
•Real Estate Professionals - Agents, brokers, title companies
•Corporate Executives & Officers - Fiduciary duty claims
•Homeowner Associations - Boards and management companies
•Insurance Professionals - Claims administrators, underwriters, adjusters
Construction Defect Litigation
Russ defends contractors, developers, and design professionals in construction defect claims, including allegations of faulty workmanship and code violations. He leverages technical knowledge and litigation experience to minimize liability through negotiation, mediation, or trial, handling complex multiparty disputes in North and South Carolina.
Aviation & Insurance Litigation
With a strong background in aviation and insurance law, Russ represents clients in cases involving:
•Aviation Accidents & Wrongful Death
•Transportation & Auto Claims - Tractor-trailer, motorcycle, automobile accidents
•Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) - Mediation, arbitration, pre-suit settlements
Client-Centered Legal Strategy
Russ prioritizes transparent communication and tailored solutions, aligning legal strategies with business objectives and risk management goals. Whether negotiating settlements or litigating high-stakes disputes, Russ delivers results-driven representation.
Accomplishments
•Named to Legal 500 City Elite - Charlotte, Intellectual Property (2026)
•Business North Carolina Legal Elite - Intellectual Property (2018, 2019, 2022)
•Inducted into the Business North Carolina Legal Elite Hall of Fame in 2020 for receiving the most votes in the state in Intellectual Property.
•Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated
Most Recent Posts
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What Is (and Is Not) a Trade Secret? Separating Real Secrets from Routine Information
A hotly contested issue in many trade secrets cases is whether the alleged trade secret even qualifies as a trade...
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Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Named to Legal 500 City Elite in Charlotte
Cranfill Sumner LLP today announced that Mica Nguyen Worthy and Russ Racine have been named to the Legal 500 US City Elite in Charlotte for Commercial Litigation and Intellectual Property respectively....
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Why the NCAA Still Owns the Past: NIL, Copyright, and the Limits of Athlete Control
The North Carolina Business Court recently dismissed a lawsuit brought by members of N.C. State’s legendary 1983 NCAA men’s basketball...
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Russ Racine Recognized for Pro Bono Service in South Carolina
Russ Racine was recently honored by the South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program for his pro bono services in the state....
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Cranfill Sumner Participates in NCBF Empower Hour
On May 30, the attorneys, staff, and summer clerks of Cranfill Sumner LLP joined forces with the North Carolina Bar Foundation to host the Empower Hour, a pro bono legal advice clinic....
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Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Discuss International Intellectual Property Management
Russ Racine and Charlie Raphun presented at the May 12 Export Coffee Talk webinar about International Intellectual Property Management. The event was hosted by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina....
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Russ Racine Leads Cranfill Conversation About Advertising Injury Claims
Russ Racine led the Sept. 8 Cranfill Conversation about Advertising Injury Claims. The discussion was a follow up to his Aug. 18 webinar based on the same topic....
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Russ Racine Presents Advertising Injury Claims Webinar
On Aug. 18, Russ Racine presented the “Advertising Injury Claims” webinar as part of the Cranfill Sumner LLP webinar series. ...
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Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Participate in 4ALL Statewide Service Day
Members of the Cranfill Sumner LLP offices participated in the North Carolina Bar Foundation’s 15th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 4. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event was held virtually this year....
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Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2022 Legal Elite
Eight Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program. ...
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CSH Law Attorneys Presented at CWTA & CIAS Webinar
Russ Racine and Mica Nguyen Worthy, attorneys at Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law), presented on International Trade Business Contracts: 2021 International Arbitration Trends at the April 21st meeting of the Carolina World Trade Association (CWTA) in conjunction with the Charlotte International Arbitration Society (CIAS)....
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Supreme Court Rules that a Generic Term Combined with “.com” is Protectable
Recently the Supreme Court affirmed registration on the principal register for what appeared to be a generic term. In United States...
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Cranfill Sumner Launches COVID-19 Response Team
Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (Cranfill Sumner) announced the creation of its COVID-19 Response Team. The team is comprised of...
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Seven Actions for Protecting your Brand During the COVID-19 Crisis
COVID-19 is responsible for the most disruptive time for business in recent history. Not only are many small businesses under...
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Cranfill Sumner Staff Members Participate in 4ALL Statewide Service Day
Members of the Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) offices participated in the North Carolina Bar Foundation’s 13th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 6....
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Russell Racine Chosen as Legal Elite Overall Winner in Intellectual Property
Russell Racine, a partner at Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), was recently recognized as the Overall Winner in Intellectual Property by the 2020 Legal Elite from Business North Carolina magazine. As an Overall Winner, Russ is now a member of the Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite Hall of Fame....
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Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Listed Among 2020 Legal Elite
Seven Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program....
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Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Listed Among 2019 Legal Elite
Six Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program....
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4ALL Statewide Service Day
Attorneys from the offices of Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) participated in the North Carolina Bar Association’s 11th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 2....
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Cranfill Sumner LLP Names Two New Partners
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced that Jerri Simmons and Russ Racine have been named partners in the firm. Both attorneys are based in the firm’s Charlotte office....
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Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Listed Among 2018 Legal Elite
Seven Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program....
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Russ Racine to Speak at TAP Talk
Russ Racine, Of Counsel with Cranfill Sumner LLP, will present at the Nov. 14 TAP Talk presented by the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association. The event will be held at the Pitt Community College Small Business Center in Greenville....
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Russ Racine to Speak at NCRMA TAP Talk
Russ Racine, an attorney in the Charlotte office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, will speak at the April 20th TAP Talk sponsored by the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association. Russ will be presenting “Tips for Navigating Intellectual Property Issues for Retail Businesses” to North Carolina business owners. ...
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Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Receive AV Rating From Martindale-Hubbell
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced that 11 attorneys have recently received an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell....
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Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Participate in 4ALL Statewide Service Day
Six attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) participated in the North Carolina Bar Association’s 10th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 3. The statewide event is sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association Foundation and the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA)....
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Summary Judgment Granted in Action Against Real Estate Agents
Russ Racine, Virginia Wooten, and Meredith FitzGibbon obtained Summary Judgment for a North Carolina real estate agent and her employer...
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Russ Racine to Present at NCRMA TAP Talks
Russ Racine, an attorney in the Charlotte office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, will serve as a featured speaker at the Raleigh and Charlotte editions of TAP Talks. TAP Talks is an event sponsored by the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association. ...
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Russ Racine to Speak at NCRMA TAP Talk Seminar
Russ Racine, an attorney in the Charlotte office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, will be a featured speaker at the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association Retail TAP Talk. The seminars offer information for retail businesses from marketing, legal and insurance perspectives. Russ will discuss “Intellectual Property Issues for Retail Businesses.”...
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Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Participate in 4ALL Statewide Service Day
Eight attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) participated in the North Carolina Bar Association’s 9th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 4. The statewide event is sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association Foundation and the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA)....
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Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Participate in 4ALL Statewide Service Day
Eleven attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) participated in the North Carolina Bar Association’s 8th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 6. ...
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Russ Racine Joins Cranfill Sumner Charlotte
Russ Racine has joined Cranfill Sumner, where he will focus his practice in the areas of Aviation Law, Construction, Criminal Defense and Intellectual Property....
