Partner Kristen Smith Appointed General Counsel of Rolex Watch U.S.A., Inc.

Gibney is very proud to share that Partner Kristen Smith has been appointed the first-ever General Counsel of Rolex Watch U.S.A., Inc. Kristen has been with Gibney for 18 years and serves as a member of the Management Committee and the head of our Corporate Group. We are incredibly grateful for Kristen’s leadership and dedication. Kristen starts her new role on April 1, and we wish her the best in this prestigious and exciting new position.

Gibney Ranked in Fashion Law 2025: The Top U.S. Law Firms for Retail Companies

Gibney has been ranked in The Fashion Law’s Fashion Law 2025: The Top U.S. Law Firms for Retail Companies.

About the ranking:

Navigating the legal landscape of the fashion industry can be complex, with unique challenges in brand protection, international trade, supply chain management, sustainability and environmental compliance, and advertising and marketing regulations, among other critical areas of their operations. Against this background and in light of the issues that arise in connection with the manufacturing, marketing, and sale of fashion and luxury goods products and services, a growing number of law firms offer specialized expertise to help brands to both manage issues and safeguard their creative – and business – assets.

Given the consistently evolving nature of the fashion industry, a segment in which trends and the state of markets can rapidly shift, it is important for individuals and businesses in this space to work with legal professionals that understand the industry’s nuances and can provide tailored solutions.

With this in mind, TFL has compiled its inaugural list of top law firms specializing in fashion law, luxury goods, and consumer products more broadly.

In compiling the list of top fashion law firms, TFL assessed some of the largest U.S. law firms with fashion law practices. TFL considered various factors in selecting these firms, including but not limited to the size and scope of their practices, the breadth of fashion law services offered, their notable client base, and their active involvement in the fashion law community.

TFL notes that “Gibney, Anthony & Flaherty, LLP is a New York-based law firm with a dedicated intellectual property group, which encompasses the luxury goods, apparel, and fashion industries. The firm provides strategic legal counsel on trademark prosecution and enforcement, copyright protection, brand management, anti-counterfeiting measures, and licensing agreements. With extensive experience in protecting fashion brands’ creative assets, Gibney assists clients in navigating complex IP disputes, international trademark registrations, and emerging challenges in e-commerce and digital branding. The firm’s extensive work in intellectual property and active participation in related conferences highlight its prominence in the fashion law sector.​”

Read More.

Inez Macedonio is the Top Immigration Author in JD Supra’s 2025 Readers Choice Awards

JD Supra Readers Choice Top Firm 2025

Gibney is proud to announce that immigration Attorney Inez Macedonio has been recognized at the top immigration attorney in the 2025 JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards. 

About JD Supra’s Readers’ Choice Awards

The Readers’ Choice Awards recognize top authors and firms who were read by C-suite executives, in-house counsel, media, and other professionals across the JD Supra platform during 2024.

This year, the awards recognize:

  • authors for their visibility and thought leadership covering 33 key, cross-industry topics (10 authors per category, barring ties)
  • firms for their visibility and engagement in the 33 topics covered by the awards (one firm per category)

Methodology

As the name suggests, the Readers’ Choice Awards reflect a deep dive into our 2024 reader data, in which we studied total visibility and engagement among readers across many industries interested in certain defining topics of the day.

JD Supra editors chose the 33 main topics covered in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards for their timeliness as well as their proven, ongoing importance. In each category, we recognize ten authors and one firm for consistently highest readership and engagement within that category for all of 2024. In total, across all categories, we recognized the excellence and achievement of 344 authors selected from over 70,000 who publish their excellent work on our platform.

Along with a top firm in each category, we also feature additional reader data, including the top five most-read articles, popular related topics, total number of authors, and other category-specific information.

Year to year, Readers’ Choice Award categories may change or be expanded to include additional industries or topics.

About JD Supra

JD Supra delivers need-to-know legal and business content to professionals in all industries in daily email digests, via more than 100 proprietary social feeds, on mobile platforms, to partner websites, and as news across the web. Through the innovative use of technology and curated audiences, JD Supra connects over 70,000 professionals writing on important topics to C-suite executives, in-house counsel, and media members concerned with matters impacting business today. JD Supra also provides firms with competitive insights and market intelligence derived from the thousands of articles being read daily across the platform. For more information, visit resources.jdsupra.com and check out last year’s awards here

Brian Brokate and Jacqueline Alcantara Co-Author World IP Review Article: Jack Daniel’s harmed, but not infringed, by chewy dog toy

IP Partner Brian Brokate and Law Clerk Jacqueline Alcantara co-authored the article “Jack Daniel’s harmed, but not infringed, by chewy dog toy” for the World IP Review.

In the article, Brian and Jacqueline explore the decade-long litigation between Jack Daniels and VIP Products. After a Supreme Court ruling, the case was returned to US District Court for the District of Arizona. The latest January 21, 2025 ruling finds that the whiskey brand’s marks were diluted but not infringed upon by the dog toy. Brian and Jacqueline review the First Amendment arguments, trademark dilution considerations and key takeaways from the case.

Read the full article: https://www.worldipreview.com/trademark/jack-daniels-harmed-but-not-infringed-by-chewy-dog-toy

 

Brian Brokate Recognized as a Leading IP Attorney in the World Trademark Review 1000

Gibney IP Partner Brian Brokate was recognized in the 2025 World Trademark Review 1000 for enforcement and litigation work.

Brian assists companies in investigation and enforcement procedures to combat trademark and copyright infringement. With a niche focus on anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy, he handles all stages of civil anti-counterfeiting and infringement litigation as well as acting as support on behalf of clients for state and federal criminal actions.

About WTR 1000
WTR 1000 – the World’s Leading Trademark Professionals – a unique guide that identifies the top trademark professionals in key jurisdictions around the globe. The WTR 1000 focuses exclusively on trademark practice and has firmly established itself as the definitive ‘go-to’ resource for those seeking world-class legal trademark expertise.

Gibney Names John Macaluso as New Intellectual Property Chair

Gibney is pleased to announce the appointment of Partner John Macaluso as the new Chair of the Intellectual Property Group. John currently serves as a member of Gibney’s Executive Committee and has been with Gibney for 35 years.

John focuses his practice on trademark and copyright enforcement and brand protection, as well as general business, corporate and sports law. He counsels clients in the luxury goods, fashion, consumer electronics, sports and entertainment industries in developing nationwide programs to protect and enforce their intellectual property rights. He has successfully litigated numerous trademark counterfeiting and copyright infringement cases, obtaining injunctive relief as well as millions of dollars in damages. John has also supervised hundreds of civil seizures of counterfeit merchandise, as well as dozens of civil and administrative proceedings under ICANN’s Uniform Dispute Resolution Procedure (UDRP), the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and the Anti-cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA). Considered an expert on anti-counterfeiting issues, John advises federal, state and local law enforcement agencies on procedures to combat the counterfeiting of trademarked goods. He also provides training to these agencies on the identification of counterfeit merchandise.

As one of the founders of Gibney’s Online Brand Protection Group, John supervises a team devoted exclusively to protecting and enforcing brand owners’ rights on the internet.  He is experienced in drafting and negotiating website development and hosting agreements and advises companies and individuals on new technology, computer and internet-related matters. He is also the founder of Gibney’s Sports Name, Image and Likeness Group, which focuses on assisting athletes and universities with contracts, sponsorship, licensing and naming rights agreements, publicity rights, intellectual property protection, business formation and compliance.

“I am honored to step into this role in the IP Group. Under the leadership of Partner Brian Brokate over many years, Gibney has developed a well-known reputation in anticounterfeiting and brand protection. I look forward to continuing to ensure that our IP practice remains at the forefront of industry trends and continues to lead innovative complex enforcement programs for our clients,” said John.

About the Intellectual Property Group
From registration to enforcement, Gibney’s Intellectual Property Group assists companies in obtaining, managing and protecting their intellectual property in the U.S. and abroad. We assist multinational corporations and start-ups in industries including luxury goods, fashion and apparel, consumer goods, sports, entertainment and technology. While others may view intellectual property as a commoditized practice, we focus on developing tailored and comprehensive brand enforcement strategies. We offer each client objective, practical and thorough advice, always taking into consideration their business goals and budget.

Gibney Celebrates Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

At Gibney, we understand that navigating the U.S. immigration system is a crucial step in a person’s professional and personal journey. As we approach Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, we reflect on the values of opportunity and inclusion that drive this nation.

Constitution Day observed annually on September 17, commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. For immigration professionals, this day serves as a reminder of the foundational legal principles that underpin U.S. governance and immigration policies. The Constitution’s emphasis on equal protection and due process influences the legal landscape of employment-based immigration, ensuring that businesses uphold fair practices when hiring and sponsoring foreign workers.

Citizenship Day, also observed on September 17, celebrates the naturalization process and the rights and responsibilities bestowed through the acquisition of U.S. citizenship. For immigration practitioners, this day is an opportunity to reflect on the vital role of naturalized citizens in the national landscape, workforce and broader economy. Naturalized individuals contribute significantly to various sectors, bringing diverse skills and perspectives that drive innovation and growth.

At Gibney, our team is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses achieve their immigration and global mobility goals efficiently and effectively. This includes ensuring proper documentation, adherence to labor laws, and understanding the nuances of visa categories and work authorization. Whether it is seeking visas for international talent or exploring pathways to permanent residency, we provide tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.

Join us in celebrating Constitution Day and Citizenship Day as these observances reinforce the importance of diligent immigration compliance and respect for the diverse contributions of all foreign nationals.

Gibney Attorneys Recognized in 2024 JD Supra Awards

Gibney attorneys were recognized as a top author on the subject of immigration for the fourth consecutive year. The 2024 JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards highlight top authors and firms who were read by C-suite executives, in-house counsel, media, and other professionals across the JD Supra platform. This year’s awards recognize 303 authors from among the approximately 70,000 who published on the JD Supra platform throughout 2023.

badge-author-large-2024

ABOUT JD SUPRA
JD Supra delivers need-to-know legal and business content to professionals in all industries in daily email digests, via more than 100 proprietary social feeds, on mobile platforms, to partner websites, and as news across the web. Through the innovative use of technology and curated audiences, JD Supra connects over 58,000 professionals writing on important topics to C-suite executives, in-house counsel, and media members concerned with matters impacting business today.

Gibney Attorneys Recognized in Super Lawyers 2023

Gibney attorneys were recognized in New York Super Lawyers 2023. Super Lawyers recognizes lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

Gibney attorneys recognized include:

Intellectual Property
Brian Brokate
Jeffrey Dupler
Beth Frenchman-Gellman

Litigation
W. Lee Kinnally, Jr.

Immigration
Stephen J.O Maltby