Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox

Firm overview:

Sterne Kessler advises a household name client roster from its DC base, developing global trademark portfolio strategies for brands including Volkswagen, Cirque du Soleil, The Washington Post and Lamborghini.

The firm’s multi-disciplinary team counsels clients throughout the entire trademark lifecycle and has a strong track record of success in handling matters before district courts, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and the US International Trade Commission.

One satisfied client says Sterne Kessler’s attorneys are “incredibly responsive and helpful”, with a great network of foreign associates to keep abreast of international legal requirements. “I can’t imagine going to anyone else for our trademark work other than Sterne Kessler,” the client adds.

Team overview:

Sterne Kessler’s team is described as being “very smart and efficient” as well as “just nice people to deal with”. The trademark department is made up of nine partners and 13 other practitioners, and headed up by Monica Talley. Recognised as a ‘ Highly Recommended’ individual this year, Talley has honed her practice for more than 25 years and is highly experienced in strategic trademark counselling and portfolio management, as well as resolving disputes.

Director Tracy-Gene Durkin is “as good as it gets—a wonderful attorney”, according to a client, and her advice is sought by consumer products companies around the world for her deep understanding of IP protection.

Counsel Lauriel Dalier brings creativity and sharp business acumen to her practice, which focuses on US and international trademark clearance, prosecution, enforcement and portfolio management.

Key matters:

• Monica Riva Talley has managed and enforced Cirque du Soleil’s US trademark portfolio for more than 20 years, including district court litigation, TTAB oppositions and licensing.
• Paul Reed Smith Guitars, a manufacturer of high-end guitars and amps, entrusts its trademark matters to Sterne Kessler. On an annual basis, the Sterne Kessler team handles global trademark enforcement for the client, including stopping the manufacture and importation of counterfeits.
• Tracy-Gene Durkin, Ivy Estoesta and Julie Shirk are on the team that clears, manages, protects and enforces the trademarks of The Washington Post. Sterne Kessler has successfully represented The Post in UDRP (Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy) complaints and other actions.

Clients:

Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Blue Man Group, BTL, Cirque du Soleil, FIGS, Full Sail IP Partners, LifeGuides, Mood Media, Nasdaq, Paul Reed Smith Guitars, Richardson International, The Washington Post, Thule, Trove Brands, Verizon, Volkswagen Group, World Centric.