Brand Activation Legal Committee: November 17, 2022

For November's meeting, presenters from Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Kristin Achterhof, Chris Cole, Trisha Sircar, Michael Justus, Jessica Kraver, and Matthew Hartzler who will provide updates on recent NAD decisions, class action and Lanham Act case updates, and updates on Privacy Law and FTC Enforcement Actions.

Kristin Achterhof, Partner, Partner, is the national co-chair of Katten's Intellectual Property Litigation practice and serves as Katten's national hiring partner. Kristin has represented some of the world's most recognizable companies and is often the first phone call that leading technology, manufacturing, consumer goods, entertainment and fashion-industry clients make on difficult trademark, copyright and other intellectual property issues. As a first-chair trial attorney, she handles intellectual property and all manner of complex business disputes in court. As an adviser on transactions, she maximizes her clients' rights and revenues. Both in and out of the courtroom, she is an advocate and adviser, with an eye to helping clients optimize and protect their tangible and intangible property rights and assets.

Christopher Cole, Partner, is a nationally-recognized litigator who offers strategic counsel to some of the world’s leading companies on protecting their technology and brands from attack by competitors, regulators and private consumer class action claimants. With a practice that covers a wide range of industries and sectors, Chris brings a practical, creative and individualized approach in advising clients on how to navigate advertising, unfair competition, brand disparagement, reputation and intellectual property matters.

Trisha Sircar, Partner, works with clients across all industries, including financial services, retail, manufacturing, education, new and emerging technology, professional sports, media, travel, and health care. She counsels them on managing and mitigating the risks associated with the collection, use and disclosure of personal data and confidential information. This involves strategizing with clients to develop and maintain a comprehensive and effective global privacy program and assisting them in assessing and managing their day-to-day privacy compliance needs and risks, including in connection with diversity, equity and inclusion activities, mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy, cyber insurance coverage selection and other strategic transactions.

Michael Justus, Partner, helps his clients create and protect their brands. A litigator and counselor with broad experience in both IP and advertising law, Mike brings a marketing-savvy approach to the legal protection and enforcement of his clients' core identities. From counseling on global trademark clearance and protection strategies to filing legal challenges against competitors' misleading ad campaigns, Mike offers a full range of support to his clients and their brands.

Jessica Kraver, Partner is a full-service intellectual property attorney who counsels brands at each stage of their lifecycle to support their growth while protecting and preserving their intellectual property assets. Jessica concentrates her practice in intellectual property transactions and litigation and dispute resolution. Her clients represent a diverse range of industries, but she is particularly experienced with those in the fashion and consumer products sectors.

Matthew Hartzler, Associate, helps clients in creative industries reduce their risk and achieve their business goals, Matthew Hartzler provides efficient solutions for media, fashion and technology clients that allow them to protect their expression, branding and innovation through agreements and intellectual property law.