TMAE Summit 2026 Foreign Exchanges: Streamlining Communications with Local Counsel
Alt Legal Team | June 23, 2026
The Trademark Administrators’ Exchange (TMAE) Summit on October 19-21 is the premier event designed for trademark administrators and professionals who keep IP operations running smoothly. Join peers from across the country for this exciting event providing focused education, interactive discussions, immersive workshops, and valuable networking—all in a collaborative, welcoming environment. Learn about additional sessions here.
Foreign associates are often among the largest expenses in a trademark budget and play a critical role in the management of international portfolios. Yet many trademark professionals receive little formal guidance about how to work with foreign counsel and their teams effectively. Clear communication, thoughtful planning, and consistent processes can help reduce misunderstandings, avoid unnecessary follow-ups, control costs, and keep matters moving efficiently around the globe. In this session, Stacy Puleo of Merck will share practical strategies for building productive relationships with foreign associates, drawing on real-world experience managing international trademark portfolios. In particular, she’ll address:
- Providing clear instructions and setting expectations for successful collaboration
- Managing international matters across jurisdictions, cultures, and time zones
- Controlling costs and promoting efficient portfolio management
- Building strong, long-term relationships with foreign counsel and their teams
Register for the TMAE Summit here.
Speaker
Stacy Puleo, Paralegal Manager, Merck
Stacy Puleo is a trademark professional with extensive experience in global trademark portfolio management, prosecution, enforcement, and brand protection. As Paralegal Manager, Trademarks & Copyrights at Merck & Co., Inc., she leads and mentors trademark professionals, develops and implements operational processes, and collaborates with attorneys, foreign counsel, and business stakeholders worldwide. Stacy has deep expertise in U.S. and international trademark practice. She is also actively involved in legal technology initiatives, process improvement projects, and the development of AI-driven trademark searching solutions. Known for her collaborative leadership style and operational excellence, Stacy helps drive efficient and effective management of complex global trademark portfolios.