Paul W. Leicht

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312-554-7945

pleicht@pattishall.com

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I'm the CEO of a growing business. How might your work help me protect my business?
My experience in foreign and domestic trademark prosecution has all been focused on one thing: helping clients protect their intellectual property rights and manage their global IP portfolios. Having served in the Middle East and been exposed to other cultures, I have come to a better understanding of the many cultural differences that exist between nations. These issues are easy to overlook in the realm of business communications. They can make or break an international business transaction or legal negotiation.

I also carry my communication experience into my legal career. I've developed presentations on the international trademark registration process for clients' marketing and business staff. Often, I have served as liaison between attorneys and marketing staff to help further the clients' goals.

How did you get involved in foreign trademark prosecution?
For four years, I was a combat photojournalist with the Marines working out of the public affairs office. Our mission was to provide information, but really to develop marketing and communications for the U.S. military, and to provide media relations and liaison services between the military and business and community leaders. It's a service-oriented field that is all about educating and informing. It was great preparation for the work I do now.

Give me an example of this experience in action.
Recently, while helping an international client specializing in electrical power systems, I tapped into my expertise-working with foreign associates across the globe to identify the varied legal processes required to establish commercial trademark use in more than seventy countries.

In what areas do you focus?
I have experience in trademark due diligence, supporting trademark integration projects, managing large trademark portfolios, gathering evidence of use, legal document authentication and legalization, and global trademark prosecution-particularly in the Middle East and South America. I am also developing my expertise in litigation support to better serve the firm's clients.

What industries would you consider your areas of concentration?
Because my work has been international, the industries are widely varied. They include apparel, automotive, manufacturing, bio and medical technologies, food, drug, and beverage, retail services, insurance, hotel management, software and computer services, sports equipment, forestry tools, power tools and heavy equipment, electronics and power systems, aerospace and defense-related technology.

How does Pattishall's "team approach" differ from other law firms?
Pattishall encourages people to work together closely, find their niches, and to grow as legal professionals. This fosters a degree of camaraderie not typically found in larger firms. In the military, it's what we call "unit cohesion." It means the team works more effectively than a random assortment of individuals.

What personal and professional qualities do you have that help you with your work at Pattishall?
I value integrity, and that's important in every aspect of my life. At Pattishall, I bring enthusiasm, knowledge, and dedication to every project. I'm a focused, forward-looking person with a diverse background and skill set that provide unique value to our firm's clients.