Carolyn Passen

Practice Areas

Carolyn Passen focuses her practice on intellectual property litigation and counseling, with an emphasis on trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. She also litigates claims involving false advertising, unfair competition and defamation.

Carolyn regularly advises clients on how to best protect and defend their intellectual property and avoid infringement disputes. Her clients include Fortune 100 companies and other well-known brands in the fashion, technology, pharmaceutical and hospitality industries. She also defends major media corporations against claims of defamation stemming from statements made during public broadcasts or in the press.

Clients value Carolyn's judgment and practical approach to trademark clearance, prosecution, risk mitigation and enforcement strategies. She has represented clients in federal district courts and appellate courts throughout the country, as well as before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and US International Trade Commission. Many of her cases have been cited as precedent and discussed in professional journals due to the high profile and cutting-edge nature of the litigation involved. In addition, Carolyn often negotiates highly sensitive and confidential trademark acquisitions on behalf of clients.

Professional Memberships

Illinois State Bar Association

Personal

DePaul University College of Law, JD, cum laude

Miami University, BA, cum laude