Consumer

Overview

Today’s consumer, particularly Millennials and Generation Z, is defined by the rapid change from in-person to digital purchasing, an overall lack of brand loyalty, and a desire for brands to share the same values as they do. Nixon Peabody works with a broad range of clients in the consumer sector, including fashion, food and beverage, gaming, hospitality, retail, and sports leaders. We represent both iconic global brands as well as companies in breakthrough industries, such as esports.

Our clients include organizations and individuals, from large producers and well-known franchises to public figures around the world. We help clients monetize their brands, navigate regulations, make profitable investments, protect their intellectual property, and embrace sustainability. Remaining connected and engaged with your consumers in this environment requires thoughtfulness, creativity, real-time vigilance, and the right legal partner to achieve your business and cultural goals on the global stage.

Representative Experience

• Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc: Manage the worldwide trademark portfolio of one of America’s top-ten largest video game companies, which created Pac-Man, Tekken, Dragonball, and other familiar titles
• The Boston Beer Company: Represented the producer of Samuel Adams beers, America’s second largest-selling craft beer, and Angry Orchard, Twisted Tea, and other brands, in numerous corporate transactions and investments, SEC reporting and corporate governance matters, labor and employment, and special contractual matters
• Constellation Brands: Represent the Fortune 500® leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits in virtually all areas of the law (in the US and globally), including acquisitions, dispositions, corporate transactions, corporate financing, SEC reporting and compliance, labor, employment and benefits, real estate, litigation and dispute resolution, and intellectual property
• Dunkin Brands: Represented one of the world’s leading franchisors of quick service restaurants, with a variety of franchise transactions, franchise litigation, corporate matters, and employment issues
• Hard Rock International: Advised one of the world’s most globally recognized brands and hotel and restaurant franchisors, in the expansion of its brand into a variety of international markets including Nigeria, Nepal, and Tunisia
• Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M): Represented an international clothing retailer, in an investigation alleging patent infringement involving technologies related to lasers used to abrade denim to make it look “aged.” The investigation and the related district court litigation settled favorably prior to hearing. Certain Laser Abraded Denim Garments (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-930)
• St Andrews Links: Advised the oldest and most renowned golf course in the world in trademark infringement matters
• Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.: Advise the family-owned supermarket chain on general corporate, labor and employment matters, and family foundation and estate planning

Recognition

• Nixon Peabody has been named a Tier 1 National firm for Commercial Litigation; Franchise Law; Patent Law; and Trademark Law in the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms®.