DEBRA J. STANEK
Senior Counsel

Debra J. Stanek is an experienced intellectual property attorney with expertise in intellectual property, technology, advertising, marketing, data protection, and related matters. Deb joined Fairchild Morgan Law in July 2019 which later on merged to CROKE FAIRCHILD DUARTE & BERES in December of 2019. Prior to that, she served as Assistant General Counsel and Data Protection Officer for Wilton Brands LLC. In that role, Debra handled all aspects of IP, marketing and GDPR compliance, as well as negotiating licensing agreements and managing international trademark matters. In addition, Deb reviewed packaging artwork, product claims, and consumer-facing communications.

From April 2000 to December 2016, Deb was Counsel in the Corporate Group (Technology & IP Transactions) of the global law firm Sidley Austin LLP. In that role, she represented businesses, associations, and individuals in all aspects of IP, advertising and related matters.

Deb’s subject matter expertise includes advising on all aspects of copyright and trademark law, ensuring ownership, securing protection, and defending, bringing, and advising on infringement and false advertising claims. She also has extensive experience in negotiating and drafting: (i) intellectual property, software, and technology licenses; outsourcing agreements; publishing agreements; and transfers of ownership; (ii) agreements with advertising and other related agencies, such as creative advertising, media buying, social media marketing, promotions, public relations, and analytics services; (iii) sponsorship, naming rights, and endorsement agreements; (iv) “work for hire” arrangements, including employment and consulting agreements; (v) production agreements; and (vi) manufacturing, supply, staffing, and other procurement agreements.

Deb also has experience with advising on and handling domain name disputes under the Uniform Domain Name Resolution Policy, including deciding disputes as a panelist for the World Intellectual Property Organization since 2004. She is a mediator on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Lanham Act Voluntary Mediation Panel of Mediators.

Deb has co-authored the “Advertising and IP Issues” chapter of the fourth edition of the Intellectual Property Deskbook for the Business Lawyer, published in 2019 by the American Bar Association.