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December 2024 Legal News: Law Firm News and Mergers, Industry Awards and Recognition, DEI and Women in Law

Thank you for reading the National Law Review’s legal news roundup, highlighting the latest law firm news! As the country enters the final month of the year, the legal industry does not appear to be slowing down. Please read below for the latest in law firm news and industry expansion, legal industry awards and recognition, and DEI and women in the legal field.

Law Firm News and Mergers

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. announced that they are opening the firm’s 58th office in Baltimore. The office will be shared with Shawe Rosenthal, which will help strengthen both firms’ presence in the city.

The new office, which will open its doors on January 2, 2025, will be led by Parker Thoeni. An experience team of attorneys will be joining him, including shareholders Courtney Amelung, Paul Burgin, Chad Horton, Darryl McCallum, Mike McGuire, Fiona Ong, Mark Swerdlin and Veronica Yu Welsh, of counsel Gary Simpler, Eric Hemmendinger, Stephen Shawe and Elizabeth Torphy-Donzella, and associates Evan Conder, Jordan Dunham and Jamie Salazer.

von Briesen & Roper, s.c. announced the addition of Erik M. Gustafson as an associate in the Litigation & Risk Management Practice Group in the firm’s Milwaukee office.

Mr. Gustafson will focus his practice on insurance coverage and analysis, first-party property coverage and bad faith counseling and claims. He received a J.D., magna cum laude, and a Certificate in Litigation Practice from Marquette University and a B.A., summa cum laude, from Creighton University.

Jake Oresick joined Tucker Arensberg, P.C. as a Senior Counsel attorney. He brings with him extensive experience in labor and employment, real estate, construction, insurance, commerical litigation and environmental law.

Mr. Oresick’s practice focuses on representing individuals, insurers and businesses in matters such as trade secrets, construction defects, breach of contract and insurance bad faith. His client-focused approach has shown a proven track-record of resolving complex disputes.

“We are excited to welcome Jake to the firm,” said Irving Firman, Managing Shareholder. “His legal skills and dedication will enhance our firm’s ability to provide exceptional litigation services.”

Legal Industry Awards and Recognition

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that four of their attorneys were named to Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite for 2024. The list recognizes lawyers from across 15 different fields.

Laura Hester, Stephen Opler, Sidney Welch and Scott Zweigel were recognized as among  the best in their respective fields. They were chosen based on nominations by members of the state bar who live in Georgia.

Ward and Smith, P.A. attorneys Grant Osborne, Will Oden and Ken Gray are now recognized by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as specialists in Employment Law. They are among the first twelve ever recognized in the state.

Ronald A. Christaldi, a partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP and President/CEO of Shumaker Advisors Florida, was awarded the 2024 H.L. Culbreath Jr. Profile in Leadership Award by the Tampa Bay Chamber. It is the region’s most esteemed recognition for those whose leadership has impacted the community.

Mr. Christaldi has previously been named by Florida Trend Magazine as one of the top 100 lawyers in Florida and by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as one of the 100 most influential lawyers in the nation.

“Ron embodies the spirit of this award through his selfless contributions and unwavering commitment to making Tampa Bay a better place for all,” said former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who currently serves as Executive Vice President and Principal U.S. Cities Practice for Shumaker Advisors Florida. “His leadership continues to inspire and create a lasting impact across our region.”

DEI and Women in Law

Barnes & Thornburg LLP announced that Dallas partner Ashley Deweese was named a 2024 Connect CRE Lawyers in Real Estate Award honoree for the Texas region. The award recognizes distinguished real estate attorneys.

Ms. Deweese focuses her practice on commercial real estate in the office, multifamily, hospitality, industrial, healthcare and retail arenas. She has broad experience in representing developers, borrowers, buyers and sellers in the development of property, as well as in dispositions and acquisitions.

Bracewell LLP partner Catherine D. Little was named by Hart Energy’s Oil & Gas Investor Magazine as one of its 2025 Influential Women in Energy. The platform recognizes women who have excelled in the oil and gas industry.

Ms. Little was recognized for her track record of helping clients excel during energy transition initiatives and regulatory requirements, as well as counseling clients on oil and gas pipeline compliance and enforcement matters.

She regularly manages large-scale confidential audits and investigations to assist clients in identifying legal risks, as well as preparing defenses to favorably resolve criminal investigation matters.

Moore & Van Allen announced that Wealth & Estate Planning Member Caitlin Horne was appointed to serve a two-year term as Chair of the Board of Directors for InReach, a nonprofit that provides services to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Ms. Horne has served as a board member and volunteered with InReach for the past four years. She has held leadership positions as Chair of the Personnel Committee, as well as the Nominating Committee.

Copyright ©2024 National Law Forum, LLC
For more law firm news, visit the NLR Law Office Management section

November 2024 Legal News: Law Firm News and Mergers, Industry Awards and Recognition, DEI and Women in Law

Thank you for reading the National Law Review’s legal news roundup, highlighting the latest law firm news! As the country enters inches towards the end of the year, legal industry news continues in large strides. Please read below for the latest in law firm news and industry expansion, legal industry awards and recognition, and DEI and women in the legal field.

Law Firm News and Mergers

Polsinelli PC announced the addition of Rachel Adams to the firm’s health care practice as a shareholder in the firm’s Chicago office. She brings more than a decade of helping guide health systems through regulatory requirements.

Ms. Adams focuses her practice on general corporate matters and complex transactions in the healthcare industry such as Stark Law, the Anti-Kickback Statute and state corporate practice of medicine laws. She is a member of the American Health Law Association, regularly presenting on health care transaction topics.

“I am very excited to join Polsinelli and its nationally known health care practice. I was drawn to Polsinelli’s dedication to the health care industry and its breadth of expertise in supporting health care clients,” said Ms. Adams. “I look forward to collaborating with the Polsinelli team to provide well-rounded, practical advice to help clients achieve their business objectives.”

John Goldfinch joined Proskauer Rose LLP as a partner in the firm’s global finance practice. He brings with him over 20 years of experience in structured finance, focusing on collateralized loan obligations (CLO).

Mr. Goldfinch advises managers on all aspects of the life cycle of a CLO issuance. This includes new issue deals, platform structuring and set up and reissues and refinancings. In addition, he advises on restructurings and other asset workouts.

“I am delighted to join Proskauer and build on my work in the structured finance space as part of the Firm’s broader Global Finance strategy. As demand in the sector inexorably grows, clients who look to innovate and differentiate themselves need a firm with deep experience across the full spectrum of asset management practice areas, including CLOs,” said Mr. Goldfinch. “Proskauer is a global leader in fund formation, private credit and global finance. This is an exciting and compelling opportunity to join a firm whose strategy and focus in these areas is unmatched. I am very much looking forward to contributing to and strengthening their platform as we support clients continued success.”

Kramer Levin announced plans to combine with preeminent global firm Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF). The combined firm will be known as Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, HSF Kramer in the U.S.

The firm will strengthen and balance in transactional practices and litigation. It will better allow them to better serve their elite client base with more than 2,700 lawyers, including 600+ partners, working across 25 offices.

The move is driven by a shared commitment to servicing clients and puting them at the center of everything the firms do.

Legal Industry Awards and Recognition

Katten announced that private wealth partners Kevin T. Keen and Nicholas J. Heuer were honored in the Future Leaders Awards 2024 by Citywealth.

Mr. Keen was namedas the Outstanding Individual of the Year, while Mr. Heuer was recognized with a silver award in the Private Investment/Family Office Individual of the Year category.

The awards program aims to support future leaders excelling in their work while making important contributions to society. Mr. Keen and Mr. Heuer were chosen by online voting and a judges’ panel.

Kyle Konwinski, a litigation attorney at Varnum LLP, was voted chair-elect of the Environmental Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He will continue as Chair of the Litigation and Administrative Law Committee within the section as well.

Mr. Konwinski will support leadership initiatives, such as educating the Bar’s members on environmental law and promoting the understanding and appreciation of the state’s laws, as well as organizing events for section members and the community.

Recognized by Top Lawyers, Mr. Konwinski focuses his practice on representing clients in compliance and litigation including under the state Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Kate Cole, co-head of intellectual property at Moore & Van Allen, was recognized in IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists 2025 alongside intellectual property counsel Sam Merritt.

The IAM Strategy 300 recognizes leaders in development and implementation of strategies that maximize intellectual property portfolios, as well for their skill sets and insights into patent matters by market sources.

DEI and Women in Law

Jackson Lewis P.C. announced that Kirsten A. Milton will succeed Nadine C. Abrahams as the Chicago office managing principal. Alison B. Crane will assume the role of office litigation manager, with Neil H. Dishman being reappointed as office business development liaison.

Ms. Milton focuses her practice on representing management in labor and employment issues. She defends employers in litigation under state wage-and-hour laws, as well as the Fair Labor Standards Act. In addition, she has experience with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“I am honored to take the reins in Chicago,” said Ms. Milton. “Nadine’s tenure saw the office through a global pandemic and a transition to a hybrid work environment, all while achieving continued growth. Her contributions have been instrumental to our presence in the region, and we plan to build upon the solid foundation she has laid. I am eager to work with our team to continue strengthening our standing as an industry leader in employment law.”

Winston & Strawn LLP announced that Kathi Vidal is rejoining the firm’s litigation department as a partner in the Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. offices. She is returning after stepping down as the Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

During her stint, Ms. Vidal made progress in reshaping the USPTO to benefit citizens, serving as an advisor to the presidential administration on intellectual property regarding artificial intelligence innovation and technological standards.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the American public by working alongside my incredible colleagues across government and leading the thousands of talented and dedicated employees at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office,” said Ms. Vidal. “I made the decision to rejoin Winston because of its incredible team and culture which is well-positioned to handle the issues of the future. I look forward to supporting the firm’s clients with the same passion and advocacy I brought to government service.”

Ms. Vidal has gained recognition as one of the country’s leading patent litigators. She will focus her practice assisting clients in maintaining a leading edge in critical innovations, such as next-generation semiconductors.

Copyright ©2024 National Law Forum, LLC
For more Law Firm News, visit the NLR Law Office Management section

November 2024 Legal News: Law Firm News and Industry Expansion, Industry Awards and Recognition, DEI and Women in Law

Thank you for reading the National Law Review’s legal news roundup, highlighting the latest law firm news! As the country enters the penultimate month of 2024, legal industry news continues to be a hot topic. Please read below for the latest in law firm news and industry expansion, legal industry awards and recognition, and DEI and women in the legal field.

Law Firm News and Industry Expansion

Ward and Smith, P.A. announced the addition of Hunter Morris and Mark Wigley to the firm’s Raleigh office. Bringing dedication to the firm’s core practice areas, they will help to strengthen the commitment to exceptional client service.

Mr. Morris, a trust and estates attorney, will help guide clients through the planning and administration process including wills, various trusts and powers of attorney. He also offers support in probate document preparation and succession planning.

Mr. Wigley’s practice encompasses litigation matters, such as drafting and filing motions as well as conducting thorough research. Skilled in drafting trial and appellate briefs and managing evidence, he has represented clients in matters filed in the U.S.

“We are excited to welcome Hunter and Mark to the firm,” said Brad Evans, co-managing director of Ward and Smith. “Their commitment to high-quality legal service aligns with our mission to provide our clients with the guidance and expertise needed to navigate complex legal issues.”

Andrew M. Kaufman joined Blank Rome LLP as a Corporate Litigation group associate in the firm’s New York office. Mr. Kaufman is involved in all stages of litigation, representing clients from various industries in a broad range of matters.

Having received his J.D., magna cum laude and Order of the Coif, from New York University School of Law and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Binghamton University, Mr. Kaufman’s practice areas include consumer fraud, securities, products liability, bankruptcy litigation and commercial real estate.

In addition, he has extensive experience preparing fact and expert witnesses for deposition and trial testimony as well as managing discovery in complex litigation.

Norton Rose Fulbright announced the addition of Jim Arnold and Phil Hodgkins as senior counsel to the firm’s global cybersecurity and privacy group in in St. Louis and New York, respectively.

Mr. Arnold, a cybersecurity lawyer, has over 18 years of experience advising Fortune 500 clients on proactive cybersecurity program development. He has led comprehensive investigations, remediations and recovery efforts.

Privacy lawyer Mr. Hodgkins navigates clients through complex data challenges such as regulatory compliance, investigations and litigation. His practice includes many areas of privacy law, such as cross-border data transfers, use and storage, data collection and data privacy regulation readiness analysis.

“Jim and Phil are skilled cybersecurity and privacy professionals with innovative practices that complement our global team. Their backgrounds and focus on helping build programs before there is an issue is a perfect complement to the life-cycle of services we provide our clients,” said Chris Cwalina, head of cybersecurity and privacy at Norton Rose Fulbright. “Our practice is focused on improving oversight and governance for our clients and we are thrilled to have the experience Jim and Phil bring to assist with the wide range of risks in the increasingly complex cybersecurity and privacy landscape.”

Legal Industry Awards and Recognition

The 2025 edition of Best Lawyers recognized multiple National Law Review clients. The rankings include 75 national practice areas and 127 metropolitan areas based on client evaluations as well as leading attorney peer reviews. NLR clients included in the 2025 edition include:

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP partner Roland M. Juarez was honored by the Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ) in its annual Leaders of Influence: Labor & Employment Attorneys list. The list honors attorneys recognized as outstanding professionals in the industry by the LABJ based on their professional achievements, community leadership, milestones and notable accomplishments throughout the last 12-18 months.

Mr. Juarez has  been recognized on numerous lists for litigation and labor and employment by Daily Journal, LABJ and The Los Angeles Times, as well as being ranked by legal directories including Benchmark Litigation and Legal 500. He handles high-stakes labor and employment cases including class action and collective actions, PAGA, non-compete, non-solicitation and employee raiding cases, discrimination, harassment, disability, and wage and hour cases.

Jenner & Block Partner Angela Allen was honored at the 2024 Night of Shining Stars on October 30. The event, hosted by Hilco Global and the TMA, benefited the All Stars Project of Chicago, a nonprofit organization that connects youth in underserved communities to opportunities within the city.

Angela was recognized for her contributions in the turnaround and restructuring community and for her commitment to Chicago’s youth. Ms. Allen is actively involved with Turnaround Management Association (TMA) and served as the President of the Chicago/Midwest Chapter in 2020.

DEI and Women in Law

The Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) has named Bradley a recipient of its 2024 Compass Award for its involvement in LCLD programs and promotion of the organization’s mission. LCLD is comprised of over 400 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners who are committed to building a more equitable and diverse legal profession. Bradley partner Kristina Allen Reliford was chosen as a Fellow of the LCLD this year, with Bradley associates Trenton K. Patterson and Sabah Petrov being chosen as LCLD Pathfinders.

“We are very appreciative of LCLD’s recognition as one of its 2024 Compass Award winners,” said Bradley Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Jonathan M. Skeeters. “Bradley is proud of its leadership and commitment to fostering an inclusive legal profession.”

Leigha Beckman, an associate at Morgan Lewis, was awarded the “2024 Antitrust and Unfair Competition Lawyers to Watch Award” by the California Lawyers Association. Ms. Beckman was recognized with four other nominees who have exhibited outstanding achievements in their first eight years of practicing antitrust and unfair competition law.

Ms. Beckham has extensive experience in multidistrict litigation, focusing her practice on counseling, government investigations and litigation. This includes cases brought under California’s Cartwright Act and Unfair Competition Law, as well as the Sherman Act and antitrust class actions.

Copyright ©2024 National Law Forum, LLC
For more Law News, visit the NLR Law Office Management section.

October 2024 Legal News: Law Firm News and Industry Expansion, Industry Awards and Recognition, and DEI

Thank you for reading the National Law Review’s legal news roundup, highlighting the latest law firm news! As October comes to an end, legal industry news continues to be a hot topic. Please read below for the latest in law firm news and industry expansion, legal industry awards and recognition, and DEI in the legal field.

Law Firm News and Industry Expansion

Caleb Griscom joined Varnum‘s Birmingham office’s Corporate Practice Team as counsel. Mr. Griscom brings his experience in corporate transactional matters, including mergers & acquisitions, equity and asset purchases, sale-leasebacks and cross-border transactions.

“We are thrilled to have Caleb join our team,” said Seth Ashby, leader of Varnum’s Corporate Practice Team. “His private equity and transactional experience will be a tremendous asset to our clients and growing practice.”

Mr. Griscom earned his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School and his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the United States Naval Academy. Prior to practicing law, Mr. Griscom served as a Logistics Officer in the United States Marine Corps, where he received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Dino Wu has joined Barnes & Thornburg’s New York office as a partner in its Corporate Department. Mr. Wu represents sell-side and buy-side clients, such as hedge funds, mutual funds, corporations, banks and swap dealers in negotiating trading agreements for derivatives and other financial products. He advises clients on a wide range of agreements, including those involving derivatives, futures and options, crypto and other digital assets.

“Dino’s depth of experience with numerous financial products and trading agreements – not to mention his extensive background handling a wide spectrum of regulatory and compliance issues – make him a fantastic addition to our team,” said Jahan Sharifi, Corporate Department chair. “Our financial services and asset management clients will benefit immensely from his insightful and innovative approach as they navigate complex transactions.”

Nima Mohebbi joined Sidley as a partner in the firm’s Commercial Litigation and Disputes practice in Greater Los Angeles. Mr. Mohebbi specializes in bet-the-company litigation with a focus on the entertainment/sports/media space and the evolving intersection between entertainment content development and technology, including in gaming, blockchain and digital assets, and artificial intelligence.

“We are thrilled that Nima is joining Sidley. He has significant trial experience and a number of high-profile wins for his client. He joins several other recent Sidley lateral hires who have national litigation practices and extensive trial experience,” said Angela Zambrano, global co-leader of Sidley’s Litigation practice and Executive committee member. “His proficiency in disputes related to the digital economy, including artificial intelligence, data, digital assets, and online platforms will be helpful in serving the needs of our clients in the technology, entertainment, fintech, sports, and digital media sectors.”

Legal Industry Awards and Recognition

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that Christopher C. Puri, counsel in the firm’s Nashville office, received the Elizabeth Jacobs Distinguished Service Award from AgeWell Middle Tennessee at the 32nd Annual Sage Awards Ceremony & Fundraiser.

AgeWell serves to aid collaborative solutions for the elderly, with the Distinguished Service Award recognizing volunteers who have given their time, talents and abilities to further the organization’s mission. Mr. Puri, a member of Bradley’s health care practice group, served as a member of AgeWell’s board for nine years, including as president and vice president. He helped guide the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and positioned AgeWell as a leading advocate and thought leader.

Mr. Puri’s nationally recognized practice advises senior housing providers and long-term care, handling the full array of legal issues. He has helped develop policy at the state and national levels.

Eighteen Bracewell LLP lawyers were honored by Lawdragon in its 2025 500 Leading Dealmakers in America guide. The list spotlights the leading lawyers around the country who ““create multi-billion-dollar mergers and other deals that change the course of industries and practices.”

The Bracewell lawyers included in the list are:

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) announced that bankruptcy, corporate and financial services team members were recognized for advisory roles in the acquisition of Noble House Home Furnishings by GigaCloud Technology, which won The M&A Advisor’s Cross Border Deal of the Year Award in the $50-100 million category.

GigaCloud, a global B2B ecommerce solutions provider, was represented by the following MVA attorneys:

The honorees were recognized at the 15th Annual International M&A Awards, which was held as part The M&A Advisor’s 2024 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit. They were selected by a panel of industry expert independent judges.

“The International M&A Awards celebrate the power of global collaboration and the pursuit of valuable opportunities,” said The M&A Advisor Founder and CEO Roger Aguinaldo. “In a world shaped by geopolitics and fueled by technological innovation, these awards honor the remarkable achievements of experts who transcend borders to unlock exceptional value.”

DEI

Womble Bond Dickinson LLP {WBD) launched their second Art & Diversity exhibition following the success of the first. The new series is titled “In Between World—Exploring Cultural Hybridity” and features 31 works of art by four Houston artists.

Carolina Borja, Tiffany Lee, Kaima Marie and Michel Muylle bring their unique perspectives on topics such as climate change and preservation to resilience and hope in a celebration of diversity and heritage.

“We believe that art offers a unique opportunity to connect with our clients on a personal level and foster meaningful conversations. Our presence at this exhibition demonstrates our commitment to engaging with the community and showcasing our firm’s dedication to creativity and culture,” said Jeffrey Whittle, managing partner of the firm’s Houston office.

The program was established by WBD in 2023 to give diverse artists in Houston a platform to show their work and engage with the local community.

“Art awakens us to feel things that matter, and it is a lens that helps us see these important topics through other people’s eyes. We are proud to participate in the Art & Diversity program, and we hope the exhibit inspires visitors to our Houston office.” said Lisa Moyles, DEI partner and chair of the firm’s DEI Steering Committee.

Katten Partner and Litigation Department Co-Chair David Crichlow was honored in Crain’s New York Business 2024 Notable Black Leaders list. Crain’s 2024 list honored 100 individuals who “are celebrated for their success and advancement, spanning industries from law and finance to nonprofits and the arts.”

Mr. Crichlow’s was celebrated for his work on an arbitration matter between two global gas companies, resulting in the largest recovery of his career. He is also noted for his work as a board member of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

Copyright ©2024 National Law Forum, LLC
For more Law Firm News, visit the NLR Law Office Management section.

2020 National Law Review Thought Leadership Awards

The National Law Review’s 2020 “Go-To Thought Leader Awards” recognizes 71 legal authors and legal organizations, pulled from 20,000+ of pieces of content published in 2020.

With the exceptional challenges of COVID-19, thought leadership from attorneys and other leading professionals became more important and impactful than ever before. The Coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic and social upheaval along with the uncertain political environment presented unparalleled challenges for both businesses and individuals that made the detailed analysis prepared by the National Law Review’s authors more relevant and sought after than ever, leading to 4.3 million page views in both March and April of 2020, during the first wave of news coverage related to the pandemic.

This is the third year the NLR editors have formally recognized the efforts of less than 1% of the publication’s 15,000 authors across a variety of legal specialties and in law practice management and operations. In 2020 the National Law Review saw thousands of articles on COVID-19’s impact on employer compliance, new legislation such as the Families First CoronavirusRecovery Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) as well as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and changing state regulations and mandates. National Law Review attorney authors were able to stay top of mind with their clients, by explaining and analyzing these issues, even as face-to-face events and client visits were impossible.

Additionally, with the turmoil related to the impeachment, election, judicial changes, and an uncertain global economy the topics addressed by the National Law Review were broader and more topical than ever.

Authors chosen as NLR Go-To Thought Leadership recipients not only demonstrate impressive legal knowledge and business acumen, but write with an eye towards compliance or adaptation, and along with attracting high numbers of readers they are also frequently referenced in other media and academic journals.

Click here to view 2020’s winners.

Supreme Court Set to Settle Dispute over Washington Redskins Trademark Registration

Football Washington Redskins TrademarkThere has been another twist in the story of the long battle by Native American interest groups to obtain revocation of the U.S. registration of the infamous Washington Redskins trademark. This is another step in the 20-year journey that began with the initial challenges to the team name.

On Thursday, September 29, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari to review the Federal Court’s ruling in the case of Lee v Tam. That case involved a rock band called “The Slants”. The leader of the band, Simon Tam, appealed the denial by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office of the band’s request for trademark registration of the band’s name. The US PTO had denied the band’s application on the grounds that it was offensive to Asian-Americans.

The Federal Circuit Court sided with the band and overturned the US PTO’s ruling. The Court stated that the government “cannot refuse to register disparaging marks because it disapproves of the expressive messages conveyed by the marks.” This decision is summarized in more detail in our prior blog posts on that ruling.

The ruling by the Federal Circuit Court was particularly important to Native Americans and tribes because it was contrary to the prior ruling by the Fourth Circuit Court in a case challenging the Washington Redskins trademark. In that case, Pro-Football, Inc. v Amanda Blackhorse, et al, the Court had sided with the US PTO on the same issue. The Court found that the Redskins trademark was disparaging and invalidated its federal trademark registration.

That case is still pending. Thus, the ruling by the Supreme Court on the validity of the US PTO ruling in Lee v Tam will have important consequences (indeed, it will most likely be decisive) for the Pro-Football case.

The Supreme Court, as in almost all actions granting certiorari review, did not state any reasons for its action, but it is typical for the Supreme Court to accept cases involving issues of national impact when there has been a split in the lower courts. It is good to see that the high court appreciates the importance of this controversial matter, and we will all have to wait and see what the result will be.

ARTICLE BY Fred Schubkegel of Varnum LLP

© 2016 Varnum LLP

The National Law Review is Going Back to the Future. New website coming up soon!

The National Law Review is honoring its roots as one of the country’s first nation-wide legal journals by returning to a more journalistic style.   At the same time, we’re adding enhanced features to help our readers more quickly find the nation’s breaking legal news and analysis.

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Look for changes over the next few weeks.

Launch date soon!