Sterne Kessler Recognized by Financial Times as One of 2018’s Most Innovative Law Firms

Washington D.C. (December 17, 2018) – Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is delighted to announce the firm’s Trademark and Brand Protection practice has been ranked as “Highly Commended” by the Financial Times’ Most Innovative North American Law Firms 2018 in the category of “New Business and Service Delivery Models.”

In ranking Sterne Kessler’s Trademark and Brand Protection practice, the editors recognized the firm for, “taking a holistic approach to brand protection.” The report notes that, “The firm helps clients address counterfeiting through identifying weaknesses in the supply chain, search engine optimization, and international portfolio development. Clients are able to defend their brand, improve operations and increase sales.”

Monica Riva Talley, director and head of the Trademark & Brand Protection practice, and anti-counterfeiting litigation director Nick Nowak, lead the team in leveraging intellectual property to help companies develop and maintain strong brands around the world. Ms. Talley is one of the leading trademark prosecution and strategy attorneys in Washington, D.C. and has earned a stellar reputation for her global brand protection and commercialization strategies. Mr. Nowak developed a creative and highly effective multi-pronged approach to anti-counterfeiting while seconded at a global automotive client. Together they built one of the most innovative approaches to brand protection and anti-counterfeiting in the IP legal industry.

“It is very rewarding to receive this recognition from the FT,” remarked Ms. Talley. “Our clients are grappling with how to balance the opportunities and threats presented by today’s fast-paced global, digital marketplace. It is gratifying to provide our clients with tools that help them better monetize their brands, while also protecting their valuable intellectual property. Whether they face challenges from counterfeits and knockoffs, or more traditional IP infringement, businesses today are universally susceptible to third-parties who can diminish brand value and potentially harm consumers. We are committed to attacking these issues with new ideas and strategies to keep brands strong and consumers safer.”

Further to the firm recognition in the FT report, Director, Tracy-Gene G. Durkin was named as one of the “Top Ten Legal Innovators in North America.” The editors noted, “Ms. Durkin became a leading authority on design patents and won clients such as Apple. Three of the design patents she helped the company acquire were at the center of its litigation with Samsung, which was settled ultimately in 2018.” She was selected out of hundreds of nominations.

To read the full 2018 Financial Times “Innovative Lawyers North America” report, please click here.

About Financial Times’ Most Innovative North American Law Firms Awards

In its ninth year, the Financial Times “Innovative Lawyers” program, including a FT special report supplement and an awards gala, recognizes law firms for innovation in a variety of practice areas based on the originality of legal work, the rationale behind strategy, and the impact of the work on clients’ business. Telephone interviews and feedback from clients and independent references are used to assess each nominee. The report is compiled in partnership with RSG Consulting and is the only legal industry ranking of lawyers by innovation.

About Sterne Kessler

Based in Washington, D.C. and renown for more than four decades for dedication to the protection, transfer, and enforcement of intellectual property rights, Sterne Kessler is one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. Its team of attorneys, registered patent agents, students, and technical specialists include some of the country’s most respected practitioners of IP law tackling innovations across a broad spectrum of industries. The firm’s practitioners hold nearly 50 masters and 50+ doctorate degrees in science or engineering and represent Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, start-ups, inventors, venture capital firms, and universities in a client service driven environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating. Visit the firm online at sternekessler.com.