The Legal 500

Within Copyright, Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, P.C. is a second tier firm,

Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, P.C. has ‘unsurpassed depth of knowledge and experience’ in copyright issues, alongside its better-known trademark capabilities. This dual capability has attracted crossover clients from a range of sectors, including publishing and entertainment, and handles copyright counseling and litigation for companies in the pharmaceuticals, insurance and finance sectors. Recent highlights include successfully representing Kam Hing as plaintiff in a copyright infringement claim against Wal-Mart, which affirmed a previous award of damages of over $2m. ‘Expert litigators’ Roger Zissu, James Weinberger, Barbara Solomon and Craig Mende are notable copyright attorneys. Zissu has a particular focus on litigation regarding literary, film and television works as well as contract and licensing issues for creators and owners. Weinberger’s broad client base extends to non-media and entertainment companies, and his practice includes transactional matters.

Within Trademarks: litigation, Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, P.C. is a second tier firm,

‘Tuned into both the industry and client needs’, Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, P.C. has ‘unsurpassed depth of knowledge and experience’ in trademark disputes; these are a core focus for the IP firm, while internet-related disputes and anti-counterfeiting have been other key areas of activity. It successfully defended Estée Lauder/Clinique Laboratories against a trade dress infringement lawsuit brought by consumer skincare competitor Rodan & Fields, and also defended confectionery company Cadbury Adams USA against an injuction sought by Perfetti Van Melle to block the launch of Cadbury’s Dentyne Pure product, alleging the name was confusingly similar to its Mentos Pure Fresh brand. Roger Zissu, Barbara Solomon, Craig Mende and James Weinberger all have ‘an ability to cut through to the heart of the matter and provide skilful, cost-effective advice appropriate to the situation’. Other plaintiff clients include beverages company Dr Pepper Snapple Group, which it advised in a case against a UK entity before the USPTO, and CSC Holdings (Cablevision), which it advised in a trademark infringement case against Optimum Networks. Michael Chiappetta successfully represented music artist Calvin Broadus (publicly known as Snoop Dogg) in opposing an application to register the mark Snooptunes.

Within Trademarks: non-contentious (full coverage), Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, P.C. is a first tier firm,

Boutique firm Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, P.C. is particularly strong in US litigation, international prosecution and litigation, and US counseling and prosecution, making it ‘the best for trademark work in the US’; it is ‘timely, thorough, tuned into both the industry and clients’ needs, and of the highest quality while being cost-efficient’. The IP team is made up of approximately 40 lawyers and is based across two offices in New York and Washington DC. Its prestigious client list includes Tiffany, Chanel, Miss America Organization, LEGO, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Novartis. Clients are quick to praise a range of lawyers in the team, including Mark Engelmann in New York, who is ‘thoughtful, extremely knowledgeable and very client focused’ and provides ‘sage advice’ that clients can ‘always rely upon’; and Craig Mende, also in New York, with areas of expertise including litigation and copyright.