Erise IP has significantly expanded its nationally recognized trademark and copyright practice with the addition of veteran attorneys Cheryl Burbach and Blair Barbieri, along with special counsel Lauren Byrne, associate Kenzie Lawrence, and paralegals, Mindy Cox, Erin Miller, and Ashley Stark, formerly with Hovey Williams LLP. The move marks the strategic combination of two powerhouse trademark groups, both nationally ranked for their work at the forefront of trademark law.
The new group joins Erise’s existing trademark team, led by shareholder Carrie Bader, forming an all-women team of seasoned practitioners with deep experience in trademark strategy, copyright protection strategy, enforcement, litigation, and portfolio management.
“Little did I know last September when I was sitting in a conference room in San Diego with Cheryl and Blair that they would be my partners in just four months,” Bader said. “But I could not be more thrilled that they have decided to make the leap to Erise.”
Burbach and Barbieri each bring decades of experience representing global brands, startups, and Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes trademark and copyright matters across industries. Their arrival strengthens Erise’s capacity to serve a growing roster of clients while deepening the firm’s bench of trademark and copyright expertise.
“Cheryl and Blair both bring a wealth of trademark and copyright experience to Erise,” said Bader. “We are excited to create the trademark group of our dreams.”
This expansion also makes Erise one of the few firms in the country with a nationally ranked, all-women trademark leadership team, a rarity in an industry where women make up less than 25% of equity partners at U.S. law firms. Erise’s growing trademark group reflects the firm’s broader commitment to building exceptional, collaborative teams that reflect the clients and communities they serve.
“I’m thrilled to join this excellent and forward-thinking group, and I look forward to our team’s collaboration in protecting and adding value to our clients’ brands,” said Barbieri.
The move comes after years of professional collaboration and mutual respect among Bader, Burbach, and Barbieri, who each have deep roots in the Kansas City intellectual property community.
“After years of playing in the same trademark sandbox, a mutual admiration for each other’s craft naturally developed,” said Bader.
The expansion positions Erise to handle increased client volume while maintaining the high-touch service and strategic counsel that has become the firm’s hallmark in IP litigation and trademark protection.
About Erise IP Erise is a nationally recognized intellectual property litigation firm known for its results-driven strategy, tech-savvy talent, and courtroom excellence. The firm represents some of the world’s most innovative companies in patent, trademark, and trade secret disputes.
