Megan Bannigan

New York-based Megan Bannigan is a leading figure in US trademark and brand protection litigation, due to her combination of elite courtroom experience, representation of globally recognised brands, involvement in cutting-edge IP disputes involving new technologies, and her active role in shaping professional practice.She focuses on complex disputes involving trademarks, trade dress, copyright, false advertising, rights of publicity, design patents, and unfair competition, and she represents major global brands in high-stakes litigation before US federal courts, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and appellate courts.Bannigan is also an adjunct professor at NYU School of Law, where she teaches trademark and false advertising law, and she has previously taught litigation-focused courses at other US law schools.Her notable matters include acting for MHSCF against Nike in the widely publicised “Satan Shoes” litigation involving Lil Nas X, which raised significant issues of trademark and trade dress protection in fashion and cultural collaborations. She has also represented StockX against Nike concerning the use of NFTs and digital authentication in the sneaker resale market, a case seen as important for the intersection of trademark law and blockchain technology. She has worked on disputes involving MSCHF’s ‘Wavy Baby’ sneaker and Vans, addressing trade dress protection and artistic expression in product design, as well as the Judd Foundation case involving allegations related to Kim Kardashian promoting “knockoff” Donald Judd furniture. Bannigann is also active in professional leadership within the IP community, including work with the International Trademark Association (INTA) and the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Intellectual Property Law. She received the INTA Volunteer Service Award in recognition of her contributions to the association, including involvement in pro bono initiatives, committee work, and programming related to global trademark enforcement and policy development.