Lewis Roca Lawyers Recognized as Leading Trademark Professionals in 2024 World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000 Guide

Honors & Recognitions

02/7/2024

PHOENIX (February 7, 2024) – Lewis Roca announced six lawyers David Jackson, Michael McCue, Gary Nelson, Rachel Nicholas, Jennifer Van Kirk, and Meng Zhong have been included in the 2024 World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals guide. The firm is also the only law firm ranked in the 2024 WTR 1000 gold tier category in Arizona and one of only four law firms listed in the recommended category in Nevada. WTR 1000 is an exclusive directory that identifies the trademark industry's leading practitioners around the world.

Jennifer Van Kirk, recognized in Arizona by WTR 1000, is a partner in the firm’s Phoenix office. With over twenty years of experience, she advises clients comprehensively on all aspects of ‎trademark and brand protection, including clearance, prosecution, licensing, portfolio ‎management, and litigation guidance. Van Kirk has cultivated a network of trusted firms in nearly 200 countries to help clients protect their brands internationally. As stated in the 2024 WTR 1000 guide, “Van Kirk takes portfolios from strength to strength, thanks to her global outlook, business-centered approach and focus on cost-effectiveness.” She continues to provide strategic counsel on global registrations, filing strategies, and cost-containment options, overseeing cases before U.S. and foreign tribunals to protect her ‎clients' IP interests.

Michael McCue, recognized in Nevada by WTR 1000, is a partner in the firm’s Las Vegas office with an additional presence in the firm’s San Francisco and Los Angeles offices. This year’s recognition highlights that McCue is “considered by one client to be ‘an extension of our in-house team’, cultivating excellent working relationships with his clientele.” Providing trademark services from clearance through registration, enforcement, and litigation, McCue's dual role as a litigator and trademark prosecution attorney uniquely positions him to offer valuable insights. Clients benefit from his role as an excellent sounding board when navigating complex situations or dealing with cases of first impression. McCue’s extensive experience includes litigating more than 200 trademark cases in federal courts throughout the United States and more than 200 cases before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

Gary Nelson, acknowledged in the bronze tier in California by WTR 1000, is a partner in the firm’s Los Angeles office. Specializing in the prosecution and maintenance of large international corporate trademark portfolios, Nelson leads in the enforcement and defense of trademark, copyright, and patent rights. His expertise spans the fashion, sports and entertainment, food, computer software and hardware, and office supply industries. Nelson has been lead counsel on over 150 trademark opposition/cancellation proceedings before the United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board; and has filed more than 200 UDRP Complaints with the National Arbitration Forum and the World Intellectual Property Organization to force the transfer of ownership of contested domain names.

David Jackson, recognized in Arizona by WTR 1000, is a partner in the firm’s Phoenix office. His practice covers a full spectrum of intellectual property services, and he works closely with clients to develop comprehensive, global brand strategies. As stated in the 2024 WTR 1000 guide, Jackson is “a master at brand protection and a go-to for companies seeking innovative solutions to swiftly deal with any potential problem. He truly cares about his clients’ interests and builds meaningful relationships as a result.” Managing complex global trademark portfolios, Jackson advises on trademark selection, clearance, prosecution, protection, enforcement, litigation, intellectual property agreements, transactions, and online intellectual property issues.

Meng Zhong, recognized in Nevada by WTR 1000, is a partner in the firm’s Las Vegas office. His practice focuses on matters involving copyright, trademark, right of publicity, and trade secrets. Per this year’s recognition, Zhong is “extremely responsive, very knowledgeable and having a can-do attitude for any matter.” With a track record in handling a diverse range of intellectual property litigations at both trial and appellate levels, Zhong has also played a crucial role in facilitating the seizure of counterfeit products at Las Vegas trade shows, showcasing his expertise in investigation, motion practice, and execution of seizure orders.

Rachel Nicholas, recognized in Arizona by WTR 1000, is a partner in the Phoenix office and directs her focus on trademark, copyright, publicity rights, and social media matters. Her clientele includes a global lifestyle brand, a top hotel chain, and major league sports teams, reflecting the breadth of her practice. Nicholas is acclaimed for her unmatched knowledge, vast experience, and determined approach, consistently delivering optimal client results. This year's recognition highlights Nicholas as a “savvy problem solver and poised negotiator who understands the nuances of trademark law and capitalizes on this, much to the benefit of her following.”

Published by Globe Business Media Group in London, WTR researchers conducted interviews and exchanged correspondence over four months with hundreds of lawyers, attorneys, and their clients involved with trademarks to identify the firms and individuals that are deemed outstanding in this critical area of practice. Individuals qualify for inclusion in the WTR 1000 upon receiving sufficient positive feedback from market sources with knowledge of their practice and the market in which they operate.

About Lewis Roca

Lewis Roca is an Am Law 200 law firm serving clients globally in complex litigation, intellectual property, business transactions, gaming, government relations, labor and employment, and regulatory counseling. Its offices are located in Colorado Springs, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Reno, San Francisco, and Tucson. To learn more about the firm, please visit our website at www.lewisroca.com.

###