Food and Beverage Law

DRM’s Food & Beverage Law attorneys solve problems for clients in the innovative and expanding craft beverage and artisan food area. We assist Vermont and out-of-state clients in business formation, financing, contracting, regulatory compliance, branding, trademarking, intellectual property protection, distribution, licensing, marketing, retailing, Internet and e-commerce issues, competition, mergers and acquisitions, and consumer relations. Of particular note is our insight into the thorny issues of organic, GMO/bio-engineered, “origin,” and “fair trade” certification and labeling. We have particular expertise in food and beverage products of special concern to Vermont, including maple products, craft beer, distilled spirits, artisan cheese and chocolate. DRM is a member of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility and is an Allied Partner of the Vermont Brewers Association.

Our group members and their particular practice areas include:

Walter Judge: Intellectual property, competition issues, product litigation, consumer protection, labeling, craft beer industry.

Paul Ode: Business formation, financing, mergers and acquisitions.

Peter Kunin: Branding, trademark prosecution and protection, licensing, origin certification and labeling, distilled spirits.

Cathleen Stadecker: Branding, trademark prosecution and protection.

William Morris: Regulatory compliance, branding, trademarking, labeling, intellectual property protection, chocolates and confections industry.

Shannon Lenzini: Business formation, financing, taxation, distribution, craft beer industry.

David Harlow: All aspects of employment and labor law – hiring, firing, wages, ADA and EEO compliance, union issues.

Mary Parent: Business formation, financing, mergers and acquisitions, licensing, maple syrup & products; specialty meat products; craft beer industry.

Jerry Carter: Business formation, commercial contracts, equity compensation, financing, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions.