Foley Hoag Intellectual Property Department Welcomes Marion Cavalier

We are delighted to announce that Marion Cavalier has joined the firm as an associate in our Paris office.  Marion’s practice encompasses patent, trademark, copyright and commercial litigation.  Marion also advises clients on data protection, defamation, privacy and contract. Her experience spans a broad range of industries with particular emphasis on the technology, media and telecommunications sectors.

We sat down with Marion to ask her about her practice and her views on some of the IP issues of the day.

Q: What brought you to Foley Hoag?

A: I wanted to work in a dynamic environment that serves international clients, and Foley Hoag is just what I was looking for.  Because Foley Hoag has offices in the US and in Europe, its attorneys can work closely together as one organized team.  This kind of coordination is essential when working on cross-border matters, and is valuable for all clients with international legal needs. The firm’s excellent reputation, its innovative practices and the high level of expertise of the IP Department were also key to my decision.

I had worked in the past with Catherine Muyl, the head of the Paris IP Department, who has more than 20 years of experience in intellectual property law and who developed an extensive and distinguished expertise in those areas.  I am very happy to be working with Catherine again.

Q: What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities facing trademark owners?

A: Globalization remains a constant source of new challenges. Indeed, it is increasingly important for trademark owners to think on a global scale at an early stage to protect the value of their trademarks in the long term. Beyond the issue of availability in targeted geographical areas, trademark owners should also consider international counterfeiting issues by, for example, considering filing for trademarks in “high risk” countries (especially for food or drug products).

Q.: Are there specific challenges for trademark owners in Europe? 

In the European Union, there is a strong movement to harmonize intellectual property laws of Member States. In theory, this is a good thing for trademark owners, especially for those who are not European, as it brings legal stability and predictability and the promise of a “unique forum”. However, it is very important not to underestimate the benefits of national registrations and the ability to enforce one’s trademark rights in the national courts in certain circumstances.

“Brexit” created uncertainties and challenges for trademark owners. This is explained in an article which was posted on this blog.

Q:  What do you do when you are not practicing law at Foley Hoag?

A: I am a big music fan! I play the (transverse) flute. My formal musical education was classical but I particularly enjoy playing and listening to jazz and bossa nova.

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