Mary Susan Gerber

Trademarks

Mary Susan represents clients in U.S. and international trademark prosecution, including clearance, strategy and filings. She has managed global trademark portfolios for companies in many industries, including pharmaceuticals, automotive, outdoor recreation, food and beverage manufacturing, education, software, restaurants, and publishing.

She leads enforcement efforts, including Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) proceedings and settlement negotiations. Mary Susan also drafts and negotiates IP licenses and agreements involving trademarks and copyrights. In addition, her experience as a trademark examining attorney at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has given Mary Susan an extensive understanding of the trademark application process, which she applies to help clients craft their applications.

Brand Protection

A favorite aspect of Mary Susan’s role as a trademark attorney is working with clients who are excited and passionate about developing their companies and brands. She works in close partnership with brand owners to develop and implement comprehensive brand strategies. Mary Susan counsels clients in all aspects of trademark and branding services in the United States and internationally, including trademark selection, use, clearance searches, preparing and filing trademark applications, responding to office actions, maintenance, enforcement, and proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). Her experience also includes advising clients in anticounterfeiting measures, including recordation of trademarks with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

In her previous career, she worked with several large food manufacturers, navigating nutrition communications, strategy, claims and regulatory issues. With this experience, Mary Susan deeply appreciates how important it is not only to protect clients’ brands, but also to understand their businesses and goals and to be a guide for how those brands are presented to the world.

Prior Experience

At the USPTO, Mary Susan was a trademark examining attorney who reviewed more than 1000 trademark applications. Before law school, she had a career in nutrition science and regulatory affairs at General Mills and at Schwan’s Company.

Personal Interests

Even outside of work, Mary Susan loves to be busy and doesn’t sit still, hopping between many hobbies such as gardening and running. Her constants are yoga and video games.