President / Attorney

• Oct 2018 - Present

I’m a business savvy, client-centric attorney who is committed to helping my clients meet their business objectives while minimizing risk. My nimble, flexible approach is an advantage for small-to-medium sized businesses, startups or tech companies because I can get things done quickly and be an advocate for you and your business. Now based in Eugene, Oregon, I can assist you no matter where you and your company are located. Whether you’re conducting a side business in your garage in Ohio, or launching a new tech company from the Silicon beach, or creating a new microbrewery in Montana (because you have the best brew recipe ever), I can help you. I have been practicing law for the last 20 years, primarily in global intellectual property matters like trademarks, copyright, domain names and IP licensing. Additionally, I’ve litigated significant trademark cases in the US, Canada, UK, France and China.I also have experience in complex commercial contracts, joint-development agreements, marketing and product claims, logistics & warehouse service agreements, NDAs, licensing, sponsorship and promotions, strategic sourcing, and more.No matter where your company is on its intellectual property journey, I would be delighted to talk with you about your intellectual property legal needs.

Chief Trademark Counsel

• Dec 2015 - Feb 2018

Managed the global brand protection strategy for Whirlpool's 25 global and regional brands, including trademark clearance, prosecution, infringement and litigation, opposition and cancellation proceedings, social media usage, anti-counterfeiting enforcement and customs recordation. Managed team of 7 with a $3M budget. Advised North America based and global clients in developing and executing strategies involving trademarks and copyrights to achieve desired business results. Conducted client counseling, coaching and training on intellectual property matters such as licensing, trademark, copyright and domain name protection, usage strategies and policies. License marks to related Whirlpool companies and independent third parties. Supervise foreign outside counsel in connection with strategy and management of all aspects of trademarks.

Senior Counsel, KitchenAid Global Business

• Jul 2013 - Aug 2016

Division counsel and coordinator of global legal services for all facets of the KitchenAid global business within Whirlpool Corporation. Active embedded member of the KitchenAid leadership staff that shaped strategy, executed business plans and drove product leadership, while protecting the company and mitigating risk. Proven strong ability to work effectively in a fast paced collaborative team environment with the ability to instill confidence in clients and peers. Directly managed advertising & marketing law reviews, claims development, IP licensing, corporate compliance, procurement, commercial agreements and disputes, employment matters, regional legal issues and the global trademark portfolio and associated litigation. Managed all legal aspects of highly accelerated product development and launches. Project leader and lead in-house attorney for M&A deal in Australia, yielding $15M annual cost savings.

Senior Trademark Counsel

• Nov 2000 - Jun 2013

Associate

• 1999 - 2000

Trademarks, Licensing and Rights

• Sep 1997 - Jul 1999