Kevin M. Dugan

As former Managing Counsel, Trademarks and Copyrights for Merck & Co., Inc., Mr. Dugan has extensive experience in all aspects of U.S. and international trademark, copyright, and unfair competition law. He is adept at analyzing complex legal issues, accurately assessing risk, and creatively developing strategies to meet business objectives, as well as proven management skills in leading Merck’s 10-person trademark and copyright team. He held leadership roles in the International Trademark Association (INTA) and The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and he is highly regarded for quality of work in formulation and implementation of policy matters.

Mr. Dugan managed Merck’s worldwide trademark and copyright portfolio including leading pharmaceutical brands such as JANUVIA, GARDASIL, SINGULAIR, and ISENTRESS, and copyrights in world-recognized works such as The Merck Manual and The Merck Index. He has been responsible for clearance, filing, prosecution, and maintenance of trademarks for products and services; protecting trademark and copyright assets from infringement, misappropriation, and unlawful competition issues; and providing counsel regarding trademarks and copyrights in corporate transactions. Prior to joining Merck, Mr. Dugan was Licensing Counsel - Patents & Trademarks with The Singer Company, a worldwide manufacturer and marketer of a diverse product line of industrial and consumer products.

Representative experience:

• Successful record of obtaining registrations of trademarks, including defense of U.S. opposition against JANUVIA application, and opposing numerous applications for trademarks confusingly similar to the marks in question. 
• Adept at addressing trademark concerns of FDA and foreign health agencies; overcame issues involving specific marks and obtained health agency approval of the marks.
• Active participant in the International Trademark Association (INTA) – served as member of the board of directors, member of the Trademark Affairs and Policies Group Executive Council, member of the Policy Development and Advocacy Group Executive Council, chair of numerous INTA committees, including the Regulatory Analysis Committee and Legal Certainty of Disclaimers Subcommittee of the Enforcement Committee.
• Active participant in The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) Trademark and Copyright Focus Group. Represented PhRMA in numerous meetings with FDA on trademark issues.

Court Memberships

• New York

Professional Affiliations

• Member, International Trademark Association (INTA)