Michael Bernet

Michael litigates intellectual property and general civil matters, including complex business and contractual disputes, and proves outside counsel for clients across a wide range of industries, including entertainment, apparel and consumer goods. Michael prefers to resolve matters early, amicably and cost-effectively, but when necessary, he provides aggressive advocacy.

Michael has extensive experience prosecuting and defending against copyright, trademark, right of publicity, breach of contract, fraud, unfair competition and employment claims, and other types of matters. He has successfully obtained summary judgments and dismissals for clients, as well as writs of attachment, injunctions, declaratory judgments, and recovered his clients’ attorneys’ fees.

As part of his practice, Michael often advises clients on how to avoid legal pitfalls, and how to develop and maintain their IP portfolios, including through trademark selection and clearance, in addition to resolving registration issues with the U.S. Copyright Office, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Michael also performs corporate, transactional, and other non-litigation focused services for clients as needed.

Michael is an active member of the International Trademark Association (INTA) and is currently serving a two-year appointment on its Non-Traditional Marks Committee, and Litigation Task Force Subcommittee, on which he regularly monitors and reports on U.S. developments in trademark law for other members of the Association.