INTA Service Awards

Ehtesham and Mr. Lackert led INTA’s IP in Space Task Force, which published its IP in Space white paper in early 2023. Together with their task force volunteers, they produced a thorough and well-researched work that was the first of its kind in both topic and scope. And, once the report was completed, they made great efforts to promote and share the report and its findings, including through panel presentations and fireside chats at the 2022 Leadership Meeting and the 2023 Annual Meeting, and as guests on INTA’s Brand & New podcast.

Ms. Ehtesham and Mr. Lackert led INTA’s IP in Space Task Force, which published its IP in Space white paper in early 2023. Together with their task force volunteers, they produced a thorough and well-researched work that was the first of its kind in both topic and scope. And, once the report was completed, they made great efforts to promote and share the report and its findings, including through panel presentations and fireside chats at the 2022 Leadership Meeting and the 2023 Annual Meeting, and as guests on INTA’s Brand & New podcast.

Hwang served as the National Chair for the Association’s 2022–2023 Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition project team. When Mr. Hwang faced the difficult task of facilitating the Competition in an in-person format after years of holding virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he provided consistent support, direction, and encouragement to volunteers across the U.S., delivering a successful competition season and providing an opportunity for future practitioners to benefit from the positive experience of fine-tuning their craft.

Armstrong has been deeply involved in and is a current member of The Women’s LeadershIP Initiative (WLI) project team, including her most recent role as a panel speaker during the WLI Workshop, “Shifting the Scales: Creating Allies by Inviting a Balanced and Retainable Support Structure,” at this year’s Annual Meeting in Singapore.

Throughout her time serving on INTA’s Pro Bono Committee, Ms. Raju has exemplified an unwavering commitment to pro bono service. Ms. Raju is a 2021 Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll recipient, an honor bestowed by the Washington, D.C., Courts to attorneys who have contributed 50 hours or more of pro bono work to those who cannot afford legal counsel. In 2022, she doubled her efforts, volunteering more than 100 hours of her time.

Dr. Cervieri has spent much of her career at the forefront in the battle against counterfeiting and an advocate for the sustainable destruction of counterfeit products. To further this goal, her firm, Cervieri Monsuarez, partnered with the Secretary of Sports of Uruguay to create the SCORE Green project, a national campaign that creates and donates basketball backboards made from the recycled plastics of counterfeit goods. By mid-2023, the project benefited more than 2,000 children. Her firm is working on a second campaign called ’Entre Manos,’ focused on recycling counterfeit textile products.

As a member of the Commercialization of Brands Committee, Mr. Buss helped to create, and has been a powerful force in promoting, the Finance for Non-Finance Legal Professionals Certificate program. This is INTA’s first certificate program and its newest educational offering. As a core driver behind the program and a key course trainer, Mr. Buss has leveraged this opportunity to become a consistent voice for expanding the expertise of his fellow INTA members, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and understanding of crucial financial principles throughout the Association.

As the Co-Chair of INTA’s Europe Global Advisory Council during the 2022–2023 committee term, Mr. van den Bulck has represented INTA in various policy dialogues, including recently at two such events covering designs, and another concerning the metaverse and NFTs. Playing a key role in organizing a policy dialogue with the Benelux IP Office, he proactively researched, contacted, and shared details of prospective corporate members in the region. Mr. van den Bulck has consistently demonstrated an astute awareness of the Association membership and public policy advocacy objectives

Mr. Bhandare has supported the growth of INTA’s corporate-facing and corporate-engaging activities in India. Since 2015, he has played—and continues to play—an active role in spearheading initiatives and creating and executing events specifically tailored for existing and potential corporate members in the country. Despite Mr. Bhandare’s outsized efforts, he is self-effacing, believing that the Association’s strength lies in unifying the membership through the pursuit of shared objectives.

Ms. Baumgartner and Mr. Myers are both members of the Leadership Development Committee. Together they have used their professional networks to implement the third pillar of the 2022–2025 Strategic Plan—Support the Development of IP Professionals—by securing experienced, professional speakers to help members develop new skills—in particular, the dynamic skills of leadership. Their efforts brought new and accomplished speakers to INTA’s Leadership Labs and Bootcamps. These events were well received and resulted in exciting learning opportunities for the membership and raised the bar for the ways INTA supports its members to pursue excellence in all aspects of their work.

Ms. Baumgartner and Mr. Myers are both members of the Leadership Development Committee. Together they have used their professional networks to implement the third pillar of the 2022–2025 Strategic Plan—Support the Development of IP Professionals—by securing experienced, professional speakers to help members develop new skills—in particular, the dynamic skills of leadership. Their efforts brought new and accomplished speakers to INTA’s Leadership Labs and Bootcamps. These events were well received and resulted in exciting learning opportunities for the membership and raised the bar for the ways INTA supports its members to pursue excellence in all aspects of their work.

Ms. Perraki has worked with the International Amicus Committee since 2016, rising through the ranks to chair the Europe Amicus Subcommittee during the 2020–2021 term. During her tenure, the subcommittee filed a remarkable twelve amicus briefs in Europe, including the first to come before the EUIPO’s Grand Board of Appeal. Actively involved in the drafting of all memos and briefs submitted to the Executive Committee during our last term and as the Vice Chair of the International Amicus Committee, Ms. Perraki proactively monitors case law in Europe and keeps the subcommittee’s members motivated and focused.

A member of INTA’s Brands for a Better Society Committee since its inception in 2020, Ms. Scott has served on the Programming Subcommittee and, later, on the Project Team for the Building a Better Society Through Brands educational programming track for INTA’s Annual Meeting, and her work has stood out for its thought and effort. Ms. Scott designed, developed, and moderated an excellent session titled “Partnering for Change: How Brands Help Grow Minority and Women-Owned Businesses,” which focused on the particular challenges and opportunities minority and women-owned businesses face today. Beyond her own session, Ms. Scott brought her unique perspective and insights, as well as helpful, constructive, and creative input to all the sessions in the Building a Better Society Through Brands track.

An IP lawyer for nearly 30 years, Mr. Plaistowe currently serves on INTA’s Parallel Imports Committee and previously was a member of the Enforcement Committee, and the Legislation and Regulation Committee.

Since 2018, he has been an invaluable member of the Association’s Brexit Task Force—helping INTA navigate the complex and ongoing IP-related issues involved with the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. He has drafted complex INTA Bulletin articles on the subject, represented INTA at Brexit-related meetings, in, participated in policy dialogues, and organized calls and submissions throughout the year, even when on holiday.

Mastercard has been an INTA member for more than two decades, with employees participating in various committees that advance the work of the Association.

Mastercard’s various efforts to better society include supporting the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) program; the True Name initiative; and many other diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and sustainability initiatives.

In 2020, Mastercard provided significant financial support to train police agencies participating in the ABLE program, a partnership between The Georgetown Law Innovative Policing Program and global law firm Sheppard Mullin. it is holistic national program centered on police training, accountability, and transparency, to foster a law enforcement culture where officers routinely intervene as necessary to prevent misconduct, avoid police mistakes, and promote officer health and wellness.

Mastercard’s True Name is a feature designed to empower transgender and non-binary cardholders to use their true names on their cards. The company introduced this initiative because for many in the LGBTQIA+ community, the name on their credit, debit, or prepaid card does not reflect their identity, which can cause painful reminders of a conflict between their true name and the name on their card.

Through extensive green initiatives, Mastercard has also demonstrated its ongoing commitment to sustainability. The company is mobilizing against climate change by committing to net-zero emissions by 2050 and supporting their suppliers’ decarbonization efforts.

In addition, last year, Mastercard launched its Solidarity initiative to help curb systemic racism worldwide through actions across three pillars: people, society, and market. The actions include bolstering Black employment, pledging $500 million to help close the wealth and opportunity gaps faced by Black communities in the U.S., and expanding the company’s annual spending with Black suppliers.

Ms. Vachanavuttivong is currently chair of the Asia-Pacific Subcommittee of INTA’s Global Advisory Council (GAC) and has dedicated tremendous time and resources to helping to expand the Association’s profile in Southeast Asia. For example, she organized the first collaborative event with the Thailand National Innovation agency on brand valuation, which introduced the Association to small-and-medium-sized enterprises in Thailand.

Additionally, she has assisted in arranging various events that have been successful in driving INTA’s efforts to expand membership in the region.

An attorney, author, and longtime Association volunteer, Anne Gilson LaLonde has served on the Legislation and Regulation Committee (LRC) for most terms since 2006. As Chair of the LRC United States Subcommittee during the 2020–2021 term, she uses her deft organization skills and masterful writing abilities to help the Committee achieve its many objectives, including a review of all trademark legislation in the current 116th United States Congress. She has also assisted INTA staff in preparing recommendations to amend the Lanham Act to include a rebuttable presumption of irreparable harm. During 2020, Ms. Gilson LaLonde and her Subcommittee reviewed an unprecedented number of complex trademark bills, including the Trademark Modernization Act, the SHOP SAFE Act, and the Trademark Licensing Protection Act—or TLPA. Her analysis regarding the TLPA helped INTA advocate for strong trademark protection for all brand owners. Ms. Gilson LaLonde presented the Committee’s viewpoint on the SHOP SAFE Act to INTA’s Board of Directors and Anticounterfeiting Committee.

Since its inception in 2008, Fidus Law Chambers has prioritized giving back to society. In 2020, the boutique IP firm found multiple ways to assist residents in communities ravaged by riots and the COVID-19 pandemic. In February 2020, the firm intervened to assist during six days of rioting in Delhi. In addition to its own substantial contribution, the firm connected with donors, nonprofits, and corporations to procure relief supplies for families in North East Delhi that had been rendered homeless after their houses were burned down. Staff members donated free time to help conduct inventory and sort the supplies for distribution. Responding to the pandemic, the firm collaborated with nonprofits to distribute dry rations, vegetables, and hygiene supplies to the thousands of daily wage workers and migrant laborers left without access to food and hygiene products. Since many similar initiatives were taking place in Delhi itself, Fidus Law Chambers undertook this initiative in the suburbs around the city. More than 27,000 individuals received relief kits, and more than 3,500 workers received non-perishable travel kits.

As chair of INTA’s Law Firm Committee, Peter Sloane has supported the Committee’s creativity in thinking outside of the box to develop educational programming that would attract new audiences—both members and non-members of the Association. In 2020, the Committee created a series featuring mental health and wellness, especially relevant given the COVID-19 pandemic. A longtime INTA volunteer, Mr. Sloane has focused much attention on helping to groom the Association for the future. In 2020, he contributed to INTA’s IP Law Firm of the Future Think Tank project, which looks at the future of IP for law firms and, ultimately, the Association. Mr. Sloane provided feedback on the report’s content and co-edited the report. He has also championed INTA in many other ways. When the Association transitioned from an in-person Annual Meeting to a virtual Annual Meeting & Leadership Meeting this year, Mr. Sloane understood the importance of supporting the first-ever virtual Meeting and responded by registering six representatives from Leason Ellis LLP—becoming one of the first organizations to sign up multiple registrants—and encouraging fellow members of the Law Firm Committee to attend.

Joe Simone has been a leading volunteer for INTA in China for decades. He has been instrumental in the Association’s engagement with the China National Intellectual Property Administration, most recently with his participation on INTA’s Bad-Faith Registration Task Force, which produced a series of recommendations presented to the Chinese authorities. His efforts were also evident throughout the public comment period on recent amendments to China’s Trademark Law, which took effect November 1, 2019. Mr. Simone participated in identifying advocacy opportunities, translating draft laws, and developing initial comments for consideration by various INTA committees.

Daniela Rojas has been instrumental in the Association’s efforts to fight counterfeiting, specifically through its Unreal Campaign to educate young consumers ages 14‒23 about the value of trademarks and brands, and the dangers of counterfeit products. She has participated in the Unreal Campaign since 2016 and chaired the Unreal Committee during the 2018‒2019 Committee Term. Under Ms. Rojas’s leadership, the Committee has exceeded its goal to conduct 90 student presentations and reach 8,000 students globally during the 2018‒2019 Committee Term and has engaged an increasing number of young consumers through an ambitious social media strategy.

Larisa Colton has been a tireless supporter of INTA for years, having served on both the Board of Directors from 2005 to 2008 and the Association’s Foundation Board. In 2018, she was co-chair of the Presidential Task Force on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Entrepreneurs, whose work links to objectives set out in INTA’s 2018‒2021 Strategic Plan. Defining the needs of SMEs globally and carving out the role that INTA can play to further support this important constituency required a great deal of thought leadership. Ms. Colton embraced the challenge with a commitment to excellence.

Scott Phillips led a team of members of INTA’s Impact Studies Committee in the development of an attitudinal study, Gen Z Insights: Brands and Counterfeit Products. The study focuses on Gen Zers between 18 and 23 years old in 10 countries—Argentina, China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United States—and their relationships with brands and their attitudes toward counterfeit products. Mr. Phillips’s diligence, decisiveness, and authoritative eye for details were instrumental in drafting the study, which provides enormous insights for brands and catapults INTA among the leading IP research institutions globally.

Latha Nair is a long-time principal editor of and contributor to INTA’s Geographical Indications, Certification Marks and Collective Marks: An International Guide. She also led the project team for the Association’s sold-out 2019 India Workshop and participated in a panel on geographical indications and appellations of origin at INTA’s 2019 Annual Meeting. She frequently solicits contributors to INTA’s scholarly journal, The Trademark Reporter, and has participated in the Association’s Unreal Campaign to educate young consumers about the value of trademarks and brands and the dangers of counterfeit products.

Alice Kelly has been an advocate for pro bono services throughout her career, and in addition to her own pro bono work, she has engaged in multiple initiatives to further INTA’s efforts to assist those in need. Leading the Association’s Pro Bono Committee’s Communications Subcommittee in the 2018‒2019 Committee Term, she has diligently promoted INTA’s Pro Bono Trademark Clearinghouse, including assisting several pro bono clients and running a Pro Bono Clinic at INTA’s 2019 Annual Meeting. Ms. Kelly has been at the forefront of efforts to provide pro bono services, and, in doing so, has emphasized the value of trademark registration and enforcement, and helped to better society and protect brands.

Peter Dernbach is a progressive thinker and trendsetter for how professionals can better incorporate corporate social responsibility into the DNA of their law firm. Winkler Partners’ core principles include a commitment to sustainability. The firm actively measures its carbon footprint, makes efforts to reduce waste, has a rooftop garden that works as a way of shading the office and growing food, and installed solar panels that supply a good portion of its energy needs. Mr. Dernbach and his firm have a clear vision for inclusion, diversity, and sustainability, and have set the standard for law firms and lawyers aspiring to do good in the world.

Toms Shoes created the “one-for-one” principle, donating a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold. This seemingly counterintuitive idea (in terms of the profit margin, at least) has in fact proven good for the bottom line and had a positive social impact. Toms is also a Certified B Corporation, which compels the company to meet both the corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals it sets for itself as well as strict CSR provisions with regards to its impact on its workers, customers, community, and environment.

A producer of personal care cosmetics, Natura Cosmeticos is a global leader in sustainability, diversity, community, and ecology. The company was among the first to embrace the “refill system” through which customers can have their product containers refilled rather than used once and discarded. It also employs women in local communities, works to protect natural resources and biodiversity, and has a reputation for the use of natural, non-toxic ingredients.

FSC Global Development GmbH (the Forest Stewardship Council) are the original pioneers of Forest Certification and have set the bar globally in terms of sustainable forest management and responsible forestry product and paper use. They have become a household name among corporations working to reduce their environmental impact by using FSC-certified products. The FSC also owns certification marks around the world, creating a synergy between IP and sustainability.

Award accepted by Sebastian Wieschalla, Head of Legal Department, Germany.

When INTA began expanding its outreach in the Middle East and Africa region, Mohamed Eldib immediately asked how he could help introduce the Association to prospective corporate members, government officials, and other stakeholders in Egypt. His successful efforts to raise the Association’s visibility in Egypt has included many “firsts” in the region, including helping to develop a membership roadshow and hosting an anticounterfeiting policy dialogue in Cairo. Mr. Eldib has worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to help expand INTA’s footprint in Egypt. His on-the-ground support proved crucial in raising the Association’s visibility in the region and protecting brand owners.

When INTA opened its Latin America and the Caribbean Office in Santiago in 2017, Matias Somarriva immediately reached out to offer his time and local knowledge to help the Association achieve the office’s objectives in Chile. He proved invaluable in increasing the Association’s visibility in Chile, attending events with potential members and sharing with them his own experiences as an INTA member and how his firm has benefitted from participation in the Association. Thanks directly to his efforts, multiple brands have joined INTA and the Association has expanded its footprint in Chile.

In the past few years, M.S. Bharath has been providing invaluable support to raise awareness of INTA in India and to scale up the Association’s policy, membership, and education initiatives in the country. These efforts have included overseeing the planning and implementation of an INTA roundtable in Bangalore hosted by his firm, meeting with prospective members to explain the benefits of joining INTA and promoting the 2019 INTA India Workshop to potential attendees. His notable commitment to advancing INTA’s visibility has helped the Association tremendously in growing its presence in the region.