Frank I. Chao
Frank I. Chao is an associate with Hawkins Parnell Thackston & Young LLP and a member of the Firm’s Products Liability and Toxic Torts Group. Frank’s civil litigation practice currently concentrates on mass tort defense and litigation in Florida. His prior experience in hospitals and medical research, including cancer and infectious disease research, provides him with the scientific and medical background suited for products liability defense. Frank also handles intellectual property matters for clients, including copyright and trademark prosecution, as well as intellectual property litigation.
Prior to joining Hawkins Parnell Thackston & Young LLP, Frank represented corporations in intellectual property and commercial litigation matters. Specifically, he prosecuted federal trademarks and enforced intellectual property rights of individuals and corporate clients. Frank also has extensive experience in commercial litigation and representation of corporate clients in all aspects of pre-trial matters and trial preparation, including traditional and e-discovery, depositions, hearings, and motions practice.
Professional Experience
Toxic Torts and Products Liability
Frank defends manufacturers of gaskets in automobiles, trucks and equipment, manufacturers and distributors of construction materials, manufacturers of roofing materials, manufacturers of joint compounds, manufacturers of sewer pipes, manufacturers of pipe coverings, manufacturers of pumps and packing, manufacturers of valves, and manufacturers of household building materials.
Commercial Litigation
Frank defends and prosecutes corporations in contract disputes, managed healthcare disputes, information technology litigation, real property litigation, and unfair competition matters.
Intellectual Property
Frank prosecutes and registers federal and state trademarks. After successfully registering trademarks, he works with clients to maintain and enforce their registered trademarks. Frank also works with clients to register, enforce and protect their copyrights, including literary, visual, musical, architectural and internet works.
Frank has also successfully litigated intellectual property matters, including patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secrets infringement matters.
Professional affiliations
- Defense Research Institute
- Florida Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Atlanta Bar Association
Practice areas
Education
J.D., Duke University School of Law (2004)
- Duke Law and Technology Review
L.L.M., Duke University School of Law (2004)
- Master of Laws in International and Comparative Law
B.S., Emory University (1998)
- Dual major in Biology and English
Bar admissions
- Florida
Courts
- United States District Courts for the Northern and Middle Districts of Florida