Lobbying Affiliate: MML&K Government Solutions
Photo of Jack A. Wheat

Honors & Awards

  • Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America

  • University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law Distinguished Alumnus, 2022
  • Kentucky Super Lawyers®, 2007-2023 (Intellectual Property Litigation)
  • Kentucky Super Lawyers® 2019 and 2023: Recognized as Top 10 Attorney in Kentucky 
  • Kentucky Super Lawyers® 2011-2015, 2017-2022: Recognized as Top 50 Attorney in Kentucky
  • Named WIPR Leader (World Intellectual Property Review) 2017-Present

  • Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent Peer Review Rated
  • Chambers USA, 'Leaders in their Field', 2016 to Present (Intellectual Property Kentucky)
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, 2007-2025 (Litigation - Intellectual Property; Trademark Law)
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, 2016 "Lawyer of the Year" (Litigation - Intellectual Property)
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, 2015 "Lawyer of the Year" (Trademark Law)
  • Chambers USA: "America's Leading Lawyers for Business", Intellectual Property, 2013-Present
  • Who's Who, Trademarks, 2013-Present
  • Louisville Magazine's "Top Lawyers" for Copyright Law, 2013-2014
  • Managing Intellectual Property, IP Stars, 2013-Present
  • Best for Copyright Infringement Litigation - Kentucky
  • Best for IP Litigation - Southern USA, 2017-2018

Admissions

Kentucky

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky

U.S. District Court for Arizona

U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado

U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

Education

University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, Louisville, Kentucky, J.D., 1979

Hanover College, Hanover, Indiana, B.A., 1976

  • Major: Economics

Overview

Decades of practicing law have taught Jack Wheat that no intellectual property matter occurs in a vacuum. Clients turn to him to navigate the complexly interconnected world of intellectual property law because of his extensive experience and understanding, as well as the high value he places on communication and networking. For over 30 years, Jack has helped his clients through patent, trademark, and copyright infringement litigation, as well as trademark and copyright registration. He founded and led Kentucky’s largest intellectual property boutique firm of Wheat, Smith & Beres, and his national practice has taken him to over 30 states, seven United States Circuit Courts of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

Jack knows that trademarks, copyrights, and patents are the lynchpin of many businesses. That’s why he offers his clients assistance with every step of the trademark and copyright registration process and advises his clients how to proceed in the face of trademark, copyright or patent infringement. By working with clients to evaluate strengths and weaknesses, he develops the most enduring and comprehensive methods of protecting valuable intellectual properties, avoiding trial when prudent and aggressively litigating when properties are threatened or questioned. His unique business-focused approach to litigation is tailed to each client’s goals. It is this business sense, combined with his ability to handle the complicated technical issues that are often intertwined with IP disputes, which separates his legal experience from others.

Beyond the office and courtroom, Jack periodically serves as an Adjunct Professor of Intellectual Property at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and coach of the school’s Lefkowitz Trademark Law Moot Court Teams. He is also an ordained elder of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., a former Commissioner and Moderator (Chief Judge) of the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Presbytery of Mid-Kentucky, and a former Commissioner of the Synod of the Living Waters Permanent Judicial Commission. Additionally, he is a member of the Order of Constantine of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and Legal Counsel to the fraternity’s Licensing Committee. Previously, he served as Grand Praetor (regional supervisor) of the Fraternity’s Kentucky Province.

Additional Practice Experience

Affiliations

Professional Activities

  • Board of Directors of the Christian Care Communities Foundation
  • American Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section; Co-Chair, Dilution Law Subcommittee, 1999; Chair, Right of Publicity Subcommittee, 2004-06
  • Sigma Chi Fraternity Licensing Committee, Legal Counsel, 1991 - present
  • Kentucky Bar Association
  • International Trademark Association; Member, Amicus Committee
  • Louisville Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section, Chair, 1989, 1990 and 1994

News & Insights

News

Seminars & Speaking Engagements

  • NBI - Brewery and Distillery Law in Kentucky
    Lexington, KY, June 3, 2019
  • IP 101: A Non-Specialist’s Guide to the Basics of Intellectual Property Law
    Kentucky Bar Association Annual Convention, June 21, 2017
  • NBI - Brewery and Distillery Law in Kentucky
    Louisville, Kentucky, May 15, 2017
  • Naltional Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals National Conference 2016
    Patchworks and Pitfalls: Server Training and State Laws and Regulations
    New Orleans, LA, October 5, 2016
  • IP 101: A Non-Specialist’s Guide to the Basics of Intellectual Property Law
    Kentucky Bar Association Annual Convention, June 16, 2010
  • Ethical Considerations in Intellectual Property Law
    Louisville Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Program
    Louisville, KY, June 19, 2003
  • Supreme IP
    On experience arguing at United States Supreme Court
    Louisville Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Program, February 19, 2003

Articles

  • Intellectual property law has a real-world impact on businesses 
    They're Coming to Steal Your Ideas
    Louisville Business First, March 18, 2016
  • When should a business register a trademark?
    Business First of Louisville, January 22, 2016
  • IP Practices Growing
    Lane Report, February 1, 2010
  • Intellectual Property audits can identify assets to be protected
    Business First of Louisville, August 21, 2009
  • All in the name
    Thoroughbred Times, February 29, 2008
  • Protect yourself from competition by former employees
    Business First of Louisville, May 1, 2005
  • To franchise or not is a big question
    Business First of Louisville, August 6, 2004

Blogs

Lexington, KYLouisville, KYFrankfort, KYFrankfort, KY: MML&K Government Solutions