Prominent IP and Commercial Litigator Aliza Karetnick Joins Ballard Spahr in Philadelphia

Aliza R. Karetnick, a litigator and legal adviser who represents global companies and has particular experience in the cosmetics, fragrance, and flavor industries, has joined Ballard Spahr in the firm's Philadelphia office, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.

Ms. Karetnick is well-known in those industries for her work representing manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of regulated foods and personal care products, including international corporations. She has successfully litigated commercial and intellectual property disputes in state and federal trial and appellate courts, and has a wealth of experience in trade secret matters.

Ms. Karetnick's clients span the gamut from large, branded companies to independent and emerging businesses poised for growth. She serves as outside general counsel, guiding companies through regulatory and compliance matters, supporting corporate transactions, and advising on advertising, labeling, counterfeit product issues, claim substantiation, and related areas. She works with her clients to learn their businesses and become a partner who provides comprehensive legal advice.

Ms. Karetnick's addition further expands Ballard Spahr's capability to provide the spectrum of legal representation and support—from transactional finance to bet-the-company litigation—for manufacturing, retail, life sciences, and other companies at all levels of commercial maturity.

"Aliza has all of the attributes that we and our clients value and we are thrilled to have her join our outstanding corps of litigators," Mr. Stewart said. "She is smart, tenacious, and a trusted counselor to clients, and she and her practice will flourish at Ballard."

Ms. Karetnick has obtained favorable court rulings, including injunctive relief, in federal court cases involving copyrights, confidentiality, unfair competition, other Lanham Act matters, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and RICO.

"Aliza has the hands-on experience clients need in an area of law that requires a blend of technical, legal, and business skills," said Geoffrey Kahn, Chair of Ballard Spahr's Litigation Department. "In this era of rapid change and intense global competition, Aliza can help businesses fend off problems and achieve success."

Ms. Karetnick writes and speaks frequently on legal and business topics affecting the cosmetics, food, and personal care industries, including at panels and continuing legal education courses on trade secrets, unfair competition, and related topics. She is scheduled to speak on March 29 in New York at the American Conference Institute's Forum on Cosmetics and Personal Care Products – Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance, where she will address legal strategies to prevent and respond to counterfeit product issues as part of a session on Crisis Management: Learning How to Protect Your Brand When Things Go Wrong.

Ms. Karetnick was formerly a partner in the commercial and IP litigation groups at Duane Morris in Philadelphia.

"Ballard Spahr provides a great platform to support my practice and help it grow," Ms. Karetnick said. "Ballard's national strength in litigation and IP, as well as cutting-edge areas like cybersecurity and e-commerce, dovetails well with my practice and clients. I look forward to contributing my skills and experience within the firm's collaborative environment to provide clients with the very best advice and advocacy."