Mary A. Donovan

Prior to assuming the position of Senior Counsel, Mary worked for over 30 years on international trademark, copyright, and licensing issues for a wide variety of clients, in such diverse areas as publishing, pharmaceuticals, sports, toys, food and beverages, hotels, and fashion.  Her expertise included the acquisition, maintenance, and enforcement of marks worldwide.

Mary managed worldwide trademark portfolios, including the portfolio of a multinational Fortune 500 company, and provided clients with practical advice on the strategic rollout of international intellectual property filing, maintenance and enforcement programs.  Mary also handled U.S. opposition and cancellation actions in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and oversaw local counsel’s activities in enforcing marks abroad.  Transactional work included licensing and worldwide assignment/merger/name change programs.  Although she no longer handles day-to-day matters, she remains available for consultation on new or pending matters.

“Beyond shoes, I love the opera and jazz at Lincoln Center.”

Honors & Recognitions

“The 30-year veteran [Mary] Donovan is a force to be reckoned with for her following, routinely making their business goals her priority. There are few things in the trademark arena she cannot handle, from routine maintenance to global enforcement programmes and UDRP proceedings. She is also regularly called upon to supply guidance on IP transactions.” 2024 WTR 1000 – The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals 

"Mary Donovan has keen commercial instincts and makes it her duty to develop an extensive knowledge of every client’s business, [which makes] her an excellent partner and a trusted adviser... very practical and enables us to efficiently manage our large worldwide portfolio of trademarks... [has the] highest integrity [and] is also resourceful and well connected with local counsel worldwide.” 2023 WTR 1000 – The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals 

"Mary Donovan demonstrates exceptional resourcefulness and judgement, and guides her clients in a way that is sensitive to their budgetary concerns. She is well connected and highly regarded in the wider trademark community, and has excellent relations with local counsel worldwide. She is a pleasure to work with on all aspects of trademark prosecution, enforcement and litigation, as well as unfair competition, internet and advertising issues.” 2022 WTR 1000 – The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals 

“Mary Donovan is a global portfolio management star who is brilliant on the administrative, substantive and commercial aspects of matters.” 2020 WTR 1000 - The World's Leading Trademark Professionals

"Mary Donovan, Christopher Jensen and Maryann Licciardi bring impressive experience to bear in portfolio management, litigation and TTAB proceedings respectively." 2019 WTR 1000 – The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals

"Mary Donovan who re-joined the firm in 2017 is highly regarded throughout the IP community and well connected with local counsel worldwide, she is cost-conscious, responsive and resourceful. Moreover, she is extremely hands-on and possesses excellent judgement."  2018 WTR 1000 – The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals

The Best Lawyers in America

Copyright (2023)

World Trademark Review 1000

Prosecution and Strategy (2018 to present)

Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating

The Top Women in Intellectual Property, New York Times insert (based on AV rating)

New York Super Lawyers

Prosecution and Strategy (2006 - present)

Community & Professional Activities

International Trademark Association

Copyright Society of the USA

The Authors Guild

Blog Posts