BakerHostetler

Firm overview:

Full-service firm BakerHostetler has 130 lawyers in its IP division across 17 US offices. The trademarks team offers comprehensive advice to clients in various sectors including financial services, software and technology, consumer brands, fashion and luxury.

The team manages an extensive network of foreign counsel to provide clients with international coverage, and provides commercially-focused advice on trademark portfolio management and licensing. On the contentious side, the firm was thrust into the limelight when it prevailed for Hermès International against Mason Rothschild in a first-of-its-kind, ‘freedom of artistic expression’ case applied to NFTs.

Team overview:

Key team members include New York of counsel Heather McDonald, who has deep knowledge of anticounterfeiting and other IP enforcement litigations. McDonald is the New York office’s litigation leader, and coordinates a nationwide network of investigators, attorneys and government agencies pursuing individuals and entities involved in trafficking counterfeit goods.

Philadelphia partner Kevin Bovard focuses his practice on trademark clearance, worldwide portfolio management, copyright protection, unfair competition and more. Bovard serves as the lead trademark counsel and manages the global trademark portfolios of multiple Fortune 500 companies.

In November 2025, the firm added a trio of IP partners from Knobbe Martens. Susan Natland joined as co-leader of the Global Trademark and Brand Protection team, and was joined by partners Jessica Sganga and Katherine McMorrow.

A past chair of the US Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Public Advisory Committee, Natland is deeply involved with the International Trademark Association, having chaired its Enforcement Committee and served on several presidential task forces.

Key matters:

• Advising Abercrombie & Fitch on a TTAB Opposition

BakerHostler DC intellectual property litigator Eric Lee is advising Abercrombie & Fitch Trading Company, the plaintiff in a USPTO TTAB opposition to a mark consisting of the outlined image of a bird in flight filed by the Bodega Harbour Homeowners Association.

• Advising Sony Interactive Entertainment on a TTAB Opposition

BakerHostetler head of Global Trademark and Brand Protection Team Christina Moser, based in Cleveland and in Los Angeles, advised Sony Interactive Entertainment on an opposition to the 'Future Stars Series Foundation' mark filed by Program 15 Sports.

Clients:

Abercrombie & Fitch, Hermès, Sony Interactive Entertainment