(CHICAGO) Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP was recognized with the 2014 Volunteer Service Award for Pro Bono Services by the International Trademark Association (INTA) for the work the firm's Internet practice (part of Katten's overall Intellectual Property practice) has done for organizations including The Trevor Project, United Cerebral Palsy, dotHIV and others. Only one pro bono award is granted to a law firm by INTA each year and it will be presented to Katten in November at the 2014 INTA Leadership Meeting in Phoenix.
"We are so honored to receive this award from INTA because of the passion and commitment we have to our pro bono work with these organizations," said Brian Winterfeldt, partner and head of Katten's Internet practice. "The credit really goes to our full team of attorneys and staff members who support the Internet practice and devote a substantial portion of their time to our pro bono matters. These groups, many of which promote diversity and inclusion efforts, are doing so many incredible and meaningful things to help others, and we in turn feel strongly that we can help them further their reach by donating our time and legal experience. Every dollar these organizations don't have to spend on legal fees means more funding for the people and causes they assist each day—often for services that are lifesaving in nature."
INTA's Pro Bono Legal Services Award, part of the organization's Volunteer Awards, is given to member organizations that have demonstrated a significant development or expansion of programs for providing trademark and related intellectual property pro bono services during the previous year.
The firm's Internet practice works with the following organizations and has provided them with nearly 500 hours of pro bono legal counseling to date:
- The Trevor Project – For the past four years, Katten attorneys have provided pro bono legal counsel on trademark matters and promotional agreements to The Trevor Project, the leading organization providing crisis and suicide intervention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth ages 13 to 24. Co-promotional agreements between the organization and its corporate partners are a vital funding source. Katten has reviewed and negotiated several of these agreements and is also helping update the organization's trademark portfolio and social media policies. Additionally, Katten is a regular sponsor of one of the organization's most important fundraising events, TrevorLIVE.
- United Cerebral Palsy Association – Katten's Internet practice works with the United Cerebral Palsy Association to manage trademark portfolio matters including strategy and analysis, the filing and prosecution of trademark applications, and review of potential enforcement issues.
- dotHIV Initiative – Katten provides legal counseling to the dotHIV Initiative (.HIV) regarding the organization's new generic Top Level Domain (gTLD) application. .HIV plans to use proceeds from the sale of second-level domains to raise funds for HIV prevention and treatment research. Katten attorneys have participated in advising the organization on ICANN compliance and policy issues and .HIV registry operations.
- National LGBT Bar Association – Katten attorneys have provided the National LGBT Bar Association with pro bono assistance regarding the organization's trademark portfolio and advising on future trademark filings. Additionally, Katten attorney Brian Winterfeldt chaired the first Intellectual Property Institute at the National LGBT Bar Association's Lavender Law Conference featuring sessions on cutting-edge trademark, patent and Internet-related issues
. - Tranquil Space Foundation – Katten's Internet practice oversees trademark portfolio matters for The Tranquil Space Foundation, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit organization that promotes leadership in girls and women through yoga and community service activities. The firm also assists the organization by hosting board meetings and coordinating logistics for fundraising and awareness events.
Additionally, Katten's Intellectual Property practice has a long history of dedication to pro bono service for organizations throughout the country. Katten IP attorneys sit on the boards of nonprofit organizations and donate countless hours and resources to them.
"This is a special distinction for Katten and speaks to the commitment and dedication of our attorneys not only to our clients but to organizations that are improving our quality of life and providing services to those in need," said Vincent A.F. Sergi, Katten Chairman.
