Teresa D. Tambolas

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312-554-7994

ttambolas@pattishall.com

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How could Pattishall help me protect my business?
Your brands are your business's most valuable assets. Without a strong brand, consumers won't know how to differentiate you from your competitors. I can help you select brands, clear them for use and registration, and protect them in the marketplace.

Which areas are your focus?
I have focused my practice on U.S. and foreign trademark clearance, licensing, enforcement, and prosecution. I manage large international trademark portfolios for a number of clients. I have also handled copyright, trade dress, unfair competition, trademark, and domain name litigation matters. I have worked with clients in a broad range of industries, including consumer durables, automotive, education, technology, bio-chemicals, public health, and pharmaceuticals.

Can you describe some of the issues you've dealt with in your substantive practice?
One of our biotechnology clients is involved in worldwide litigation regarding its house mark. The reputation of that mark was threatened when a company with a troubled past adopted a virtually identical one. Our challenge was to develop a comprehensive strategy that would protect the mark globally. We did it by working extensively with foreign counsel to determine what types of evidence we could introduce in each country. Then we worked with the client to gather the evidence and draft supporting affidavits and declarations.

In another case, I helped defend one of our clients against allegations from two competitors that its house mark had become generic. We settled the matter after defending a summary judgment motion. Our opponents did not have sufficient evidence to show that our client's mark had become a generic term describing a category of goods. We contacted and obtained declarations from well-known industry icons to demonstrate that people recognized our client's mark as a source designator, not just as a type of apparel. After losing their summary judgment motion, our opponents did not want to spend the money to pursue litigation to an uncertain conclusion. We were able to reach a three-way settlement that allowed our client to retain its rights.

What are the essential skills of an IP lawyer?
Above all, an intellectual property attorney should be able to explain any issue to her clients. Intellectual property law can seem arcane, and a client should look for someone who can help clarify the issues as well as find solutions. IP lawyers also must be flexible. I find it exciting to practice in this field, as the law continues to grow and change--a good attorney must do the same.

How does Pattishall's team approach differ from other law firms?
Pattishall does not pigeonhole its attorneys into departments like other law firms do. Individual attorneys may have varied levels of expertise in different aspects of intellectual property law, but everyone has knowledge of all the issues we handle. Although the same group of lawyers tends to work with any one client, if a situation arises that requires more expertise, an additional attorney will be brought in to help with that issue. Our staffing is lean but flexible.

What qualities do you have that help your clients?
My counseling experience serves both my colleagues and my clients well! I can see both sides of an issue or argument. I approach problems creatively and I understand my clients' business needs. And my tenacity means I get the job done.