Mary assists clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-up organizations with their intellectual property issues, including trademark and copyright registrations, licensing agreements, infringement, advertising compliance and sweepstakes issues.
She counsels companies regarding computer software and technology development, and related licensing issues. In addition, she advises companies regarding data privacy issues.
Mary is a frequent speaker on a variety of legal topics including matters related to sweepstakes, advertising law, trade dress protection, licensing law and intellectual property for contract managers, emerging growth business, ecommerce and law for museums.
Experience
- Representation of consumer products companies in planning, filing and administering sweepstakes.
- Assisting international chemical company with licensing of its dormant patents.
- Reviewing and approving television and print advertising for one of the largest consumer electronics retailers.
- Managing trademark portfolios for dozens of large and small clients domestically and internationally.
- Negotiating and drafting sports sponsorship agreements for one of the leading tire manufacturers in the world.
- Virginia
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Federal Court
Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, Gaming Law, 2009-2021, Copyright Law, 2009-2025; Trademark Law, 2024, 2025; Woodward/White, Inc.
Named “Lawyer of the Year,” Copyright Law, Richmond, The Best Lawyers in America, 2022
Named to “Virginia Super Lawyers,” Intellectual Property, Entertainment and Sports, Gaming, Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2006, 2007, 2010
Named to “Legal Elite,” Intellectual Property, Virginia Business, 2006
- Duke University School of LawJD1989
- University of VirginiaBA1986
Chair, Board of Governors, Section of Intellectual Property, Virginia State Bar 2000-2001
Chair, Personal Insurance for Members Committee, 1994-1998, Virginia State Bar, 1990-2003
Legislation Committee, Intellectual Property Section, Virginia Bar Association, 1998-2001
Chair, Subcommittee on Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Affairs, 1998-1999, Intellectual Property Section, American Bar Association
Member; Emerging Issues Committee, 2005-Present; Program Committee, 2003-2005; USPTO Committee, 2001-2003; Committee on Unfair Competition, 1995-1997; U.S. Legislation Analysis Committee, 1997-2003 and 1994-1995; Political Action Committee, Board of Directors, 1999-2003; International Trademark Association
Member, Greater Richmond Intellectual Property Law Association
Member, State Song Subcommittee, Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations
Moderator, Presbytery of the James, 2012-2013
Member, Virginia Hemophilia Advisory Board, 1999-2002
Member, Leadership Development Council, Richmond Chapter, American Red Cross, 1995
Board Member, New Virginia Review
Board Member, Raggs, Inc., 2001-2006
Elder, Salisbury Presbyterian Church
Elder, Chair – Youth Ministry Council, Usher, Sunday School Teacher, First Presbyterian Church
Member, Richmond Republican Committee
President, House Corporation, Alpha Omicron Pi, University of Virginia
Member, Parents’ Council Representative and Annual Giving Chairman, St. Catherine’s School, 2000-2001
Member, Board of Directors, International Hospital for Children, 2003-2005
Member, Parents Association Representative, St. Christopher’s School
Member, Board of Governors, Travelers Aid Society, 1995-1997
Moderator, Business Affairs Committee, Presbytery of the James
Member, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Technology Policy Committee, 2001-Present
Board Member, Commonwealth Parenting Center
- Author, Supreme Court Trademark Ruling Shows You Can’t Judge a Book(ing) by Its .Com, McGuireWoods Legal Alert, July 2, 2020