In Memoriam: Miles Alexander - International Trademark Association

Miles Alexander, INTA Past Counsel

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of INTA Past Counsel and 2002 President’s Award winner Miles Alexander on July 11, 2025, at the age of 93. A distinguished leader in the intellectual property community, he was a dear friend, colleague, and mentor to many. He shared his passion and expertise generously, championed those facing discrimination, and made enduring contributions to INTA throughout his remarkable career.

Mr. Alexander attended Emory University and Harvard Law School, from which he graduated with honors. He served in the U.S. military for two years, then spent a year teaching at Harvard—where one of his students was the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. He then returned to Atlanta, Georgia, USA, where he began a career at the law firm now known as Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP. He would go on to chair the firm and represent a roster of major brands, musical artists, and high-profile individuals including ADIDAS, DISNEY, DOMINO’S PIZZA, the Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr., Inc., FRITO-LAY, HARLEY-DAVIDSON, Indigo Girls, Jefferson Airplane, The Monkees, REM, and ROLLS-ROYCE.

Additionally, Mr. Alexander was a champion for those facing discrimination. In one of his most notable cases, he represented three Ethiopian women who had been tortured in their home country by a man one of them discovered was living in Atlanta. He also served as the top lay leader of both the American Jewish Committee and Anti-Defamation League and remained active in both for decades.

Among his many contributions as an INTA volunteer, Mr. Alexander served as Editor-in-Chief of The Trademark Reporter from 1978 to 1980, as a member of INTA’s Board of Directors from 1980 to 1982, and as INTA Legal Counsel from 1997 to 2000. He received INTA’s President’s Award in 2002 in recognition of his many contributions.

“Miles and I were friends for more than 50 years, having worked together for The Trademark Reporter and the INTA Board of Directors. Miles not only was a brilliant trademark attorney, but he also exemplified the most ethical approaches to resolution of complex trademark disputes,” said INTA Past Counsel and former Board member Dan Bereskin (Smart & Biggar LP, Canada). “I learned much from him, including the importance of counseling clients on both the strengths and weaknesses of their cases, and the likely responses of their adversaries to litigation. It is no wonder he developed a loyal and extensive clientele, including clients both large and small.”

“Both Miles and his beloved wife Elaine worked tirelessly for decades in support of persons facing discrimination in Georgia and beyond. They both achieved well-deserved recognition for their dedication to serving the public interest. Miles will surely be missed by all who were privileged to have known, learned from, and worked with him,” added Mr. Bereskin.

“Miles was, without a doubt, a trademark legend. He possessed one of the sharpest and most impressive minds I have ever encountered, and he was incredibly generous with everyone, in particular, with younger practitioners,” said INTA Past President Mei-lan Stark (NBC Universal Media, LLC, USA). “Beyond his intellectual prowess, Miles was the epitome of a lawyer-statesman. He wholeheartedly believed that the legal profession was meant to help people. To him, it was a tool for solving problems, bridging divides, stimulating the mind and imagination, and uplifting the younger generation. His commitment to these ideals was unwavering.”

Ms. Stark continues, “Miles always saw immense value in INTA and the community of trademark professionals it served. When I was a young lawyer in my first in-house role, my company wouldn’t cover my expenses to attend the Annual and Leadership Meetings. Seeking advice, I called Miles, and he told me I had no choice but to pay for the Meetings myself. He emphasized that becoming an integral part of INTA was crucial for my career development, and he was absolutely right. He believed that this community was special, and that personal connections paved the way for better professional outcomes. Miles cherished this world, and he was a rare treasure within it. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide many of us in our professional journeys.”

Mr. Alexander is survived by Elaine, his wife of 70 years, along with their children David, Kent, Michael, and Paige, their children’s spouses, and their 11 grandchildren.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.