Principal

Brian J. Winterfeldt

email
brian@winterfeldt.law
phone
202-759-5833

Founder & Principal, Winterfeldt IP Group

With over 25 years of experience in trademark and Internet law, Brian J. Winterfeldt is a nationally recognized authority on intellectual property strategy and brand protection. As the Founder and CEO of Winterfeldt IP Group, Brian leads a boutique practice dedicated to helping clients safeguard and grow their brands across traditional and digital platforms.

Brian counsels global clients across sectors including technology, fashion, financial services, entertainment, and retail. His areas of focus include trademark clearance and prosecution, enforcement, trade dress, copyright, and global brand protection. He also has deep experience in digital brand enforcement strategies spanning websites, social media, online marketplaces, and mobile applications.

A pioneer in Internet governance, Brian is a leading voice on domain name strategy and policy. He has served in leadership roles within ICANN’s gTLD policy framework and regularly advises on domain name portfolio management, online brand monitoring, and digital enforcement solutions—including emerging legal concerns related to artificial intelligence and brand identity.

Thought Leadership & Industry Engagement

Brian is a frequent speaker, published author, and recognized thought leader in the fields of intellectual property law and Internet policy. He has held prominent roles with the International Trademark Association (INTA), including service on its Board and DEI Council, and was appointed to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Public Advisory Committee (TPAC). His contributions span industry panels, academic forums, legal journals, and global conferences.

Commitment to DEI & Pro Bono Advocacy

An unwavering champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession, Brian has made DEI a core value of his practice. He has chaired the LGBTQ+ Bar’s Intellectual Property Law Institute and served on the Board of Directors of The Trevor Project for nearly a decade. Brian actively partners with organizations like the Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession (IILP) and supports underrepresented communities through impactful pro bono work.

Honors & Recognition

Brian is consistently rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell and is regularly recognized by leading legal directories including World Trademark Review, Chambers & Partners, and World IP Review for excellence in trademark law and global IP strategy.

Education

  • J.D., Georgetown University Law Center
  • M.A., Latin American Studies, Tulane University
  • B.A., Art History, Emory University

Brian Winterfeldt brings together legal excellence, visionary leadership, and a steadfast commitment to inclusion—making him a trusted partner to some of the world’s most prominent brands navigating today’s evolving intellectual property landscape.

Accolades

  • Awards & Accolades
    • 2017–Present: Chambers Ranked Attorney for Trademark, Copyright, and Trade Secrets
    • 2011–Present: World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000 - Leading Trademark Practitioners; Gold for Prosecution and Counseling (Washington DC); Gold for New gTLDs (Nationally)
    • 2021–Present: World Trademark Review (WTR) Global Leaders, Private Practice (Washington DC)
    • 2020–Present: Martindale-Hubbell, AV Preeminent Attorney
    • 2014–Present: Managing Intellectual Property, IP Star (New York: 2014–2018; Washington DC: 2019–2023)
    • 2011–Present: Who's Who Legal: Trademarks
    • 2012–2018: Euromoney Guide to the World's Leading Trademark Law Practitioners
    • 2018: OUTstanding Top 100 LGBTQ+ Executives
    • 2018: Expert Guides Ranked - The World's Leading Lawyers for Trademark
    • 2017: National Law Journal IP Trailblazer
    • 2013: Minority Corporate Counsel Association, Rainmaker
    • 2011: International Trademark Association Volunteer Service Award for the Advancement of Committee Objectives
    • 2011: National LGBT Bar Association, Best LGBT Attorneys Under 40


Activities

  • Professional Memberships & Leadership Roles
    • United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): Past Member, Trademark Public Advisory Committee (TPAC)
    • American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA): Brand Enforcement Council Member
    • International Trademark Association (INTA): Past Board of Directors, Special Advisor to the Internet Committee; Current Member of Brands and Innovation Committee, DEI Council, and PAC Board
    • Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN): Member, Intellectual Property Constituency (IPC); Past President, Treasurer, and GNSO Councilor
    • MARQUES (European Trademark Association): Member
    • National LGBTQ+ Bar Association: Chair, Intellectual Property Law Institute (2014–2021)
    • BNA Electronic Commerce & Law Report: Advisory Board Member
    • The Trevor Project: Past Board of Directors Member, Secretary, and Executive Committee Member
    • International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition: Member
    • New York City Bar Association: Member
    • INTA Trademark Administration Project Team: Member (2011–Present)

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