Heather J. McDonald
Heather McDonald is a partner in the firm's litigation group, specializing in intellectual property enforcement and anti-counterfeiting litigation. Ms. McDonald coordinates a nationwide network of investigators, attorneys and government agencies on both the federal and state levels pursuing individuals and entities trafficking in counterfeit goods. Ms. McDonald has been actively involved in drafting and lobbying for new legislation in the State of New York substantially strengthening the penalties for those convicted of trafficking in counterfeit goods. She has also worked on similar legislation in many other states and on the federal level. Ms. McDonald trains law enforcement officers throughout the country on both the federal and state levels on issues related to trademark counterfeiting.
Ms. McDonald has been a pioneer in the area of third party liability in trademark counterfeiting cases. Using both federal and state laws, Ms. McDonald is the principal architect of a program that holds property owners liable for the illegal subject of counterfeit goods that take place on their premises if they have knowledge that the illegal activity is ongoing and fail to takes appropriate steps to remedy the situation. She is also actively involved in several task forces uniting the public and private sectors in New York City dealing with issues related to counterfeit goods.
Ms. McDonald is a member of both the New York and Connecticut Bars. She is actively involved in several charitable organizations including Courageous Kidz, a not-for-profit organization located in Charleston, South Carolina, that serves the needs of children with cancer and their families. Ms. McDonald has been actively involved in providing support and services to these families for over 20 years and has served as Camp Director at a week-long free summer camp program for the children for the past 15 years. She is also on the Board of Directors of Student Athletes, Inc., a New York-based not-for-profit organization that provides academic and athletic opportunities to inner city youth.