OCIPLA November 2026 Luncheon
TITLE: Fame to Claim: Protecting Celebrity Trademarks and Brands in the Age of AI
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Knobbe Martens, 2040 Main St., Irvine CA, 92614, first floor conference room.
SPEAKERS
Jonathan Menkes is a partner at Knobbe Martens and Co-Chair of the firm’s Sports and Gaming Practice Group. With more than 15 years of experience, Jonathan advises global brands, professional athletes, entertainers, and businesses across a wide range of industries on trademark strategy, brand protection, and intellectual property matters. His practice includes trademark portfolio management, enforcement, dispute resolution, licensing, and sponsorship agreements. Jonathan has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for Trademark Law and as a Southern California Super Lawyer. He earned his J.D. from Boston College Law School, his B.A. from UC San Diego, and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School (PLDA 35).
Mariam Ghapantsyan is an associate at Knobbe Martens who advises clients on domestic and international trademark and copyright matters, including portfolio management, trademark prosecution strategies, and brand protection. Based in the firm’s Los Angeles office, Mariam is a member of its Trademark Practice Group. She earned both her J.D. and her B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine. During law school, she served as Lead Articles Editor of the UC Irvine Law Review and participated in pro bono projects assisting underserved clients. She joined Knobbe Martens in 2024.
