Rita Weeks is an intellectual property litigation partner in the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery LLP and is based in the Firm’s Washington, D.C., office. Rita specializes in litigation matters involving claims for trademark infringement, counterfeiting and dilution; copyright infringement; trade dress infringement; false advertising and unfair competition; and Internet-related disputes. Rita possesses substantial experience representing clients in a variety of industries before federal and state courts, in arbitration and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
In addition, Rita regularly advises clients concerning the development and substantiation of proposed advertising materials as well as assessment of potential claims against competitor advertising. Further, Rita routinely counsels clients on the protection, enforcement and licensing of their intellectual property assets. Rita has recovered dozens of domain names through UDRP proceedings.
Rita’s recent experience includes:
- Obtained preliminary injunction and sanctions in excess of $3 million against trademark counterfeiters for financial investments client
- Obtained ex parte temporary restraining order and expedited discovery against defendants trafficking in counterfeit financial services
- Won opposition brought before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board for technology services client against registration of competitor’s mark; established that client’s mark was famous
- Obtained permanent injunction in copyright infringement case involving widespread sales of infringing materials via Internet websites
- Co-lead counsel representing famous artist in copyright and trademark lawsuit against licensee
Rita frequently writes on intellectual property law issues. Further, Rita is the Associate Editor of McDermott’s monthly newsletter, IP Update. Rita has been published in the World Trademark Report, World Trademark Review, Global IP Asset Management Report, Orange County Lawyer, IP Law 360, Technology Law 360 and other publications.
Education
- Boston University School of Law, J.D., 2004
- New York University School of Law, LL.M., 2006
- University of California-Santa Barbara, B.A., 2000
