Home Our Team Bethany J. Whelan
Bethany J. Whelan

Bethany J. Whelan

Principal

* Not admitted in South Carolina


What you should know about me:

I began my IP career assisting life sciences clients with managing their patent and trademark portfolios. Over the years, I have developed a strong practice with a practical approach, providing strategic counsel and legal strategy to clients within these fields and beyond.

  • Known as a creative, optimistic, problem solver
  • A classically-trained pianist
  • Previously conducted research directed to studying structural defects of DNA caused by butadiene adducts

Bethany’s Experience

Bethany is a Principal at Dority & Manning, where she leads the firm’s Trademark Team and provides strategic intellectual property counseling to clients ranging from emerging startups to Fortune 500 companies. With a dual focus on trademark portfolio management and patent prosecution in the chemical arts, Bethany delivers business-driven, practical solutions that align with her clients’ commercial objectives.

As head of the Trademark practice, Bethany oversees all aspects of brand protection, from clearance and prosecution to enforcement and litigation. She works closely with clients to develop trademark strategies that safeguard their brands in competitive markets, managing global portfolios and resolving disputes through negotiations, proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and litigation when necessary.

Beyond trademarks, Bethany guides companies in securing and managing patent portfolios in the chemical arts, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, polymer compositions, diagnostics, and consumer products. Her technical background allows her to collaborate with inventors to craft strong patent applications, ensuring their innovations are protected and positioned for market success.

Bethany’s leadership and expertise help clients navigate the complexities of intellectual property law, providing tailored strategies that protect and enhance the value of their innovations and brands.

Background & Credentials

Education

  • Vanderbilt University (B.M., Chemistry and Music, magna cum laude, 2007)
  • Vanderbilt University (J.D., 2012)

Admissions

  • Florida
  • Tennessee
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Professional Activities

  • Rising Star, Super Lawyers (Florida 2019; South Carolina, 2019; Mid-South 2015-2019)
  • Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30
  • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Middle-Tennessee
  • Board of Directors, Young Lawyers Division of the Nashville Bar Association;
  • Presenter, Tennessee Intellectual Property Law Association CLE Seminar
  • Board Member and Board Chair, Nashville Symphony
  • Presenter, MTSU Women in Science and Technology

News & Events

D&M Names Bethany Whelan and Michael Templeton Principals of the Firm

Dority & Manning is proud to announce the election of Bethany J. Whelan and Michael D. Templeton as Principals of the firm. Bethany’s practice centers on U.S. and international IP strategies and patent procurement spanning various chemical and life sciences sectors, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, polymer compositions, diagnostics, medical devices, and consumer products. Additionally, Bethany plays …

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