Linda McLeod’s unique experience makes her one of the most sought-after lawyers to handle cases before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). During her years as a TTAB Administrative Trademark Judge and interlocutory attorney, Linda issued hundreds of decisions in opposition and cancellation proceedings and ex parte appeals from registration refusals. Linda also gained extensive trademark prosecution experience as an examining attorney at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
As lead counsel, Linda has won numerous opposition and cancellation proceedings before the TTAB and Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. She has extensive experience litigating cases through trial and under accelerated case resolution (ACR) before the TTAB. She has obtained favorable “fame” decisions for major brand owners, enhancing their future enforcement efforts. Linda has successfully negotiated worldwide trademark agreements resolving contentious proceedings in multiple jurisdictions.
Linda has received numerous accolades for her expertise. She is recognized as an "IP Star" by Managing Intellectual Property (2015–2018), and she was awarded “Best in Trademark” at Legal Media Group America’s Women in Business Law Awards (2012–2013). Linda is consistently ranked by the World Trademark Review, Guide to the World’s Leading Trademark Law Practitioners, and several other publications, as one of the top trademark lawyers for both contentious and non-contentious trademark matters. According to the Legal 500 U.S., clients say that Linda is a “very bright, skilled, strategic thinker...” who “provides exceptional advice." In the World Trademark Review 1000, clients praise Linda for her "super skills" and "always being on top of the latest trademark law developments" in TTAB and USPTO matters. Linda was appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to serve as a member of the USPTO's Trademark Public Advisory Committee (TPAC) (2011–2014). She is a member of INTA's Trademark Office Practices Committee (2016–2019).
Before joining Kelly IP, Linda was a partner at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP in Washington, D.C.
