Kirkland & Ellis
Firm overview:
BigLaw powerhouse Kirkland & Ellis needs little introduction; the world’s highest-grossing law firm is a dominant presence across several of the practice areas it operates in. The firm’s US trademark practice carries considerable weight; peers acknowledge the firm’s frequent appearance in major litigations. It is well-known as one of the most aggressive trial firms in the US.
Kirkland’s lawyers represent clients in all phases of litigation, from obtaining and defeating temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions through final appeals at the US Supreme Court. The team’s expertise also covers Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) disputes, and trademark-related proceedings before the International Trade Commission (ITC).
Recent notable highlights include defending PepsiCo against trademark infringement claims made by canned coffee maker Rise Brewing.
For clients wanting a single point of contact for trademark work, the firm also provides non-contentious trademark services, including clearance and prosecution.
Team overview:
Dale Cendali “deserves to be in the Outstanding tier”, says an industry counterpart. Others concur that her place in the highest category alongside Debevoise's David Bernstein is justified. Cendali, who has worked with brands including PepsiCo, Nike, Converse and Victoria’s Secret, is widely regarded as a preeminent trial lawyer in the US and a recognised authority on IP law.
In October 2025, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund announced a new ‘Dale Cendali Prize’ in honour of her “superhero” work in protecting IP rights—a particularly proud moment for Cendali as she is an avid comic book lover.
Strong across both non-contentious and contentious aspects of trademark law, Joshua Simmons is sought after for complex cases as well as strategic counselling, portfolio management and policy advice.
Widely recognised litigator Claudia Ray represents clients in disputes involving copyright, trademark, internet, contract/licensing, and trade secret issues. Brands she has advised include Delta Air Lines, Converse and Trader Joe’s.
Another stand-out litigator, Mary Mazzello has handled trademark and copyright cases across a wide range of venues, including appellate issues before the US Supreme Court. Mazzello also counsels clients on trademark clearance, registration and maintenance.
Key matters:
- Apple: US court victory over ‘Reality’ software marks
In one example of the high calibre of its client base, Kirkland & Ellis represented Apple in a matter over the tech giant’s trademarks covering its augmented reality software-development tools ‘Reality Composer’ and ‘Reality Converter’.
In August 2025, it was reported that a Virginia federal judge had ordered the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to award Apple the trademarks, reversing a previous decision that the phrases could not be trademarked.
Turkish visual-effects company Zero Density had challenged Apple’s applications, arguing that they merely described the software’s function, and would cause confusion with its own ‘Reality’-related marks.
Dale Cendali and Mary Mazzello represented Apple in the matter.
- Malala Yousafzai and Asser Malik: Launch of sports investment platform
In June 2025, the firm announced that it had advised Nobel Peace Prize laureate and education activist Malala Yousafzai and her husband Asser Malik on the founding and launch of Recess Capital, a sports investment platform with a particular focus on women’s sports.
Kirkland advised Recess on all aspects of the launch, including multi-jursidictional licensing and regulatory considerations, as well as IP/trademark matters.
Clients:
Apple, Recess Capital
