Foley & Lardner LLP: Norman J. Rich

In today's competitive and digital landscape, a company's brand, creative works, and unique innovations are among its most valuable assets. For businesses and individuals across the District of Columbia, protecting these intellectual property (IP) rights is not just good practice—it's essential for long-term success and growth. Navigating the complexities of trademark, copyright, and advertising law requires specialized expertise, and knowing where to turn for trusted counsel can make all the difference. This article introduces you to Norman J. Rich, a distinguished intellectual property attorney at Foley & Lardner LLP, whose practice is dedicated to helping clients in Washington, D.C., effectively manage, protect, and enforce their vital IP.

Norman J. Rich is a highly respected partner within Foley & Lardner LLP's Trademark, Copyright & Advertising Practice. His work focuses on assisting clients, from startups to large corporations, in maximizing their intellectual property opportunities while strategically minimizing associated risks. For any local business looking to launch a new product, expand a brand, or ensure their marketing efforts comply with advertising regulations, Mr. Rich offers comprehensive guidance. He understands that intellectual property issues are often deeply integrated with broader business objectives, and his counseling philosophy prioritizes proactive problem avoidance. Rather than waiting for disputes to arise, he works to establish robust legal protections and sound strategies from the outset.

Mr. Rich's extensive experience includes a unique background as a former trademark examining attorney at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This insider perspective provides him with invaluable insight into the nuances of trademark prosecution and the criteria for successful brand protection. Such firsthand knowledge is a significant advantage for D.C.-based businesses seeking to secure their trademarks efficiently and effectively, both domestically and internationally. His ability to break down complex legal issues and frame advice in a commercially relevant way makes him a go-to resource for business leaders and CEOs in the District of Columbia.

For any company in our vibrant D.C. community, whether it's a tech startup, a hospitality group, a medical device company, or a consumer brand, safeguarding intellectual property is paramount. Norman J. Rich provides the strategic foresight and practical legal solutions needed to navigate this critical area, ensuring that local businesses can innovate and grow with confidence.

Location and Accessibility

Norman J. Rich practices at the Washington, D.C., office of Foley & Lardner LLP, which is ideally situated at 3000 K St NW Washington Harbour, Washington, DC 20007, USA. This prime location places the office within the iconic Washington Harbour complex in Georgetown, a hub known for its dynamic mix of business, dining, and scenic waterfront views. For clients throughout the District of Columbia and the broader metropolitan area, this address offers exceptional convenience and accessibility.

The Washington Harbour location is highly accessible via multiple modes of transportation. For those utilizing D.C.'s efficient Metro system, the Foggy Bottom-GWU station (serving the Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines) is a short walk or quick bus ride away. Several Metrobus lines also have stops in the immediate vicinity of Georgetown and the K Street corridor, providing direct connections from various neighborhoods across the city. This widespread public transport access makes it easy for clients from Capitol Hill, Downtown, Dupont Circle, and other parts of D.C. to reach the office for consultations.

For individuals who prefer to drive, the Washington Harbour complex features multiple parking garages, and additional public parking facilities are available nearby. The office's proximity to major thoroughfares, including the Whitehurst Freeway and the Key Bridge, facilitates relatively smooth travel for clients commuting from Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland. The firm’s commitment to being in a central, well-connected location underscores its dedication to serving the needs of the local business community efficiently and conveniently. This strategic placement ensures that high-quality legal counsel is readily available to those who need it most in the nation's capital.

Services Offered

Norman J. Rich specializes in a wide array of intellectual property law services, providing comprehensive support to businesses and individuals seeking to protect and leverage their valuable creative and brand assets. His practice covers critical aspects of IP, tailored to the needs of modern enterprises.

• Trademark Clearance, Prosecution, and Portfolio Management: Assisting clients in selecting and clearing new brands, prosecuting domestic and international trademark applications, and strategically managing global trademark portfolios to maximize their value and protection.
• Copyright Protection and Counseling: Advising on copyright registration, protection, and enforcement for original creative works, including literary, artistic, and digital content.
• Trademark and Copyright Enforcement & Defense: Representing clients in enforcing their intellectual property rights against infringers and defending against claims of infringement in various forums, including federal courts and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).
• Intellectual Property Licensing and Agreements: Negotiating and drafting a wide variety of IP-related agreements, including trademark and copyright licenses, endorsement agreements, and other strategic business arrangements involving intellectual property assets.
• IP Due Diligence in Commercial Transactions: Conducting thorough intellectual property due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and other commercial transactions, helping clients assess the value and risks associated with IP assets being bought or sold.
• Domain Name Disputes: Handling Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) proceedings and other disputes related to domain names, helping clients recover or protect their online brand presence.
• Advertising and Promotions Counseling: Providing guidance on product labeling, product packaging, advertising claims, and promotional activities to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, minimizing risks of false advertising or unfair competition claims.
• Strategic Brand Management: Developing and implementing holistic strategies for trademark selection, procurement, maintenance, and enforcement, focusing on long-term brand health and value.

Features / Highlights

Norman J. Rich's professional profile is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore his expertise and value to clients in the District of Columbia.

• Former USPTO Trademark Examining Attorney: This invaluable experience provides an insider's perspective on the trademark examination process, enabling him to offer highly effective strategies for obtaining and protecting trademarks.
• Business-Oriented Approach: Peers and clients consistently praise Mr. Rich for his ability to "put himself in his clients' shoes" and operate "more like a businessperson than a lawyer." He excels at translating complex legal issues into practical, commercially viable advice that directly supports clients' business decision-making.
• Consistent Industry Recognition: He has been repeatedly recognized in the World Trademark Review “WTR 1000” directory (2012-2025), a leading guide to the world’s leading trademark legal practitioners. He has also been named a Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyer, nominated by in-house counsel as an outstanding legal professional.
• Adjunct Professorship and Thought Leadership: Mr. Rich has served as an adjunct professor at George Mason University and frequently lectures on intellectual property subjects. He is also a prolific author, contributing articles on various IP topics, demonstrating his deep engagement with and influence on the field.
• Comprehensive IP Expertise: His practice spans the full spectrum of intellectual property, from trademark and copyright procurement to complex enforcement, licensing, and due diligence, providing clients with a one-stop resource for all their brand protection needs.
• Diverse Industry Focus: Norman J. Rich works with clients across a wide range of sectors, including Hospitality & Leisure, Artificial Intelligence, Medical Devices, and Energy, adapting his IP strategies to the unique demands of each industry.

Promotions or Special Offers

In the realm of high-level intellectual property and corporate legal services, standard "promotions" or "special offers" are not typically offered in the way a retail business might provide discounts. The value that Norman J. Rich provides to his clients in the District of Columbia comes in the form of strategic long-term benefits and the prevention of potentially far more costly problems.

For businesses considering their intellectual property needs, the "special offer" is the opportunity to engage with a highly experienced attorney whose proactive approach can lead to significant advantages:

• Risk Mitigation: Investing in expert legal counsel from Mr. Rich can help companies avoid expensive trademark and copyright disputes, litigation, and regulatory fines down the line, thereby protecting brand reputation and financial stability.
• Enhanced Brand Value: Through strategic portfolio management and robust protection, Mr. Rich helps clients build stronger, more defensible intellectual property assets, which directly contributes to the long-term value and competitive advantage of their brands.
• Efficient Problem Resolution: Should disputes arise, his extensive experience in enforcement and dispute resolution means that matters can often be resolved more efficiently and favorably, minimizing the time, resources, and distraction these issues can cause for a business.
• Strategic Growth Enablement: By ensuring proper IP foundational work, Mr. Rich enables businesses to pursue licensing opportunities, partnerships, and market expansion with confidence, knowing their core assets are secure.

Prospective clients in D.C. are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Norman J. Rich to discuss their specific intellectual property challenges and opportunities. This initial discussion will demonstrate how his tailored legal strategies can serve as a powerful protective and growth-enabling "offer" for their business.

Contact Information

For businesses and individuals in the District of Columbia seeking expert legal counsel in intellectual property, Norman J. Rich can be reached through the Foley & Lardner LLP Washington, D.C. office.

Address: 3000 K St NW Washington Harbour, Washington, DC 20007, USA

Phone: (202) 945-6100

Mobile Phone: +1 202-945-6100

These contact details will connect you to the main office, where you can arrange an appointment to discuss your specific intellectual property needs with Mr. Rich. Whether you are looking to register a new trademark, protect your copyrighted works, navigate a licensing agreement, or address an infringement issue, reaching out directly is the first step towards securing your valuable brand assets.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For the diverse and dynamic businesses of the District of Columbia, from burgeoning startups to established corporations, securing and managing intellectual property is an ongoing and critical need. Norman J. Rich at Foley & Lardner LLP is exceptionally well-suited to serve this local community, offering a blend of deep expertise, strategic insight, and practical accessibility that aligns perfectly with D.C.'s unique commercial environment.

Firstly, his specialized focus on trademark, copyright, and advertising law directly addresses the core IP challenges faced by local businesses across various sectors, including the growing tech, hospitality, and healthcare industries in the metropolitan area. In a city brimming with innovation and creative output, the ability to effectively protect new brands, original content, and marketing campaigns is paramount. Mr. Rich's proficiency in these areas ensures that D.C. companies can safeguard their competitive edge and foster their growth securely.

Secondly, his background as a former USPTO trademark examining attorney provides an unparalleled advantage. For businesses in Washington, D.C., located in close proximity to the very office that grants trademark registrations, having an attorney who understands the federal process from the inside out means more efficient and effective prosecution of their IP rights. This insider perspective helps navigate the complexities of federal IP law with greater confidence and a higher likelihood of successful outcomes.

Furthermore, Norman J. Rich's business-centric approach ensures that his legal advice is not just technically sound but also strategically aligned with his clients' commercial goals. This is particularly valuable for the agile and often rapidly evolving businesses in D.C., where legal decisions must support swift innovation and market responsiveness. He provides solutions that are practical and designed to integrate seamlessly into a company's broader business strategy, rather than creating additional hurdles.

Finally, the convenient location of Foley & Lardner LLP in Washington Harbour offers local businesses easy access to top-tier legal services. This accessibility fosters stronger attorney-client relationships, enabling timely and efficient collaboration on crucial IP matters. For any D.C. entity looking to protect its brand, innovate with confidence, and navigate the intricate world of intellectual property, Norman J. Rich offers the comprehensive, knowledgeable, and locally attuned legal support that is truly invaluable.