Promotions and Team Expansion Mark the Start of a New Year at Leason Ellis

The Firm Promotes Matthew Frisbee, Henry Gabathuler, Michelle Levin and Welcomes New Associate Tatsuya Adachi. Once again, Leason Ellis demonstrates the strength of the firm’s culture and its commitment to attorney growth within the firm. “Matt, Henry, and Michelle are consummate professionals who have grown as attorneys in innumerable ways. They’re vital members of our team and represent the next generation of growth at Leason Ellis. We couldn’t be happier for the firm and for them,” said David Leason.

Matt is a seasoned trademark lawyer who helps clients develop tailored strategies for protecting and enforcing their brands in the U.S. and abroad. He takes a holistic approach to brand protection and utilizes diverse channels to safeguard intellectual property. Matt's varied practice includes litigating oppositions before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), advocating for policy changes at the USPTO, and filing design applications around the world. Clients praise Matt's hands-on approach to the law and the qualitative advice he provides. Matt holds degrees from The George Washington University (B.A., summa cum laude) and Washington & Lee University School of Law (J.D., 2007, cum laude).

Henry has extensive experience securing patent protection in the U.S. and worldwide. In addition, he handles patent, trademark, copyright, antitrust, and general business litigation matters at the district court and appellate court levels. His experience spans a broad range of technologies, including computer hardware and software, consumer electronics, telecommunications, industrial systems, mechanical and medical devices, and pharmaceutical products. Henry regularly counsels clients on matters including patentability and freedom-to-operate opinions, IP-related business transactions and licensing agreements, infringement and invalidity opinions, and IP due diligence investigations. Henry holds degrees from Lafayette College (B.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering) and Brooklyn Law School (J.D., 2007).

Michelle's practice includes all aspects of domestic and foreign trademark prosecution, including trademark counseling, clearance, and international filing, matters before the TTAB, and contentious matters abroad. Michelle's experience includes managing international trademark portfolios across various industries, from large international corporations to small family-owned businesses. Michelle represents companies across a range of industries, frequently shifting gears from fashion and cosmetics to consumer electronics and telecommunications to publishing and home goods. Michelle holds degrees from the University of Michigan (B.A., Economics) and Brooklyn Law School (J.D., 2007).

Tatsuya joins Leason Ellis as an Associate in the Litigation Practice Group. He is a hands-on legal strategist, risk evaluator, and courtroom advocate in IP disputes relating to copyrights and trademarks from pre-litigation investigation through trial and appeal. Tatsuya also handles non-contentious IP matters, including trademark and copyright prosecution and licensing. Tatsuya holds degrees from Skidmore College (B.A.) and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (J.D., 2016).