Meryl Bernstein
Partner Intellectual Property
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Overview
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Experience
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Credentials
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Insights and events
Whether it's the next commercial or strategic transaction, reshaping supply or distribution relationships, or executing new technology and distribution platforms, Meryl Bernstein partners with clients to bring practical solutions in real time. Meryl is the co-head of the firm's global Retail, Consumer Products, and Fashion group and the co-head of the Transactional group within the Intellectual Property, Media, and Technology practice group.
Meryl brings her extensive skills in e-commerce and technology transactions to help global fashion, beauty, internet, and software firms with a range of technology, marketing, and complex commercial matters from supply chain, distribution, licensing, and promotional arrangements. Meryl also advises consumer-facing brands on matters including social media campaigns, influencer marketing sweepstakes and promotions.
Meryl guides her clients through large-scale change as they expand into new markets or business lines advising on licensing agreements, manufacturing, logistics, distribution and other key commercial arrangements. She navigates clients as they digitize traditional products, launch new product lines, commence new partnerships with technology providers, and incorporate new technologies into their business. Meryl has a wealth of experience working alongside our mergers and acquisitions team. She advises companies on the IP aspects of corporate transactions and handles the business-critical commercial arrangements that are attendant to a transaction, including transition services, supply and licensing arrangements. needed to keep a business running throughout an acquisition or divestiture.
Meryl's prior role as Assistant General Counsel at Gilt Groupe, where she oversaw all IP matters and advised on a range of commercial agreements, taught her the importance of practical legal advice with a quick turnaround. Meryl is also active with the firm's initiatives for the advancement of women lawyers.
Representative experience
Aldo on various brand licensing matters.
Girl Scouts of the USA on all aspects of its Digital Cookie program, making cookies available for purchase online, including licensing, manufacturing, and customer terms.
Tommy John on transactional and strategic advice, and their key commercial arrangements recently leading a worldwide team to advise on an international warehousing and distribution arrangement.
The University of Idaho in connection with IP and technology aspects of its $550 purchase of the University of Phoenix, the online for-profit university
Sotheby’s on the next chapter of its business model, including its transitions from a auction-based sales model to a an eCommerce platform.
Global cosmetic companies such as Supergoop! and Glo Skin with respect to complex commercial agreements including international distribution and supply chain arrangements.
Cupid Intimates, a leading manufacturer and retailer of women’s intimate apparel, on a range of manufacturing, distribution and licensing matters.
Celebrity jeweler Neil Lane on intellectual property matters in connection with sale of Neil Lane brand to Authentic Brands Group.
A national retailer on the development and implementation of its Retail Media Network, which will create a new online advertising platform for brand partners.
Synopsys in its US$565m purchase of Black Duck Software, a venture-backed software security company.
OUTFRONT Media on its acquisitions of the technology and tools necessary to digitize its business, including complex license and IP transfer arrangements.
Global beverage company on key commercial agreements relating to new product development, market tests and launches.
Leading food and beverage manufacturers and retailers including Wyandot regarding supply and manufacturing arrangements.
Women's fashion company MM. LaFleur on intellectual property matters, including global trademark prosecution.
KBR, Inc., in its acquisition of SGT, Inc., a government services provider.
Various consumer-facing brands in connection with development, implementation, and administration of sweepstakes, contests, and promotions companywide, including on social media platforms.
Credentials
- J.D., Fordham University School of Law, cum laude, 2006
- B.A., Wellesley College, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Trustee Scholar for Outstanding Academic Achievement, 2003
- Virginia
- District of Columbia
- New York
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Member, ChIPs (organization for Women in IP), 2013-Present
- Member, Fashion Law Committee, New York Bar Association, 2012-Present
- Member, Intellectual Property Law Section, American Bar Association, 2007-Present
- Past President of the Board, Ellevate, Washington, D.C. chapter
- Member, Internet Committee, International Trademark Association
- Member, Women in Technology