Steve Bigger has protected the trademarks of some of the world’s best-known entertainers – from a young Michael Jackson embarking on his solo career to Jimmy Buffett and his “Margaritaville” song title, for which Steve teamed up with partner David Ehrlich to gain widespread protection, to countless other well-known entertainment groups, performers, and entertainment companies. His experience includes negotiating settlement agreements relating to name disputes between U.S. and British entertainment groups as well as protecting famous U.S. entertainment group names where there has been some “residual reputation” after the group ceased live performances, including cases where the fame of the name survived the dissolution of the group.
In addition to his entertainment clients, Steve has advised some of the world’s best-known brands on international trademark and intellectual property issues – and protected these assets in jurisdictions around the world. He also has extensive experience in international trademark assignment programs, including transfer tax issues.
Steve helped to spearhead the international aspects of the complex strategy involved in protecting the well-known (PRODUCT) RED fundraising initiative, which, since its launch in the spring of 2006, has generated more than $600 million for the Global Fund – more than any other business initiative that has contributed to the Global Fund. His pro bono work includes protecting the international trademarks and other intellectual property of Teach For America (and their international affiliate Teach For All) and Lawyers Without Borders.