Dentons

Firm overview:

The world’s largest law firm by headcount, Dentons has more than 200 offices worldwide with 18 of its US outfits offering IP solutions. The firms’ global presence attracts clients looking to enter all corners of the world with their brands, who seek advice on US and international trademarks. 

The US trademark practice provides services from portfolio management to infringement disputes before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and on high-value litigation. Dentons represents companies of all sizes and amongst its largest are social media platform LinkedIn, fashion titan Michael Kors, and Mastercard, demonstrating cross-industry capabilities.

Team overview:

Global chair and US co-practice leader for the IP and Technology group Monica Richman, based in New York, has a particular focus in fashion and media. Her career highlights include expanding the trademark portfolio from fewer than 20 marks with limited scope to 150 marks in 50 countries for a global investment bank, and providing trademark services for a family of cable networks that reaches more than 300 million people worldwide.

Partner Frank Benjamin’s experience encompasses all aspects of IP and technology law, including trademark selection, clearance and prosecution. Benjamin has developed maintenance, monitoring and enforcement programmes for a number of famous brands as well as managing large global trademark portfolios.

Key matters:

• Dentons' New York partner Robert Wasnofski represented Mastercard International in a suspended Trademark Trial and Appeal Board opposition, filed on 11 November 2024. The defendant Alliant Credit Union was represented by Chicago law firm Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg.
• Dentons counsels Rotary International, the global service organisation, in trademark protection and enforcement matters.
• For a family of cable networks that reaches 300+ million people worldwide, Monica Richman provides counselling, conducts opposition and cancellation proceedings, addresses copyright and trademark disputes, and manages its worldwide trademark portfolio.
• Richman developed the worldwide trademark portfolio for a high fashion company, implemented design protection strategy using copyright, trademark and patent filings, and other matters. This representation has been ongoing for more than a decade.

Clients:

Amway, Bacardi, Christian Dior, Cosmos Soccer Club, Dreamworks Animation, Lifetime, KPMG International Cooperative, LinkedIn, Mastercard International, Mediacom Communications, NBCUniversal Media, Opera Norway, Rotary International, Universal City Studios.