High-profile brand specialist joins Norton Rose Fulbright in New York

New hire is former Kirkland & Ellis partner | Previous clients include Lego, Nike and JK Rowling.

Norton Rose Fulbright has grown its New York IP practice with the addition of partner Johanna Schmitt, it was announced yesterday (February 5).

Schmitt, who joins from Kirkland & Ellis, focuses on trademark, trade dress, domain name, copyright, false advertising, licensing and contract issues. She offers strategic advice on IP matters such as brand launches and the prosecution of global trademark portfolios, as well as litigating disputes.

Some of Schmitt’s high-profile clients have included Lego, Nike, JK Rowling, Colgate-Palmolive, and Tetris.

Schmitt has served on multiple International Trademark Association (INTA) committees, and she has extensive experience with proceedings before the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Commenting on her move, Schmitt said: “I am thrilled to join Norton Rose Fulbright’s nationally-ranked intellectual property group, which also has an exciting global component that will benefit my practice.

“I have long admired the firm’s collegial culture, and I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues on some of the most high-profile IP work in the US and globally.”

Jeff Cody, US managing partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, said: “New York is the US epicentre for trademark, copyright and advertising work with its high concentration of major brand owners, so we have been looking for an accomplished IP partner in that market.

“Johanna’s sterling reputation and impressive track record advocating for some of the world’s top brands make her an excellent fit.”

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