Stites & Harbison's attorneys--led by Jack Wheat and Joel Beres--have assisted this Tennessee-based manufacturer in protecting a variety of sports-related equipment. The firm has also represented the company against claims of patent infringement, including Nelson v. Adams USA. This case, which the firm's attorneys argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in March 2000, resulted in an invalidation of a competitor's patents, absolving Adams USA of all claims of liability.

The firm has prosecuted patent applications for Adams USA, Inc. (http://www.adamsusa.com/) resulting in the issuance of patents for football helmets (including those worn by NFL and NCAA teams), baseball helmets and other cutting-edge equipment. The firm's Registered U.S. Patent Attorneys have handled over 1,000 domestic and international patent applications.