Retail and Consumer Products
Why Cooley
We serve as legal partners and brand ambassadors to 700+ leading retail and consumer clients, giving us an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges facing the industry. From Peet’s Coffee & Tea – which we represented for more than 18 years through its 2001 IPO and its 2012 sale – to consumer-facing retailers like Levi Strauss and e-tailors like Blue Nile and Stitch Fix, we have helped industry-leading companies achieve their goals.
Corporate
We have a long history of representing retailers and consumer products companies at all stages of the corporate growth cycle. We have often been involved from the beginning, forming companies at the startup stage and working with management to build multibillion-dollar enterprises. Our deep roots in technology uniquely position us to assist retail brands as they develop and expand their online presence to reach a broader consumer base.
Areas of Practice
- Company formation
- Equipment leasing
- Financings
- Licensing
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Product distribution and vendor agreements
- Public financings and private placements
- Real estate, land use/zoning and leasing
- Sale and purchase of assets
- Strategic partnerships
- Tax
Litigation
Cooley’s litigators have extensive experience defending retail and consumer products companies in cases presenting novel issues arising from ever-changing technologies and emerging business models, including hundreds of commercial class action cases. We also boast one of the country’s most active retail restructuring practices.
Areas of Practice
- Class action defense
- Employment litigation
- Restructuring, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights
Regulatory
Cooley is adept at advising on the thorniest legal issues that arise when innovation and regulation collide. Our team counsels clients at all stages of development on a range of product safety, compliance and risk management issues and works with lawyers across practice areas to provide in-depth advice regarding product labeling requirements, product recalls, insurance and indemnification issues. We also offer guidance on the rights and responsibilities and the management of legal risks associated with the online aspects of doing business, including employment, privacy, consumer rights, network security and online contracting.
Areas of Practice
- Antitrust counseling
- Corporate governance
- Employment and benefits
- Environmental due diligence and liability
- Export control and international trade regulations
- Privacy and data protection counseling and data breach response
- Product liability
Intellectual Property
Cooley has one of the largest and most active trademark, copyright and advertising practices in the country. Our fully integrated prosecution, counseling and litigation practice tailors solutions and legal strategies to meet each client’s unique needs and stage of development. We understand the critical importance of brand identity and advise clients on all aspects of protecting and enforcing their intellectual property.
Areas of Practice
- Brand positioning
- Copyright and design protection
- Patent procurement and enforcement
- Trade secrets counseling
- Trademark protection and enforcement