Mayer Brown's global brand management and internet practice co-head Brian Winterfeldt has left the firm along with four other attorneys to establish an intellectual property boutique in Washington, D.C.

The team includes Mayer Brown counsel Sarah Deutsch, the former deputy general counsel and global IP head at Verizon Communications, who has joined as senior counsel.

The new firm, Winterfeldt IP Group, has also hired trademark, brand and licensing counsel Christy Susman from Fenwick & West, and Kiran Malancharuvil, a specialist policy counselor from U.S. software company MarkMonitor.

Winterfeldt, who joined Mayer Brown from Katten Muchin Rosenman in 2015, said that the firm aims to become the leading adviser for complex IP issues globally. “The specialized focus of the firm allows us to offer creative and practical solutions through a concierge-style approach,” he said. “Our team is dedicated to learning about each client's unique needs and to making the process of working with outside counsel as enjoyable as possible.”

Mayer Brown practice manager Emily Murray, who has worked with Winterfeldt's team since 2005, has also joined the firm as chief marketing officer and director of IP, while Baker & Hostetler trademark supervisor Denise Enyart has joined as director of IP services.

All of the firm's employees will participate in pro bono and corporate social responsibility initiatives, added Winterfeldt, who is part of the committee that advises the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on policy development and operations.

A Mayer Brown spokesman said in a statement, “We wish Brian well.”

Chris Johnson is based in London, where he writes about global law firms and the business of law. Contact him at [email protected]. On Twitter: @chris_t_johnson.

Mayer Brown's global brand management and internet practice co-head Brian Winterfeldt has left the firm along with four other attorneys to establish an intellectual property boutique in Washington, D.C.

The team includes Mayer Brown counsel Sarah Deutsch, the former deputy general counsel and global IP head at Verizon Communications, who has joined as senior counsel.

The new firm, Winterfeldt IP Group, has also hired trademark, brand and licensing counsel Christy Susman from Fenwick & West, and Kiran Malancharuvil, a specialist policy counselor from U.S. software company MarkMonitor.

Winterfeldt, who joined Mayer Brown from Katten Muchin Rosenman in 2015, said that the firm aims to become the leading adviser for complex IP issues globally. “The specialized focus of the firm allows us to offer creative and practical solutions through a concierge-style approach,” he said. “Our team is dedicated to learning about each client's unique needs and to making the process of working with outside counsel as enjoyable as possible.”

Mayer Brown practice manager Emily Murray, who has worked with Winterfeldt's team since 2005, has also joined the firm as chief marketing officer and director of IP, while Baker & Hostetler trademark supervisor Denise Enyart has joined as director of IP services.

All of the firm's employees will participate in pro bono and corporate social responsibility initiatives, added Winterfeldt, who is part of the committee that advises the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on policy development and operations.

A Mayer Brown spokesman said in a statement, “We wish Brian well.”

Chris Johnson is based in London, where he writes about global law firms and the business of law. Contact him at [email protected]. On Twitter: @chris_t_johnson.