Since 1979, Nancy Rubner Frandsen has dedicated her career to guiding clients through complex legal matters, focusing her practice area primarily on trademark law. As a full-time attorney, Frandsen currently works as a senior counsel member for Pennsylvania-based firm Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC. Additionally, Frandsen also serves as co-chair for the Philadelphia chapter of ChIPs, a nonprofit professional organization that is dedicated to the advancement of women in the technology, law and policy fields.
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2012, Frandsen is currently being honored as “Lawyer of the Year” for Trademark Law in Philadelphia for 2023, previously being honored in both 2018 and 2020 for Litigation – Intellectual Property and Copyright Law.
Of her legal career and recent recognition, Frandsen stated: “My biggest accomplishment over the past year has only partial relevance to my practice. In late 2021, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Despite a grueling course of chemotherapy and several surgeries, I managed to continue working and representing my clients with the same level of service that they always expected from me. By continuing to practice and being engaged during this time, it allowed me to focus on something other than cancer. Whether this contributed to my receiving the highest ratings from my peers this past year, I will never know. Regardless, I am grateful to all of those who supported me during this unexpected and difficult year.”
With over 40 years of legal experience, Frandsen is well-versed in the core areas of trademark and copyright law, strategically assisting clients while representing them in both a federal court and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) setting. From individual entrepreneurs to major corporations, Frandsen’s in-depth knowledge and level of experience in a variety of industries enables her to guide her client in all aspects of the case at hand.
“The most interesting aspect about a trademark practice is the divergent clients and divergent issues that we experience every day. One day you might be working with a small entrepreneur who is just starting out in business and needs guidance on how best to protect his or her intellectual property. The next, it could be a multinational company on a complex enforcement issue. Each client is unique and each issue is unique to that client. Throughout the process, you get to learn about what makes the world tick. Trademarks are, after all, the foundation of all successful commercial marketplaces.
While it might be cliché or obvious, listening and effective communication are the two most important tools that any attorney can have, regardless of the field or practice area. Our clients range from individuals to general counsel to CEOs, because of that it is critical to recognize the importance of listening to what each client needs and then to make sure to communicate with the client throughout the engagement. No client likes to be surprised.”
