DC Trademark Group Joins Steptoe

For more information, contact Jamie Moss, newsPRos, 201-493-1027

(Washington, DC) –  Steptoe & Johnson LLP, a leading international law firm, today announced the addition to its firmwide Intellectual Property Practice of a seven-attorney trademark group led by Brian Winterfeldt. The seven attorneys will be located in Steptoe’s Washington, DC office, where they will be joined by four paralegals and additional support staff.

Mr. Winterfeldt and his colleagues formerly worked in Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll’s Washington, DC office.  In addition to Mr. Winterfeldt, the lawyers joining Steptoe include Of Counsel Stacey J. Johnson, Special Counsel Geoffrey M. McNutt, and associates Bryce D. Coughlin, Ahsen M. Khan, James J. Mercurio, and Megan K. Whitney.

“The addition of this high-quality trademark prosecution group builds out our existing intellectual property capabilities,” said Roger Warin, Steptoe’s Chairman.  “Combining this group with Steptoe’s top-flight trademark litigation practice will allow us to provide clients with seamless service from prosecution through any potential litigation. We are pleased to have them on board.”

Mr. Winterfeldt’s practice includes trademark prosecution, counseling and product clearance matters, as well as matters involving Internet domain name and trademark enforcement.  Much of his practice is focused on US and international trademark enforcement, including opposing trademark registrations filed by others in the US and other nations, and challenging Internet domain name registrations and resolving disputes.  He also manages domestic and foreign trademark portfolios, provides trademark counseling, and reviews proposed products and marks to reduce the risk of trademark infringement.

“Steptoe’s top-tier reputation as a litigation firm, its key geographic locations in major US and international markets, and the growth of its IP capabilities were all key factors in our decision to move here,” said Mr. Winterfeldt.  “We are delighted at the opportunity to practice at such a fine firm and contribute to its future development.”

A 1999 graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, Mr. Winterfeldt is an active member of the International Trademark Association (INTA), where he has served as an editor of the INTA Bulletin and currently serves as a member of the Internet Committee. He received his BA in 1993 from Emory University, and an MA from Tulane University in Latin American Studies. He writes and presents widely on trademark and intellectual property topics for professional audiences.

Ms. Johnson is a 1994 graduate of DePaul University College of Law. She concentrates her practice in domestic and international trademark clearance, counseling, prosecution, and enforcement.  Prior to joining Ballard Spahr, she was senior counsel at one of the largest retailers in the United States, where she managed its US trademark portfolio of more than 650 marks, its trademark clearance program, packaging and trade dress review and copyright matters.  She has also worked at INTA and served as an examining attorney at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Mr. McNutt is a 1995 graduate of George Mason University School of Law.  His practice focuses on trademark law and trade dress, copyright, and unfair competition, with an emphasis on trademark enforcement, litigation, clearance, prosecution, licensing, transactions, and related counseling. Mr. McNutt began his career at the USPTO as an examining attorney and staff attorney in the Office of the Commissioner for Trademarks.

“This team gives Steptoe additional, highly experienced trademark portfolio management and enforcement capabilities in the United States and abroad,” said Alfred M. Mamlet, head of Steptoe’s Technology Department and Intellectual Property group. “They are an exceptionally good fit with our national IP practice.  In an economic climate in which trademark protection affords a competitive advantage in achieving and sustaining corporate success, they will be a real asset to our clients around the world.”

About Steptoe
With more than 500 attorneys, Steptoe & Johnson LLP provides counsel and representation in a wide range of legal fields.  In more than 60 years of practice, the firm has gained a national and international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions.  The firm has offices in Washington, New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Century City, London, and Brussels.