Trademark

Whether a company is introducing a new product or has an established international portfolio of trademarks, effective brand protection demands an informed strategy and careful management. We have the practical experience to help with both. We advise and represent clients in all aspects of trademark strategy, clearance, protection, enforcement and litigation. Our services include:

Portfolio management
We offer full-service domestic and international trademark management and have the experience, resources and a worldwide network of relationships that allow us to handle our clients’ needs efficiently and cost-effectively. We manage large international portfolios for clients in a wide range of industries including entertainment and media, food and beverage, apparel, health care and manufacturing. Our experienced paralegals and comprehensive docketing system allows us to take on and manage a new portfolio seamlessly. We also assist companies that handle their routine trademark work in-house, frequently serving as outside counsel for sensitive clearance issues, contested matters and other issues requiring special expertise.

Clearance and advice
Whether providing full trademark searching and clearance services or rendering second-opinion trademark guidance to sophisticated in-house counsel, we strive to give straightforward, practical advice that addresses our clients’ business realities. When appropriate, we often work directly with a company’s business staff. We are committed to being accessible and responsive so our clients have the advice and information they need to make informed decisions whenever they need it.

Watching and policing
We believe the first step in monitoring trademarks is to develop a clear understanding of our client’s business and marketing goals and then to develop a practical cost-effective strategy to serve those goals. Using a wide range of resources, including commercial watch services, online searches, and reports from trusted foreign counsel, we can monitor U.S. and international trademark filings, domain name registrations, and unregistered uses for possible conflicts and infringements. We have the experience to pursue and resolve such matters at all levels, through investigation, appropriate cease and desist letters, informal solutions, and when necessary, litigation or administrative action.

Trademark enforcement
We have extensive experience litigating trademark cases, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. But, we are equally adept at successfully resolving trademark disputes without the expense and delay of litigation wherever possible. We help our clients develop trademark enforcement strategies to match their unique markets and needs, including strategies to combat online and domain name infringements. We can manage trademark enforcement directly, or prepare materials for use by in-house staff, or do a mix of both, depending on a client's needs and preferences. Matters we have litigated include trademark infringement and dilution, product configuration, trade dress, geographic origin, fair use, initial interest confusion and certification and collective mark claims. 

Click here to see our Trademark Litigation work.