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McBrayer PLLC is proud to announce that Member Mari-Elise Paul has been selected to lead the firm’s formidable Intellectual Property practice. Paul takes the helm of a practice that has seen extensive, innovative growth in recent years, and operates at the highest level within the Commonwealth.
Member Mari-Elise Paul has long been a respected IP figure on both the national and international stage and now has brought her experience and expertise to McBrayer, along with, Associates Katherine M. Donnelly, Jameson “Jack” Seiffert, and Ameena Khan Per. Paul will unite her team with current McBrayer IP Members Jack Wheat and Bruce Paul and Associates Peter Rosene and Alec Betz.
Paul will take over IP leadership duties from Wheat, who founded the firm’s IP group after his own boutique firm became the state’s preeminent IP practice and will continue to elevate the group as a seasoned practitioner. His growth-minded vision has consistently expanded McBrayer’s regional IP presence, attracted top talent and led McBrayer’s IP group to the top of the market. The firm recognizes, highly values and appreciates Jack Wheat’s tremendous contributions to McBrayer, its colleagues and clients.
“It is a privilege to engage with one of the most sophisticated and respected intellectual property teams in the state and beyond,” said Paul. “What Jack Wheat has built here is ready-made to tackle every challenge presented in the ongoing struggle between intellectual property rights and emerging technology. This is a cutting-edge team.”
With the IP group effectively doubled in size, McBrayer will now have one of the largest Intellectual Property practice groups in Kentucky and will indeed be cutting-edge, deftly handling emerging issues such as Name, Image and Likeness ( “NIL”) as well as the complex convergence of IP law and artificial intelligence. The group boasts a wealth of litigation experience as well, with a national practice that has seen them defend clients in multiple states across the country.
While the practice finds its headquarters in the firm’s Louisville office, it comprises attorneys from both Louisville and Lexington for more efficient client service across central Kentucky.
“The most important function in leadership is ensuring the right people fill the right roles,” said Managing Member James H. Frazier, III. “Not only is Mari-Elise Paul the right person to head this practice, this is the right time and she’s in the right place to bring this already remarkable practice group to an unprecedented level of success. She exemplifies the standard set for McBrayer attorney leaders, and she will continue to help us forge a path into better client service and untapped markets.”
