Mike Rizzo is regularly recognized by both World Trademark Review WTR 1000 and Managing IP as a leading practitioner in intellectual property law. Mike’s career has spanned over 20 years and includes time spent in AmLaw 100 firms and in-house with a global financial company. His practice focuses on all phases of intellectual property, including clearance, registrations, maintenance, enforcement, litigation, and licensing. Mike’s clients include well-known brands in the footwear and apparel industry and leading longevity, biotech, and clinical trials firms.
Mike is a dedicated intellectual property attorney who partners with clients to protect and strengthen the brand assets that are integral to their success. Over the course of his distinguished career, Mike has earned a reputation for his creative, strategic approach to solving complex legal challenges. Whether securing trade dress protection for iconic designs, managing global trademark portfolios, or developing innovative copyright and enforcement programs, Mike delivers solution-focused representation to clients across multiple jurisdictions.
Mike’s practice spans a diverse range of industries, including footwear and apparel, consumer products, healthcare, biotech, medical devices, and education. From emerging startups to globally recognized brands, he works with businesses at every stage to safeguard their trademarks, copyrights, trade dress, trade secrets, and domain names, delivering tailored solutions that align with their business goals and drive value. Mike works closely with clients to:
- Strategically counsel on trademark and copyright clearance, registration, and enforcement.
- Build and manage domestic and international intellectual property portfolios.
- Secure trade dress protection for distinctive product designs, shapes, and colors.
- Represent clients in disputes before the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).
- Develop and execute anti-piracy programs and online enforcement strategies.
- Negotiate licensing, sponsorship, and co-branding agreements to expand brand influence.
- Resolve domain name disputes and remove infringing content from digital platforms.
- Safeguard proprietary information through trade secret protection strategies.
As a partner and member of the Saunders & Silverstein leadership team, Mike thrives on building and driving the firm’s culture, one centered on collaboration, innovation, and supporting staff and attorneys. A natural mentor, Mike is committed to empowering his colleagues and creating an environment where ideas and talent thrive. For him, success isn’t just about protecting brands but about building lasting relationships and delivering solutions that make a real difference.
REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS
- Assisted well–known footwear and apparel brands in seeking registration and enforcing complex trade dress for iconic designs.
- Advised Japanese video game manufacturer on US trademark clearance and registration programs.
- Prepared and negotiated license, sponsorship, co-branding, and revenue sharing agreements for beverage industry client.
- Counseled educational publisher on portfolio development and brand protection across its divisions.
