Boston
Trademark and copyright litigator Mark Puzella protects some of the world’s most powerful brands and emerging technologies. Clients rely on his ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise, whether developing comprehensive strategies to avoid litigation where possible, or succeeding in litigation when necessary.
As a trial lawyer, Mark excels at handling accelerated, complex cases. For example, as lead counsel for New Balance, Mark won a swift six-month International Trade Commission (ITC) investigation concerning claims of trade dress infringement. The ITC ruled in favor of his client, finding that the plaintiff had no rights in the claimed design. And, as lead plaintiff counsel for Explorica in a trademark case, he won a jury verdict just ten weeks after filing the complaint. During that short span, the parties engaged in complete discovery, including taking and defending numerous fact and expert depositions. Clients routinely ask him to take over matters at the close of discovery or prior to trial, which presents unique challenges and time constraints.
He is also skilled at explaining complex concepts and technology to judges and juries in a persuasive, intelligible style. In the high-profile Supreme Court case ABC v. Aereo, he led the trial and appellate team’s presentation of the key technology. That presentation was the basis of the trial court’s denial of a preliminary injunction, and the Second Circuit’s affirmance of that decision.
Mark draws upon his litigation experience to help clients anticipate and avoid legal issues related to new technologies and brands. For example, Mark has advised numerous technology and media companies on the creation, use, and delivery of content and helped clients assess whether their products will withstand investor and competitor scrutiny. He also has significant experience advising on branding and re-branding projects, including private brand or store brand clearance and risk assessments.
Mark’s exceptional record has earned him praise as a problem solver from client and peer surveys. World Trademark Review 1000 has called him “intelligent, thoughtful and client-oriented” and “incredibly impressive.” Legal 500 has described him as a “smart, creative” trial lawyer who “anticipates everything.” And in 2016, IP Law360 named two of his cases among the top ten trademark decisions of the year. However, Mark’s greatest accomplishment lies with his client relationships. At every turn, in every case, Mark’s clients know their problems are his problems and that his ultimate focus is helping them grow their businesses.