Phone
(804) 565-3533
Fax
(804) 346-5954
Ms. Black’s practice includes all aspects of trademark law, including the development, prosecution, protection and enforcement of rights. Ms. Black’s concentration is as an advocate in dispute resolution and in matters before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. With an extensive legal career, spanning 15 years, at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) prior to entering private practice, Ms. Black brings a unique and in-depth understanding of the trademark operation and policies and procedures governing the issuance, maintenance and defense of federal trademark registrations.
In addition to trademark representation, Ms. Black handles copyright, trade secret and domain name acquisition, protection and enforcement matters. Ms. Black is a frequent speaker for continuing legal education programs and for business and entrepreneurial forums on trademark, copyright and social media issues and publishes articles on intellectual property topics. Ms. Black is a former adjunct professor of media law, covering topics such as first amendment rights, privacy, defamation, social media and copyright law.
Ms. Black was recently appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to serve on the Trademark Public Advisory Committee (TPAC) to the USPTO. As a member of TPAC, Ms. Black advises the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO on policies, goals, performance, budget and user fees of trademark operation. She currently serves as the President of the Greater Richmond Intellectual Property Law Association (GRIPLA), as the Vice-Chair of the PTO Affairs, Inter Partes Committee for the ABA Section on Intellectual Property Law, an Executive Board Member for the Virginia Bar Association (VBA) Law Practice Management Division, and Council Member and Membership Committee Chair for the VBA Intellectual Property Information Technology Law Section.
Professional Affiliations, Awards and Services
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American Bar Association, Intellectual Property Law Section
- Vice-Chair, PTO Affairs-Inter Partes Committee (2010-12)
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Virginia Bar Association
- Member and Membership Committee Chair, Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law Section, 2011
- Member, Executive Committee, Law Practice Management Division, 2011
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Greater Richmond Intellectual Property Law Association
- President (2011-12)
- VP/Treasurer (2010-11)
- National Bar Association
- Exceptional Career Award, United States Patent and Trademark Office (2006)
- Bronze Medal Award, United States Patent and Trademark Office (2000)
Media
"Women Partners in the World of Law with Cheryl Black" Tears to Triumph Radio Show, June 22, 2011
"Turning Intellectual Property into Real Dollars," Radio Interview with Lou Hutt.
The Lou Hutt Show, September 2010
Safeguard Your Trademarks: They're More Valuable than You Realize
(August 6, 2009)
Demystifying Publishing Agreements: Negotiating a Book Contract from the Writer's Perspective
(August 13, 2009)
Tips for Obtaining and Maintaining a Federal Trademark Registration: Common Pitfalls to Avoid Before and After Filing
(August 20, 2009)
When It's Fair to Use: Clarifying the Copyright Fair Use Doctrine for Internet Users
(August 27, 2009)