Director of Compliance and Strategic Projects   

Bethlehem Shared Services, LLC is part of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, a world leading manufacturer of cigars, pipe tobacco and fine-cut tobacco. In my role, I primarily provide services to General Cigar and Cigars International, both of which hold market-leading positions in handmade cigars and catalog and internet sales. Our portfolio includes more than 200 leading brands including: cigar brands -- Macanudo, CAO, Partagas (US) and Cohiba (US).  
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Blank Rome LLP 1996-2016

Of Counsel

Advise clients on the protection and enforcement of rights in trademarks, copyrights, patents, domain names and trade secrets. Counseling responsibilities include: negotiating license and e-commerce agreements; managing domestic and international intellectual property portfolios; and advising clients on cybersecurity, privacy, and branding issues.

Litigation responsibilities include: developing litigation strategies; drafting cease and desist letters; supervising and coordinating teams of attorneys, paralegals and consultants; examining witnesses at depositions, arbitrations and trials; drafting and arguing briefs in support of motions and appeals; and proactively resolving disputes. Extensive experience managing client relations, negotiating budgets and meeting business objectives.

Representative Engagements:

• Defense counsel to the world’s leading social media company in numerous patent infringement cases in the United States District Courts.

• Interim Chief Intellectual Property Counsel for a $7 billion food and beverage company.

• Trial counsel to a computer peripherals firm in multiple patent actions with its chief rival. Successfully negotiated settlement of all claims after court-ordered mediation.

• Defense of a major luxury automobile brand against trademark infringement and dilution claims brought by a competitor. The case settled on favorable terms during pendency of summary judgment motions.

• Trial counsel to a publisher whose trademarks and copyrighted photographs were infringed by a rival web site. Successfully obtained preliminary and permanent injunctions.

• Representation of numerous trademark applicants and registrants in Opposition and Cancellation Proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

• Defense of a leading healthcare service provider against patent, copyright and trade secret claims brought by a software developer. The case settled on favorable terms during an expedited trial on the merits.