Michelle, co-leader of the firm’s Consumer Products Industry Group, is distinguished not only by the victories she has achieved for her clients but also for the wider influence and interest her cases have generated. She advises on and litigates all aspects of Intellectual Property law, including trademark, copyright, patent, unfair competition/false advertising, anti-counterfeiting/anti-piracy, advertising, internet, and social media law.
Michelle is a trusted advisor to companies navigating the complex and fast-paced marketplace. Her clients span a broad range of industries including consumer products (with a focus on fashion and retail), technology, media and entertainment, educational services, venture capital, financial and consulting services, pharmaceutical products, and agricultural products.
She represents clients in state and federal courts in high-stakes federal and state court litigation, at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and before the International Trade Commission. She has also obtained preliminary injunctions and ex parte seizure orders on behalf of her clients and works closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and law enforcement in coordinated anti-counterfeiting efforts. She has argued and won numerous federal and state court appeals, including the Second Circuit's seminal famous marks case, ITC Ltd v. Punchgini, Inc. Michelle has also successfully represented numerous companies in connection with complex design patent disputes in industries ranging from footwear to industrial products.
Complementing her litigation work, Michelle’s practice also includes strategic IP counseling and opinions, trademark and trade dress prosecution, devising cost-effective brand protection programs, negotiating licenses and product placement deals, IP acquisitions, and co-branding agreements on behalf of clients, as well as counseling clients on the use of social media and other online platforms.
