IRVINE, Calif., October 22, 2025 – Knobbe Martens, one of the nation’s largest intellectual property law firms, is pleased to announce that Charlene Azema and Gregory Phillips have been named co-chairs of its market-leading Trademark & Brand Protection group.
Ms. Azema and Mr. Phillips are recognized leaders who bring decades of combined experience advising clients on domestic and global trademark and brand protection strategy.
“Our Trademark and Brand Protection team is justly recognized as among the top groups in the industry, and Charlene and Greg are ideally positioned to lead it,” said Steven Nataupsky, Managing Partner of Knobbe Martens. “They are each deeply respected by their clients, peers, and colleagues, and are experienced professionals who will bring valuable perspective to these important roles. I am thrilled to welcome them into these leadership positions.”
Ms. Azema counsels clients in domestic and international trademark and copyright portfolio management, including enforcement, and developing IP procurement and expansion strategies. She also advises clients on brand marketing and advertising, domain names, and social media matters. Ms. Azema works with clients across an array of industries, including fashion and apparel, food and beverage, ad tech, medical devices, and technology.
Ms. Azema has been recognized for her work by numerous legal and IP-focused publications, and is active in the International Trademark Association (INTA), sitting on its Famous and Well-Known Marks committee. She is an established leader within the firm and sits on its Executive and Diversity committees.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms. Azema said, “I’m honored to step into this leadership role alongside Greg. Our Trademark and Brand Protection team is known for its depth, creativity, and strategic insight, and I’m excited to help guide its continued growth. I look forward to collaborating with our talented attorneys and delivering exceptional results for our clients across the globe.”
Mr. Phillips advises clients on trademark and copyright matters worldwide, including clearance, registration, enforcement, and licensing. His work extends across a number of industries, including automotive, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, personnel placement and consulting services, fashion and apparel, and others.
Mr. Phillips’ work has been recognized by noted IP and legal-focused publications. He has spoken and presented on trending trademark, copyright and brand protection matters, and serves as the editor of the firm’s Trademark & Brand Protection blog. He is an Executive Committee Board Member for Orange County chapters of ProVisors and the UCLA Bruin Professionals.
Mr. Phillips commented, “I’m grateful and excited to co-lead the group with Charlene. I’m proud to have been a part of our team’s incredible growth in recent decades, first as a paralegal in the 1990s and then as a lawyer for the past 18 years. I look forward to continuing to expand our team’s involvement in the global IP community, and to work with our clients in developing and protecting their brands in a world with ever-changing technology.”
About Knobbe Martens’ Trademark and Brand Protection Group
Lauded by respected industry publications as “the top U.S. IP firm” with “one of the deepest benches in the country,” Knobbe Martens is a recognized leader in trademark, copyright and brand protection. Many of the world’s most iconic brands, as well as mid-size and emerging companies, rely on our team to develop, protect, and commercialize their valuable trademarks and brands throughout the U.S. and globally. Our Trademark and Brand Protection team includes dozens of professionals in offices across the country. Learn more about our work and experience here.
About Knobbe Martens
Knobbe Martens is a highly respected intellectual property law firm, offering legal services in all aspects of intellectual property and technology law. The firm’s litigation group handles cases throughout the U.S. and coordinates strategy for disputes worldwide. Founded in California in 1962, the firm has about 300 lawyers and scientists based in offices located in Orange County, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington D.C. Knobbe Martens serves a diverse international client base, from multinational corporations to emerging businesses of all stages. More information about the firm can be found at www.knobbe.com.
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