Mary has thirteen years of experience practicing trademark law with the attorneys at Wilcox IP, PC and its predecessors, Vanek, Vickers & Masini, P.C. and Daar & Vanek, P.C.  Mary’s current practice at Wilcox IP focuses heavily on trademark and copyright matters, and she counsels clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies with trademark clearance, prosecution and enforcement, including opposition and cancellation proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, issuance of cease and desist letters and pre-litigation settlement, as well as copyright protection and enforcement.

Mary also has extensive experience handling general corporate and contract matters, including preparation and negotiation of a wide variety of commercial and transactional agreements, and establishment and governance of business entities.

Mary began her career in New York City at Chadbourne & Park, LLP as a Trusts & Estates Attorney, and later worked for seven years as Senior Legal Counsel for L’Air Liquide, S.A. in Paris, France, where she brokered international transactions and commercial agreements for the world leader in the industrial gases field.

Mary has successfully prosecuted and maintained thousands of trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and foreign trademark authorities, managing trademark portfolios ranging from several to hundreds of marks for clients large and small, including portfolio management for the largest vineyard owner in the United States and worldwide trademark prosecution for the world’s leading software provider in the online entertainment field. She has also policed and successfully enforced clients’ global trademark portfolios against infringement in the United States and abroad, including delivery of cease and desist letters, institution of opposition and cancellation proceedings before the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and settlement of trademark disputes. Mary has established a worldwide network of foreign trademark agents with whom she consults on foreign trademark matters.  See a representative list of Wilcox IP’s clients.

In the contracts and corporate arena, Mary established joint venture companies and subsidiaries on five continents for L’Air Liquide S.A., and has worked on agreements running the gamut from gas supply to technology transfer, materials purchase, and commercial distribution and sales.   In her current practice, Mary assists start-ups and small businesses with government filings and agreements relating to incorporation, asset acquisition, and corporate governance.

On a personal level, Mary is a fluent French speaker and enjoys frequent travel with her husband and two daughters to their family home in France.  At home in Chicago, she loves to cook and take advantage of the beautiful Chicago waterfront.

Professional Involvement

• Chicago Bar Association, Member
• Illinois Bar Association, Member
• International Trademark Association, Member

Civic Activities

• Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Board of Directors
• Old St. Pat’s Catholic Church in Chicago, Active Member and Volunteer