Michael Hawkins Wins Trademark Industry Award

Michael Hawkins, a partner in Noerr’s Alicante office and member of the law firm’s IP Group, has been named winner of the International Trademark Association’s (INTA) 2014 Volunteer Service Award (VSA) in the Advancement of Committee or Subcommittee Objectives category. INTA is a member-based organization that supports and advances trademarks and related intellectual property in order to protect consumers and to promote fair and effective commerce throughout the world.

The VSAs recognize individuals who provide exemplary volunteer service to INTA during the past year. As Chair of INTA’s Legislation & Regulation Committee, Europe & Central Asia Subcommittee, Michael has guided the work of his committee since 2012 on “two very complex legislative issues”, according to INTA President Mei-lan Stark, the EU Trademark Reform and the EU Tobacco Products Directive. INTA emphasized: “Covering complex issues under very tight deadlines, his committee has consistently provided excellent comments on draft proposals. He has also been instrumental in obtaining INTA members’ input and delivering INTA’s position to the relevant stakeholders, and is working to ensure that INTA has continued engagement within the European legislature.”

At Noerr, Michael counsels clients on a broad range of trademark and intellectual property matters. He has many years’ experience in proceedings before OHIM and the European courts. His expertise covers all kinds of trademark and design protection and enforcement, including trademark portfolio management, non-traditional trademarks, trademark families, registered and unregistered designs, EU customs proceedings, licensing and other contracts.

Michael Hawkins accepted the award on November 13, 2014 at an awards ceremony at INTA’s Annual Leadership Meeting in Phoenix, USA.