INTA Co-Chair Purvi Patel: Addicted to Madonna – From Pinstripes to Trademarks

© 2013 The Texas Lawbook.

By Patricia Baldwin
Lifestyle Writer for The Texas Lawbook

When she was eight, Purvi Patel became fascinated with Madonna. When she was a teen, she told her mother she wanted to be a lawyer and wear a pinstripe suit – like Madonna, albeit the pop queen had added the iconic Jean Paul Gaultier conical corset to her business attire.

At 38, Patel continues to admire the pop star’s art, ambition and branding efforts. And, not surprisingly, the partner who chairs Haynes and Boone’s Trademark Practice Group has purchased a new pinstripe suit to welcome thousands to Dallas in early May for the International Trademark Association’s (INTA) annual meeting.

Patel acknowledges that most people learn very quickly, in a conversation or meeting, that she’s a Madonna super fan. And anyone entering her Dallas office has no doubt. The walls feature various Madonna art, including a print by famed fashion photographer Steven Meisel. A poster made by a friend muses “What Would Madonna Do?” And memorabilia is displayed from Patel’s participation as a volunteer at Madonna’s 2012 Super Bowl halftime show in Indianapolis.

Patel explains she became “transfixed” with the singer-songwriter when the 1984 “Borderline” video was released. Today, however, she says she tend to “intellectualize” her admiration.

“I admire how she is such a self-actualized individual,” Patel says. “She’s a feminist who is not afraid to be feminine.”

She adds, with a laugh, “I know it’s kind of odd.”

Jeff Becker, a Haynes and Boone partner who has mentored Patel, however, understands his fellow attorney’s selection of a role model.

“Purvi has typically not been in the mainstream in that she was two years younger than her classmates in school because of her intelligence. She was raised in the U.S., having been born to parents who immigrated here from India,” he says. “Madonna, someone who has often avoided the mainstream herself, shows how those outside the majority can still be proud, powerful and very successful. Purvi, having been inspired by Madonna, has used her talents and dedication to become an incredible trademark lawyer, who others can now be inspired by.”

Patel’s interests in fashion, art and other creative endeavors converged when a college career counselor suggested she pursue intellectual property law.

“She pegged me,” Patel says.

Today, Patel’s practice focuses on brand management, including domestic and international trademark portfolio protection and enforcement. She also has extensive experience with trade dress and copyright counseling, IP licensing, social media, cybersquatting and other Internet issues.

Her role as co-chair of the INTA annual meeting has led to a board position for the trademark association.

Haynes and Boone’s Becker says that, considering Patel’s age, the election to the INTA board is an “extraordinary” achievement.

“So few board seats can be filled by attorneys in private practice,” Becker notes. “It is a clear recognition of the respect her legal work has engendered among the international brand owners that control the organization, as well as a testament to her successful execution of her many prior INTA roles.

Patel expects discussions about GTLD – generic top-level domains – as well as the next tier of the dot-com world at the INTA meeting in Dallas. In discussing such issues, she recalls there was no textbook when she studied Internet law at Emory University in Atlanta.

“Everything has changed so much,” she adds. The issues are “constantly evolving. There’s an entirely new set of business models. It’s a very exciting time in respect to social media.”

A discussion of Patel’s professional interests leads back to the Material Girl, which also is the name of a line of teen merchandise sold at Macy’s. Patel notes other examples of the recording artist’s use of song and album names as brands: Truth or Dare lifestyle merchandise (also sold at Macy’s) and Hard Candy Fitness international health clubs.

And while there might not be a red carpet at INTA’s annual meeting – a la showbiz – go ahead, ask Patel what designer she’ll be wearing at the opening ceremonies. After her hard work, she’s happy to share: “Armani.” Seems Madonna would be proud.

Do you have a special avocation, hobby or other lifestyle interest to share? Please email patricia.baldwin@texaslawbook.net.

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