About

Trust Tree® is based in Nashville, where hope-filled musicians arrive daily, intent on making their dreams come true. That drive to make an impact, to do something meaningful, permeates everything in Nashville. There is something about this town that makes you want to do something amazing-even if you’re a trademark attorney.

We know we aren’t country music stars. But, as trademark lawyers, we believe that your trademark is essential to the long term success of your business. To us, that’s as important as a platinum record.

At Trust Tree, we spend our days helping folks with their trademarks and visiting with friends and family. We reserve a good portion of each day to look for new ways to keep quality high and prices low while making the trademark registration process as convenient, simple, and fun as possible.

Trust Tree is a child of Nashville. We are laid back. We have fun. We are honest and fair. We talk straight. We are great at what we do, but we aren’t fancy. Most importantly, we hope what we’ve put together is helpful to you.

xoxo,

The Trust Tree Team

Our Team

Randy Michels

RANDY MICHELS

randy@trusttree.com

 (615) 469-0438

With over 20 years of legal experience, Randy understands the unique challenges businesses face in protecting their brands with trademarks. He co-founded Trust Tree to address these challenges through the use of technology and an innovative, web-based platform. Randy is a proud “Double Dore” holding both a bachelor’s degree (A&S, ’98) and a law degree (JD, ’01) from Vanderbilt University. Randy is married to another Double Dore, and they are raising their kids to be the next generation of Vanderbilt super fans. He is on the Board of Directors for the Dr. Ronald G. Michels Fellowship Foundation, and he serves on the Academic Committee of the International Trademark Association. Randy has been named to Managing Intellectual Property magazine’s list of IP Stars every year since 2013.

KEVIN HARTLEY

kevin@trusttree.com

 (615) 469-0451

Kevin is a serial entrepreneur and cereal connoisseur. Put differently, he loves starting businesses and eating cereal. Kevin serves on the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee of the International Trademark Association. Kevin is a proud Volunteer, having graduated from the University of Tennessee, summa cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree, and the College of Law, magna cum laude, with a concentration in Advocacy and Dispute Resolution. Kevin is a former two-time All-American rugby player. Like most rugby players, he loves musicals. He currently is a board member for the Volunteer Rugby Foundation and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. He is a self-proclaimed Renaissance Man. His wife disagrees.

BILL FERRELL

bill@trusttree.com

(615) 746-7467

When Bill is not having fun with his wife and three kids, he spends his time helping businesses improve their competitive position and profitability with trademarks. Originally from Kentucky, he graduated with honors with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Speed Scientific School at the University of Louisville. In 2005, he graduated third in his class from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, where he was editor-in-chief of the Brandeis Law Journal. At Trust Tree, Bill uses his engineering skills to streamline the firm’s internal processes to bring costs down for clients.

RUFUS

rufus@trusttree.com 

(615) 852-8408

Rufus is an unpaid intern at the firm and is worth every penny. His complete list of skills comprises being hairy without shedding and zoomies.

ROSE

rose@trusttree.com

 (615) 852-8408

Rose aka Rosie aka Rosa aka Little Turkey works in risk management where she specializes in identifying threats from squirrels, delivery truck drivers, and other dogs. Additional specialties include sock stealing, hiding rawhide treats, balancing on her hind legs, and sleeping 12 hours a day.