Inducted
2001
Degrees
- B.S. Chemical Engineering, West Virginia University, 1954
- L.L.B., Duquesne Law School, 1964
Trask Britt — Salt Lake City, Utah
William Britt was born in Smithfield, Pennsylvania, to William M. and Rebecca B. Britt, both school teachers, in 1931. In high school, he dreamed of going to WVU to play college basketball. That dream wasn’t realized. Fortunately for him, he was a better student than a basketball player. He graduated in 1954 from WVU, belonging to Tau Beta Pi, Phi Lambda Upsilon and Sigma Gamma Epsilon.
From 1954 to 1960, Britt worked as an engineer for PPG Industries in Natrium, and served as a nuclear weapons officer in the U.S. Navy for three years.
In 1960, Britt enrolled in the evening division of Duquesne Law School, after having been transferred by PPG to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as a patent attorney trainee. After graduating in 1964 with an LLB degree, he worked at PPG as a patent attorney, prevailing in a major patent interference on chemical strengthening of glass. Britt also was an associate professor of law at Duquesne University, 1965-66, and adjunct professor, evening division, 1966-69.
In 1969, Britt joined his friend, David Trask, formerly of PPG, in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1973, they formed Trask Britt, which has grown to more than 20 intellectual property lawyers. The firm has been involved in significant IP litigation, setting precedent in several cases. Britt is listed in Best Lawyers in U.S., 2000-2001 edition.
Britt’s children are daughters Margaret and Beth, and sons Bob and David. Bob is a chemical engineer and David is a PhD bioengineer. Both belong to Tau Beta Pi, as does Jenn, David’s wife. Britt’s wife, Martha, died in 1987 ending 26 years of a great marriage. Beth has Down’s Syndrome and the Britt's were very active in many organizations promoting the welfare of mentally and physically handicapped people.
Britt is currently active with Trask Britt and in community activities, when he isn’t hiking in the scenic mountains of Utah.