Monica Riva Talley is a director and heads Sterne Kessler's Trademark & Brand Protection Practice. For more than 25 years she has specialized in strategic trademark counseling and portfolio enhancement, developing anti-counterfeiting solutions and strategies, and resolving trademark disputes. Monica is particularly sought after for her expertise in enforcing brand rights against infringers and counterfeiters seeking to profit from her clients’ well-known brands.
Ranked as one of the leading trademark prosecution and strategy attorneys in Washington, DC, Monica has been consistently recognized by leading publications including Managing IP, World Trademark Review, and World Intellectual Property Review, among others.
Monica is also well-versed in prosecuting and defending opposition and cancellation proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. She handles a wide range of Internet trademark and domain name disputes; files arbitration complaints under ICANN’s Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy; negotiates resolutions to disputes; drafts advantageous settlement and coexistence agreements; and is skilled at negotiating and drafting license agreements.
Having worked in advertising and marketing prior to her entry into the field of law, Monica is particularly known for providing clients with creative and practical solutions that work within both business and legal parameters. In addition to being sought after for her business acumen, Monica is well-known for her ability to foster strong, mutually rewarding client relationships.
Monica serves a broad base of international clients in the consumer products, apparel, food and beverage, manufacturing, telecom, music, biotechnology, information technology, media, and entertainment fields. She also represents numerous associations and non-profits, and works with clients in registering and enforcing certification marks.
While attending law school at George Mason University School of Law, Monica worked as a trademark attorney assistant at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. She earned her B.S.B.A. in marketing and management from the University of Richmond.
Education/Alumni:
J.D., George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School, Deans Scholar
B.S.B.A., University of Richmond
Last updated November 2021
