Biography
Donna A. Tobin focuses her practice on intellectual property and has been providing large and small clients in various industries, including health and wellness, financial services, and food and beverage, with trademark litigation, prosecution, and counseling services for nearly 40 years.
Intellectual property is at the forefront of emerging technologies and industries, and Donna continually adapts and expands her practice to address these areas, including cannabis and artificial intelligence (AI).
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
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Private equity funds/family offices with portfolios of food companies
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Cheese and ice cream manufacturers, retailers, and distributors
- Ethnic food manufacturers and distributors
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Furniture companies
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Fabric companies
- Cannabis companies
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Jewelry, fabric, and furniture designers
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Founder and lead singer of a hardcore band
- Estate of founding member of influential punk rock band
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Start-up eyewear company
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Start-up sock company
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Menswear company
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Airlines
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Film production companies
Personal Insights
My Greatest Strengths
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Keeping my eye on the client's goals in litigation
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Delivering value for clients
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Being invested in outcomes
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Enjoying my work, my clients, and my partners
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Mentoring associates and being accessible
I WANT YOU TO KNOW
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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 Leader in World Intellectual Property Review (WIPR), a guide to the world’s leading IP practitioners.
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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.
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I have practiced IP law for over 40 years and have loved it every day.
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I function as in-house counsel to food and dairy companies.
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I was named a top Intellectual Property attorney by New York Super Lawyers.
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I am recognized by Best Lawyers.
WHAT MAKES ME UNIQUELY ME
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I am a native New Yorker and was born and raised in Queens.
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I own and ride a Vespa.
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I am a fan of Liverpool Football Club and have been to Anfield Stadium 5 times.
Focus
Practice Focus
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Cheese and Dairy
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Wine and Beverages
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Textiles and Furniture
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Eyewear, Clothing, and Socks
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Financial Institutions
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Banks
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Cannabis
News
News
Publications
Community & Professional
Community & Professional
- Fédération Internationale Des Conseils En Propriété Intellectuelle (FICPI), Member and Reporter – Trademarks Section
- International Trademark Association (INTA), Committee Member
- Cornell University Adult University, Former Advisory Board Member
- New York City Bar Association Member - Trademarks Subcommittee
- New York State Bar Association – Secretary, Intellectual Property Section
Practice Areas
Education
J.D., Boston University School of Law, 1985
B.S., Cornell University, 1982
Admissions
- New York
U.S. District Courts: - Southern District of New York
- Western District of New York
- Eastern District of New York
- Western District of Michigan
- U.S. Courts of Appeals:
- Second Circuit
- Ninth Circuit
- Federal Circuit
Honors
Chambers USA, 2025
- Intellectual Property in Pennsylvania
New York Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property, 2012, 2020 - Present
World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals, 2024 - Present
- Prosecution and Strategy, 2021-2023
- Enforcement and Litigation, and Infringement, 2021
World Intellectual Property Review (WIPR), 2021-Present
Best Lawyers in America
EuroMoney Women in Business Law Expert Guide
