Biography

Donna A. Tobin focuses her practice on intellectual property and has been providing large and small clients in various industries, including the health and wellness, financial services and food and beverage industries with trademark litigation, prosecution, and counseling services for over thirty-five years. Intellectual property is at the forefront of new technologies and industries and Ms. Tobin continually adapts and expands her practice to address them, such as cannabis and non-fungible tokens ("NFTs"). In 2017 Donna was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to serve a three-year term on the Trademark Public Advisory Committee ("TPAC") of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office including as a member of the Office of Policy and International Affairs subcommittee. She is also the editor of Trademarks Throughout The World,  a Thompson Reuters publication. 

Client Experience

  • Private equity funds/family offices with portfolios of food companies

  • Cheese and ice cream manufacturers, retailers, and distributors

  • Ethnic food manufacturers and distributors

  • Furniture companies

  • Fabric companies

  • Cannabis companies

  • Jewelry, fabric, and furniture designers

  • Founder and lead singer of a hardcore band

  • Start-up eyewear company

  • Start-up sock company

  • Menswear company

  • Airlines

  • Film production companies

Personal Insights

My Greatest Strengths

  • Keeping my eye on the client's goals in litigation

  • Delivering value for clients

  • Being invested in outcomes

  • Enjoying my work, my clients, and my partners

  • Mentoring associates and being accessible

I WANT YOU TO KNOW

  • I was named in the World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals for Enforcement and Litigation, Infringement, and Prosecution and Strategy.

  • I was named a 2021 Leader in World Intellectual Property Review (WIPR), a guide to the world’s leading IP practitioners.

  • I was appointed in 2017 by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to serve on the Trademark Public Advisory Committee (TPAC) of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

  • I have practiced IP law for over 35 years and have loved it every day.

  • I function as in-house counsel to food and dairy companies.

  • I was named a top Intellectual Property attorney by New York Super Lawyers in 2020, 2021 and 2012.

  • I am recognized by Best Lawyers.

WHAT MAKES ME UNIQUELY ME 

  • I am a native New Yorker and was born and raised in Queens.

  • I own and ride a Vespa.

  • I am a fan of Liverpool Football Club and have been to Anfield Stadium 4 times.

Focus

Practice Focus

  • Cheese and Dairy

  • Wine and Beverages

  • Textiles and Furniture

  • Eyewear, Clothing, and Socks

  • Financial Institutions

  • Banks

  • Cannabis

News

News
Publications

Community & Professional

Community & Professional
  • Fédération Internationale Des Conseils En Propriété Intellectuelle (FICPI), Member
  • International Trademark Association (INTA), Committee Member  
  • Cornell University Adult University, Advisory Board Member
  • New York City Bar Association Member - Trademarks Subcommittee

Education

J.D., Boston University School of Law, 1985

B.S., Cornell University, 1982

Admissions

  • New York State Courts
    U. S. District Courts for the Southern, Western and Eastern Districts of New York
    U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
    Second Circuit Court of Appeals
    Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
    Federal Circuit Court of Appeals

Honors

New York Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property, 2012, 2020 - Present

World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals

  • Prosecution and Strategy, 2021-2023
  • Enforcement and Litigation and Infringement, 2021

World Intellectual Property Review (WIPR), 2021-Present

Best Lawyers in America, 2021

EuroMoney Women in Business Law Expert Guide, 2021

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