Thomas Williams has extensive experience in business litigation, libel litigation, intellectual property litigation, and media law matters. He has been listed in "The Best Lawyers in America" in every edition of the publication since 1991, and is active in a wide range of professional and civic organizations.
Mr. Williams has handled matters which include the following:
- Representation of numerous publishing and broadcasting companies in a variety of matters including defense of libel and invasion of privacy claims, access to public information matters, and free press/fair trial issues.
- Representation of a major market Texas television station in the defense of a libel suit in a five week jury trial.
- Representation of a Texas daily newspaper in an interlocutory appeal from a trial court's denial of summary judgment in a libel action brought by a former state court judge.
- Representation of a major Texas newspaper in two appeals to the Texas Supreme Court in a significant invasion of privacy case.
- Representation of an international entertainment company in a two-week jury trial in federal court in a breach of contract action arising out of a video distribution agreement.
- Representation of a national financial services company in opposing in both the trial court and the Court of Appeals a motion for class certification by a statewide group of borrowers.
- Representation of a national retailer in litigation concerning enforcement of product exclusivity clauses in shopping center leases.
- Representation of a national accounting firm in litigation concerning accountants' liability issues in both audit and tax services.
- Representation of numerous commercial clients in copyright and trademark litigation and a wide range of general commercial litigation, including employment, securities, and real estate litigation matters.
Professional Recognition
- Received Tarrant County Bar Association Professionalism Award, 2006
- Recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America - Commercial Litigation; First Amendment Law, 2009
- Recognized as a Super Lawyer - Business Litigation, 2008-2009
Selected Representative Experience
Online Publications
02/23/2010 -
Texas Supreme Court Resets Public Information Act’s Ten-Day Deadline
When a governmental entity believes that information requested from it under the Texas Public Information Act (“PIA”) is exempt from disclosure, the PIA requires the entity to request an attorney general’s opinion within 10 business days after receiving the request. However, the PIA also allows the governmental entity to ask the requestor to clarify a request it finds to be unclear.
05/12/2009 -
Fifth Circuit Enforces Disclaimer Provision in Form Agreement to Bar Misrepresentation Claims Against Manufacturer
On May 7, 2009, the Fifth Circuit affirmed a take-nothing summary judgment for Haynes and Boone, LLP client BASF Corporation, rejecting Plaintiff Thermacor Process, L.P.’s negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent inducement, and Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) claims based on a standard disclaimer-of-warranty provision and the absence of any actionable misrepresentation. Thermacor Process, L.P. v. BASF Corp., No. 08-10227 (5th Cir. May 7, 2009). This decision reinforces Texas law that manufacturers can rely on standard disclaimers in their form agreements to defeat claims based on the absence of any misrepresentation, particularly when the parties are sophisticated and the disclaimer is conspicuous.
04/01/2006 -
Recent Developments in Media, Privacy and Defamation Law