In its May 24, 2017, edition, the Daily Journal recognized Manatt’s Michelle Cooke, co-chair of the firm’s intellectual property practice, as one of California’s Top Women Lawyers in 2017. Cooke is one of only 102 lawyers statewide who were named to the annual list.
In its profile of Cooke, the publication highlighted her roster of prominent clients. For seven years, she’s been working with Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment, primarily lending her IP expertise on the Jurassic Park and Despicable Me franchises. Frequently handling trademark cases for studios, Cooke told the Daily Journal that infringement issues tend to increase around the release date of a film. What may initially look like an infringer can turn out to be passionate fans, she said.
Cooke also explained that in those situations, educating people is most important. She often asks those fans for help to protect the brands by including disclaimers on their websites or by making small changes in what they are promoting or selling.