- Federal Bar Association
- Federal Bar Council
- Association of the Bar of the City of New York
- New York Intellectual Property Law Association
- International Trademark Association
- American Intellectual Property Law Association
- Volunteer Arbitrator, New York City Small Claims Court
Joel G. MacMull is a Partner and Co-Chair of the Firm’s Intellectual Property & Brand Management and Commercial and Corporate Litigation Practice Groups. Joel’s practice focuses on high-stakes complex commercial litigation and intellectual property disputes, including copyright and trademark infringement, trade secret misappropriation, false advertising, “cybersquatting,” rights of publicity, as well as general contract and business tort disputes. Joel has tried and argued cases in state and federal courts, as well as before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
Joel also has significant appellate experience. He was intimately involved in the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent landmark decision in Matal v. Tam (formerly Lee v. Tam), in which the Supreme Court by a unanimous vote of 8-to-0 (Justice Neil Gorsuch did not participate in the consideration or decision of the case) affirmed the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruling in late 2015. The High Court held that § 2(a) of the federal trademark statute violates the free speech clause of the First Amendment because the government discriminates based on viewpoint and targets offensive expression with an intent to discourage its use.
Joel has also briefed and argued multiple cases before the Second Circuit, and the New York Appellate Division.
Representative Clients include:
- America Online, Inc.
- The Princeton Club of New York
- Mul-T-Lock USA, Inc.
- Symphony Publishing NY, LLC
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- PlentyofFish.com
Joel hosts a weekly video series known as MacMull’s Musings. You can view the latest episodes here.
- Recipient, Mark T. Banner Award for Impact on Intellectual Property Law awarded by American Bar Association Intellectual Property Law Section (April 2018)
- Recipient, International Trademark Association’s (INTA) 2017 Volunteer Service Award for Pro Bono Services Provided by an Organization for services provided in connection with Matal v. Tam
*No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey or the American Bar Association. A description of the standard or methodology used by the American Bar Association and Patently-O can be found on their respective websites.
Recent Seminars
- Author, “AI and Practicing Law: Potential Traps for the Unwary,” New York Law Journal, NY (May 18th, 2023)
- Author, “What Did You Call Me? Chasing Away Unchaste Claims,”, New Jersey Law Journal, NJ (February 13, 2023)
- Panelist/Moderator “THE REDSKINS and THE SLANTS: A Review of the Causes, the Cases, and How the First Amendment Is Likely to Impact Trademark Registrations Going Forward,” International Trademark Association Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington (May 21, 2018)
- Presenter, “In re Tam in Review,” CLE in the Garden, State Bar of Arizona Intellectual Property Law Section, Phoenix, Arizona (April 6, 2018)
- Panelist, “Who’s Offended? — A Review of the Laws on Obscene, Scandalous and Immoral Marks in Canada, the US and the EU”, Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC) 91st Annual Meeting, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada (October 11-13, 2017)
- Panelist, “Hitting the Jackpot in Entertainment and Sports Law, ABA Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries 2017 Annual Meeting, Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada (October 5-8, 2017)
- Panelist, “When the Supreme Court Got it RIGHT and Got it WRONG”, New Jersey State Bar Association, New Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick, New Jersey (September 23, 2017)
- Guest, “Bloomberg Law” on Bloomberg Radio, Discussing the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Matal v. Lee (June 20, 2017)
- Panelist, “Redskins, Slants, and Other Disparaging Trademarks: The Supreme Court Decision on the Intersection of Trademark Law and the First Amendment,” 79th Annual Meeting of the Virginia State Bar, Virginia Beach, VA (June 15-18, 2017)
- Moderator, “What’s the Use? Exploring Recent Challenges and Changes to Common Law Unfair Competition and Trademark Use Requirements in the U.S. and Canada,” 139th Annual Meeting of the International Trademark Association, Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain (May 20-24, 2017)
- Panelist, “Lee v. Tam: Disparaging Trademarks and the First Amendment”, University of Pennsylvania Law School, Silverman Hall Levy Conference Center, Philadelphia, PA. (April 18, 2017)
- Panelist, “Supreme Court Series: Lee v. Tam – Post Argument Discussion,” American University, Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C. (January 18, 2017)
- Presenter, “The Untold Story of In re Tam: For Trademark Professionals Only”, International Trademark Association Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida (May 24, 2016)
- Presenter, “Thou shall not offend … the continuing saga over registration of immoral and scandalous marks at the USPTO,” American Intellectual Property Law Association Spring Meeting, Minneapolis, Minnesota (May 18, 2016)
- Presenter, National Asian Pacific Bar Association 2014 Annual Meeting, Scottsdale, Arizona
These stories are successful case results from our attorneys. Please note that results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
- Matal v. Tam (the Supreme Court of the United States). Representing trademark applicant, Simon Shiao Tam, in his appeal of the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board’s refusal to grant him registration of his trademark, THE SLANTS, on grounds it is disparaging toward Asian Americans.
- Roca Labs, Inc. v. Consumer Opinion Corp. et al., (United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida). Represented interactive computer service provider against nutraceutical weight loss manufacturer’s claims of, among other things, tortuous interference because defendants knowingly maintained negative posts on their website in violation of a “gag clause” appearing in plaintiff’s sales contracts with its customers. In response, the Court recently issued a resounding dismissal of each of plaintiff’s twelve claims, finding that all of them were barred under section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C. § 230.
- Whitestone Construction Corp. v. Nova Casualty Co., et al., (Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division). Represented general contractor in connection with a breach of contract claim against a sub-contractor and its various alter egos. After obtaining a finding of liability before the lower court, the order was thereafter affirmed by the Appellate Division. Following success on appeal and a resulting trial on damages, judgment was entered against defendants in the amount of $1.7 million dollars.
- Meyer Corp. U.S. v. Alfay Designs, Inc., et al., (United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York). Represented licensor and its principal against a competing licensor alleging claims for tortuous interference with contract, fraudulent inducement, negligent misrepresentation and contribution, among other claims. After several years of substantial discovery and contentious motion practice the court dismissed all of plaintiff’s claims demanding monetary relief which were well in excess of two million dollars.
- Consol. Energy Design Inc. v. The Princeton Club of New York, (United States District Court for the Southern District of New York). Obtained complete dismissal of plaintiff’s complaint, including causes of action for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, promissory estoppel and account stated. Plaintiff appealed part the decision to the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which affirmed in part and reversed in part the District Court’s order, leaving only a single remaining claim.
- Heritage of Pride, Inc. v. Matinee NYC, Inc., (United States District Court for the Southern District of New York). Successfully opposed plaintiff’s motion for civil contempt arising from defendants’ alleged failure to comply with the Court’s preliminary injunction order barring the use of plaintiff’s trademarks.
- Modern Empire, Inc. v. Continental Casualty Company, (Supreme Court of New York, Bronx County). Successfully opposed insurer’s motion for summary dismissal on each of plaintiff’s claims for declaratory judgment, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, negligence and bad faith denial of coverage. The case then settled very favorably in favor of Modern.
MacMull, Joel. (2023, July 4). Supreme Court rules for Christian designer who objected to making gay couples’ wedding websites. In ABC New York 7 Eyewitness News
Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights Group Achieves Multiple Successes for Clients Using Various Exit Strategies, Led by Partner Vincent J. Roldan
July 12, 2023
Busy start to the summer for our Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights group, especially Partner Vincent J. Roldan. This week, he argued a contested confirmation hearing in the RTW Construction case (Bankr. D.N.J. 21-18595). The court overruled objections and stated it will confirm the Debtor’s Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. In the past couple of weeks, […]Joel MacMull and Brian Block are celebrating a significant win in recovering attorneys’ fees in connection with a contempt proceeding brought on behalf of one the firm’s clients.
April 7, 2022
Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s Intellectual Property, Brand Management and Internet Law Practice Group is well-positioned to assist clients in a variety of cutting-edge intellectual property and brand management issues. https://lnkd.in/d5X5V-DmMandelbaum Salsburg Client Char Chalk Launches Patented Product for Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts
August 5, 2020
The owners of Char Chalk, the workout industry’s only activated charcoal chalk, recently turned to Mandelbaum Barrett PC to secure patent and trademark rights for its proprietary product. Mandelbaum Barrett PC partners Casey Gocel, Joel MacMull and Barry Schwartz advised on the launch of CHAR, a proprietary blend of activated charcoal and magnesium carbonate used […]Discover Joel MacMull’s Latest Podcast: AI, The Law, & You
March 1, 2024
Welcome to "AI, The Law, & You," where Joel MacMull, Mark Miller, and Shannon Lietz dissect the legal implications of AI. Expect unfiltered debates and authentic dialogues on topics from intellectual property to data privacy. Subscribe for thought-provoking conversations shaping the future of AI law. Join the discussion today!Wave Goodbye to Trademark Rules: Vans vs. MSCHF – The Wavy Baby Showdown
December 26, 2023
In the realm where fashion and intellectual property intersect, a legal clash between Vans Inc. and MSCHF has set the stage for an intriguing debate that transcends mere product design. Joel MacMull, Chair of the Intellectual Property, Brand Management, and Internet Law practice at Mandelbaum Barrett PC, recently delved into this captivating case in a comprehensive exploration of its key elements.MacMull’s Musings
October 2, 2023
Tune in every week to MacMull’s Musings where our IP, Brand Management, and Internet Law attorney Chair, Joel MacMull discusses all the new, exciting, and potentially controversial updates in the world of Internet Law and intellectual property. Episode 1. The state of Illinois passed legislation designed to protect child social media influencers. Listen in to […]Top 3 Things to Note as a U.S. Copyright or Trademark Owner in 2023
June 9, 2023
Joel MacMull shares his insights from the International Trademark Association's (INTA) Annual General Meeting in Singapore. Discover the top 3 issues for U.S. copyright and trademark owners in 2023, including unconventional trademark uses, the extraterritoriality of the Lanham Act, and a significant New Mexico case.Joel G. MacMull Explores the Potential Traps of AI in the Legal Field for the New York Law Journal
May 22, 2023
MacMull offers valuable insights from his article "AI and Practicing Law: Potential Traps for the Unwary," covering crucial aspects such as privacy concerns, issues of quality, loss of goodwill, and intellectual property considerations. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by legal professionals in navigating the intersection of AI and law.Podcast: That’s in my EULA?
April 10, 2023
"That's in my EULA??" is a podcast hosted by Mark Miller and Joel MacMull, Partner at Mandelbaum Barrett. The podcast explores the mysterious and often overlooked world of End-User License Agreements (EULAs), revealing hidden clauses in popular app EULAs. In Episode 1, they discuss the legal implications of using AI engines such as ChatGPT, and in Episode 2, they take a deep dive into the TikTok terms of service. Tune in to discover the legal considerations users should keep in mind when using popular apps."Can it still be called Gruyère, if it doesn't come from Gruyère?"
January 19, 2022
This was the question answered by United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in December when it affirmed a decision by the Trademark Trial Appeal Board refusing registration of a certification mark application for GRUYERE based on genericness (or genericide, as I like to call it.)The Supreme Court Issues Decision in Iancu v. Brunetti
June 25, 2019
The Supreme Court issued its decision in Iancu v. Brunetti yesterday almost two years to the day after its landmark ruling in Matal v. Tam, the latter which our Intellectual Property team of Ronald Coleman and Joel MacMull served time as lead counsel on.Joel MacMull on ABC News 7 New York: 303 Creative vs. Elenis
July 5, 2023
In an exclusive interview for ABC News 7, Joel MacMull shared his insights on the recent Supreme Court ruling, 303 Creative vs. Elenis. The ruling pertained to a Christian designer's objection to creating wedding websites for same-sex couples.Federal Relief Bill Extends to Copyright, Trademark and Patent Filings
March 30, 2020
March 30, 2020 By Joel G. MacMull The $2 trillion coronavirus rescue bill signed by President Trump last Friday contains some potentially important relief for intellectual property rights owners and applicants. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) contains provisions that allow both the U.S. Copyright Office as well as the U.S. Patent […]Joel MacMull Quoted in Yahoo Finance Article on "Why the Backlash Over Kim Kardashian Trademarking 'Kimono' Strengthens Her Legal Case"
June 28, 2019
Joel MacMull, Vice Chair of the Firm's Intellectual Property & Brand Management Practice was quoted in an article for Yahoo Finance on "Why the backlash over Kim Kardashian trademarking 'Kimono' strengthens her legal case." Read more here.Joel MacMull Comments on Women's Wear Daily Article About Supreme Court Decision in the "FUCT" Case
June 26, 2019
Joel MacMull, Vice Chair of Mandelbaum Barrett PC's IntellectualProperty and BrandManagement Practice Group commented yesterday on a Women's Wear Daily (WWD) article talking about the recent Supreme Court decision in the "FUCT" case that struck down restrictions on "immoral or scandalous" trademarks. Read what Joel and other industry leaders have to say here.David Carton Answers an NJ.com Reader's Question about Marital Settlement Agreements
June 24, 2019
David Carton, Co-Chair of Mandelbaum Barrett PC's Matrimonial and Family Law Practice Group recently answered an NJ.com reader's question about Marital, Settlement, Agreements and what happens to house sale funds if a spouse passes away prior to the sale?Joel MacMull Participates in Panel at the 140th INTA Annual Meeting in Seattle
May 22, 2018
Joel MacMull, Vice Chair of the Firm's Intellectual Property & Brand Management Practice Group, participated in a panel discussion at the 140th INTA Annual Meeting, taking place in Seattle on Disparaging Marks and Mascots.