Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox: Tracy-Gene Durkin

In the heart of Washington D.C., a city synonymous with innovation, policy, and influence, the protection of intellectual property (IP) is a critical concern for businesses and individuals alike. From groundbreaking technological advancements to iconic consumer product designs, safeguarding creative and commercial assets requires specialized legal expertise. For those navigating the intricate world of patents, trademarks, and copyrights, having a seasoned and highly recognized attorney can make all the difference. Within this dynamic legal environment, Tracy-Gene Durkin, a distinguished Director at Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox, stands as a leading authority, particularly renowned for her work in design patent law.

Tracy-Gene Durkin leads the Mechanical & Design Practice Group at Sterne Kessler, a firm globally acclaimed for its unwavering dedication to intellectual property rights. With more than thirty-five years of experience, Tracy-Gene has cultivated a reputation for excellence, offering profound insights into the nuances of utility and design patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Her ability to craft unique and effective IP protection strategies has made her a sought-after expert by leading consumer product companies worldwide, as well as by colleagues seeking her deep understanding of complex IP matters. For anyone in the District of Columbia looking to secure their designs, protect their brands, or enforce their intellectual property rights, Tracy-Gene Durkin provides an invaluable and highly experienced resource right here in the city.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Tracy-Gene Durkin’s practice, specifically tailored for local residents and businesses in the District of Columbia. We will explore the convenient location and accessibility of her office, the comprehensive range of specialized services she offers, the distinctive features that highlight her expertise, and how to establish contact. Whether you are an emerging designer, a startup with a novel product, or an established corporation facing infringement challenges, understanding the caliber of legal support available within your community is essential for safeguarding your intellectual assets.

Location and Accessibility

Tracy-Gene Durkin is based at the esteemed offices of Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox, located at 1100 New York Ave NW #800, Washington, DC 20005, USA. This premier address places her practice in a central and highly accessible part of Washington D.C., making it convenient for clients throughout the District. The firm's presence on New York Avenue NW ensures straightforward access, whether you are coming from Capitol Hill, Georgetown, or other vibrant D.C. neighborhoods. Public transportation is readily available, with several Metro stations within easy walking distance, including Metro Center (serving the Red, Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines) and McPherson Square (Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines). Numerous bus routes also traverse the area, providing additional accessibility for those relying on public transit.

For clients who prefer to drive, while downtown D.C. parking can sometimes be a consideration, the area surrounding 1100 New York Avenue NW offers various commercial parking garages, providing convenient options for visitors. This strategic and easily reachable location underscores Tracy-Gene Durkin's commitment to serving the local D.C. community, ensuring that top-tier intellectual property counsel is always within reach for innovators, businesses, and creators.

Services Offered

Tracy-Gene Durkin’s practice at Sterne Kessler provides comprehensive intellectual property services with a particular emphasis on design patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Her expertise extends to both procurement and enforcement of IP rights, offering strategic counsel to a diverse range of clients, from leading consumer product companies to individual inventors. Key services include:

• Design Patent Application and Prosecution: Guiding clients through the entire process of obtaining design patents, from drafting applications to navigating the USPTO examination process, with a focus on protecting ornamental designs and graphical user interfaces.
• Utility Patent Application and Prosecution: Assisting in the preparation and prosecution of utility patent applications, ensuring comprehensive protection for functional inventions.
• Trademark and Brand Protection: Providing strategic advice and services for clearing new products and trademarks for use in the marketplace, selecting appropriate brand protection, and managing trademark portfolios.
• Copyright Registration and Enforcement: Counseling clients on copyright protection for creative works and assisting in the enforcement of copyright rights.
>IP Enforcement and Litigation: Representing companies in patent, trademark, and copyright disputes before Federal District Courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the International Trade Commission (ITC), the U.S. Patent & Trademark Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
• Domain Name Arbitrations: Successfully representing both complainants and respondents before the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) in domain name disputes.
• IP Strategy Development: Crafting unique intellectual property protection strategies tailored to individual client needs, including IP audits and comprehensive portfolio management.
• Expert Witness Services: Serving as an expert witness in patent disputes in District Court litigation and before the ITC on issues related to design patents and USPTO practice and procedures.

Features / Highlights

Tracy-Gene Durkin’s distinguished career is marked by numerous features and highlights that set her apart as a leading intellectual property attorney, particularly beneficial for local D.C. clients:

• Design Patent Authority: She is widely recognized as a leading authority on design patents, sought out by major consumer product companies and acknowledged by publications like the Financial Times, which named her one of the “Top Ten Legal Innovators in North America.”
• Extensive Experience: With over 35 years of experience in obtaining and enforcing intellectual property rights, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge and strategic insight to every client matter.
• USPTO Background: Her prior experience working at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office provides her with unique insight into arguing difficult cases and negotiating with examiners during personal interviews.
• Industry Recognition: Tracy-Gene is consistently recognized by leading legal publications, including being named an “IP Star” by Managing IP (since 2013), ranked in the IAM Patent 1000, and listed among the “Top 250 Women in IP.” She also received the Leader of Innovation Medal from Thomas Jefferson University.
• Leadership Roles: She is the practice leader of Sterne Kessler's Mechanical & Design Practice Group and a member of the Trademark & Brand Protection Practice. She was the first woman elected equity director to the firm and the first woman to serve on its executive committee. She has also held leadership positions in various professional organizations, including serving on the USPTO Patent Public Advisory Committee (PPAC) and chairing the Designs Committee for the International Trademark Association (INTA).
• Thought Leadership: Tracy-Gene has authored a chapter on “Design Protection for Graphical User Interfaces” in the authoritative “Research Handbook on Design Law” and frequently speaks internationally on topics such as the Hague Agreement and the interplay between design patents and trade dress.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific public promotions or special offers are not typically advertised for highly specialized intellectual property legal services, individuals and businesses in the District of Columbia are highly encouraged to contact Tracy-Gene Durkin directly at Sterne Kessler. Reputable law firms often provide an initial consultation to prospective clients, allowing for a preliminary discussion of their legal needs and an assessment of how the firm's expertise can best be applied. This introductory meeting offers a valuable opportunity to understand the scope of services, discuss potential strategies, and inquire about fee structures. Reaching out directly is the best way to explore how Tracy-Gene Durkin can assist with your specific intellectual property challenges.

Contact Information

For those in the District of Columbia seeking preeminent legal counsel in intellectual property, particularly concerning design patents, trademarks, and copyrights, Tracy-Gene Durkin can be reached through the following contact details:

Address: 1100 New York Ave NW #800, Washington, DC 20005, USA

Phone: (202) 772-8660

Mobile Phone: +1 202-772-8660

Prospective clients are encouraged to call during regular business hours to schedule an appointment or to discuss their specific intellectual property requirements. The team at Sterne Kessler is known for its professional and responsive approach to client inquiries.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For individuals and businesses throughout the District of Columbia, Tracy-Gene Durkin at Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox offers an unparalleled resource for navigating the complexities of intellectual property law. Her office’s strategic location on New York Avenue NW ensures easy access from all parts of the city, making top-tier legal guidance readily available to D.C.'s vibrant community of innovators, designers, and entrepreneurs. Tracy-Gene Durkin's deep and specialized expertise in design patent law, combined with her extensive experience in trademarks and copyrights, positions her as an ideal attorney for protecting and enforcing the intellectual assets that drive our local economy.

Her proven track record, recognized by numerous industry accolades and her influential leadership roles, provides local clients with the assurance that their most valuable intellectual property is in exceptionally capable hands. Whether you are launching a new consumer product, designing a unique user interface, or combating infringement, Tracy-Gene Durkin provides the strategic insight and robust advocacy necessary for success in today's competitive landscape. For anyone in the District of Columbia looking to safeguard their creative works and innovations, Tracy-Gene Durkin represents a crucial and highly suitable local legal partner.