Melissa's IP practice is focused on information technology, trademark, trade dress, unfair competition, copyright, domain name, promotions, privacy, publishing and commercial contract issues. She negotiates and closes complex tech and IP licensing and publishing agreements.
Melissa also provides copyright and trademark counseling, including the prosecution of domestic and international trademark applications, as well as works with her clients to develop and maintain extensive trademark and copyright portfolios.
Notably, Melissa has decades of experience in representing not-for-profits and associations. In addition, she serves clients in the manufacturing, publishing, high-tech and service industries. A direct communicator, Melissa is valued for getting to the point and streamlining complicated information into cogent answers and feasible solutions. She is committed to understanding all sides of an agreement or issue which helps her to craft solutions in a way that benefits her clients and moves the ball forward.
Professional and Community Involvement
Adjunct professor, Chicago Kent School of Law, strategies in intellectual property
Member, American Bar Association
Member, International Trademark Association
Member, Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago
Member, American Intellectual Property Law Association
Member, Association Forum of Chicagoland
Member, American Society of Association Executives
Honors
Leading Lawyers list, 2019
World Trademark Review 1000, 2017-2019
Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars Top 250 Women in IP, 2013 (inaugural edition)
Chicago Lawyer Women in Law, 2011
Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars, Trademark Star – Illinois, 2019-2021, 2024
