Katten Muchin Rosenman hires partner to lead new Internet practice

US law firm Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP has hired Internet IP specialist Brian Winterfeldt as partner and head of its new Internet practice.

Winterfeldt (pictured below), who will join the Washington DC office, has experience in Internet IP issues including the new Generic Top Level Domain programme and as well as strategies for brand protection online.

He is also a member of ICANN’s Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) Council, a stakeholder group that creates global domain name policy.

Vincent Sergi, chair of the firm, said the appointment illustrated a commitment to expand into “innovative, emerging new areas.”

Winterfeldt has also represented clients seeking to protect trademarks and copyright in the US and abroad.

“Brian adds another dimension to our growing IP practice, and further strengthens our trademark capabilities,” said Floyd Mandell, partner and co-head of Katten’s national IP property practice.

Sergi added: “Brian has a unique skill set in a rapidly growing area of the law and we are thrilled to welcome his leadership and knowledge in this space.”

Winterfeldt will be joined by four lawyers from his previous firm, Steptoe & Johnson LLP, including Debra Hughes, formerly on the board of directors at the International Trademark Association who has served as IP counsel with the American Red Cross for the past five years.

Katten has more than 600 attorneys at offices in the US, London and Shanghai.