J. J. Saul

Clients and industry commentators consistently highlight J. J.’s strategic approach and judgment. The WTR 1000 notes his “clarity in advice and ability to predict potential brand threats,” and recognizes him as taking a lead role in anti-counterfeiting matters while serving as an experienced all-round adviser for companies needing comprehensive trademark counsel. Clients praise him as “very thoughtful when approaching an issue,” emphasizing that he “thinks strategically and tactically” and is trusted as a sounding board before key decisions. They also note his responsiveness, collaborative approach with global counsel, and ability to tailor strategies to business realities, products, and budget constraints.

J. J. represents brand owners across industries in trademark prosecution, portfolio management, enforcement, and disputes. He frequently designs integrated protection programs that combine clearance, filing, enforcement, and monitoring strategies to proactively mitigate risk and deter infringement before it affects market share or reputation.

Known for combining technical legal skill with practical business insight, J. J. partners closely with in-house counsel, executives, and marketing teams to build forward-looking brand protection frameworks that support growth, expansion, and long-term competitive advantage.

J. J. has guided clients in various roles, including:

Anti-counterfeiting

• Lead anti-counterfeiting counsel to a top-15 global pharmaceutical company, supporting global investigations, internet monitoring, customs recordation, and criminal enforcement
• Co-led initiative for the development and dissemination of a manual to support federal and state prosecutors in their efforts to combat pharmaceutical counterfeiting
• Conducted discussions with COFEPRIS in Mexico and ANVISA in Brazil on behalf of the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies to raise awareness and encourage efforts to combat the scourge of fake medicines online
• Led litigation enforcement campaign securing damages and published apologies related to the counterfeiting of client’s world-renowned horticultural brand

Civil Litigation and Enforcement

• Filed suit to combat exorbitant financial demand from competitor claiming prior common law rights to a client’s new commercial lending brand and obtained favorable summary judgment decision and settlement to secure exclusive brand control
• Enforced client’s financial services brand against cryptocurrency company and negotiated favorable settlement of dispute, resulting in company’s rebranding and termination of its complaint for non-infringement
• Negotiated a global trademark coexistence agreement on behalf of a prominent tabletop gaming company to secure one of its key brands against a larger electronic gaming competitor
• Global brand protection counsel for top horticultural plant breeder, combatting numerous infringing applications and usages each year worldwide

Prosecution and Strategy

• Overhauled trademark portfolios for multiple healthcare accreditation companies to secure certification mark protection aligning with their business practices
• Cleared branding and secured global trademark protection for multiple investment management spin-offs
• Cleared branding and secured global trademark protection for recently launched children’s animated series and related merchandise, available worldwide

Prior Experience

Before law school, J. J. served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in León, Nicaragua. He provided business development training to small family enterprises, created a public access computer center with the support of AOL and La Fundación para el Desarrollo de León (FUNDAPADELE), taught classes at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, and with the support of Trickle Up, launched a small grant program for single mothers of disabled children to establish home-based enterprises.