Profile
Draeke Weseman counsels clients on the strategic development, maintenance, and enforcement of trademark rights and related matters. A go-to attorney for company executives and in-house legal counsel, Draeke advises on creative brand protection, brand acquisitions, trademark clearance, enforcement, litigation, licensing, and global trademark prosecution. Draeke has been listed five times among Super Lawyers® “Rising Stars” (2018-2022) in intellectual property law and is a member of Greenberg Traurig’s repeat U.S. News - Best Lawyers® “Law Firm of the Year” in Trademark Law (2020 and 2022).
Having practiced for more than a decade, Draeke has handled thousands of trademark matters worldwide for Fortune 500 and other publicly traded and privately held companies, global media franchises, Silicon Valley venture-backed startups, international luxury fashion houses, celebrities, and the U.S. National Governing Body for an Olympic sport. Clients in a wide range of industries trust Draeke to identify, prosecute, maintain, and protect their most valuable brand assets. His practice spans consumer goods, food and beverage products, restaurant and hospitality services, entertainment, financial services, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and blockchain and digital assets.
Draeke is a skilled writer, regularly speaks to national audiences, and has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal and Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal on matters of trademark law and policy. His contributions to U.S. trademark law include establishing precedent before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Concentrations
- Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, NFTs, Digital Assets, Financial Technology, Traditional Banking and Finance
- Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, Jewelry, Cosmetics, and Retail Store Services
- Electronics, Computer Technology, Internet, Social Media, Mobile Gaming, and Video games
- Entertainment, Education, Sports and Recreation, Hunting, Fishing and Outdoors, and Pet Products
- Manufacturing Equipment, Defense and Government Contractors, Military Equipment, and Firearms
- Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Immunotherapeutics, and Health Care Services
- Venture Capital, Private Equity and Investment Firms, and Mergers & Acquisitions
- Restaurant Services, Lodging and Hospitality, Food and Beverage Products, and Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Transportation, Shipping, and Supply Chain
Capabilities
Experience
- Manages U.S. trademark portfolio for iconic American actor, producer, businessman, and former professional wrestler
- Manages global trademark portfolio for global immunotherapeutics company
- Manages global trademark portfolio for Silicon Valley blockchain company
- Manages U.S. trademark portfolio for ecommerce consolidation company
- Manages trademark portfolio for National Governing Body for an Olympic sport
- Manages global trademark portfolio for leading archery, bowhunting, and bowfishing equipment manufacturer
- Manages global trademark portfolio for global medical technology company
- Manages U.S. trademark portfolio for Canadian skincare and haircare products manufacturer
- Provided critical advice to multinational financial services company on nominative fair use of third-party trademarks and one of the world’s largest financial institutions on licensing trademark rights for innovative financial services products
- Conducted global trademark clearance for American multinational shipping & receiving and supply chain management company
- Conducted U.S. clearance for Japanese multinational cosmetic company
- Conducted global clearance for one of the world’s largest media franchises
- Conducted trademark enforcement for Italian luxury fashion house
- Managed and led exit for national lifestyle apparel brand
- Pro bono trademark representation for numerous startups, individual entrepreneurs, and non-profits
- Pro bono representation of Afghan refugee family seeking advanced parole
- Pro bono legal representation in area of Minnesota redistricting
- Co-Chair, Legal Aid Fund Associate’s Campaign
Recognition & Leadership
- Listed, Minnesota Monthly, "Top Lawyers in Minnesota," 2023
- Selected, Super Lawyers Magazine, Minnesota Super Lawyers, “Rising Stars,” 2018-2022
- Team Member, a U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Law Firm of the Year" in Trademark Law, 2020 and 2022
- Listed, Minnesota State Bar Association, “North Star Lawyer,” 2018
- Member, International Trademark Association, 2016-Present
- Member, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2010-Present
- Member, Hennepin County Bar Association, 2010-Present
Credentials
-
J.D., Mitchell Hamline School of Law, 2009
- Member, Cybaris (Intellectual Property Law Review)
- Member, Journal of Law and Practice
- B.A., University of Minnesota, 2003
- Minnesota
- U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota