TMAE Summit 2026 Foreign Exchanges: Streamlining Communications with Local Counsel
Alt Legal Team | October 25, 2026
At the TMAE Summit on October 19-21, 2026, Stacy Puleo of Merck and Christina Fignolé of Cabinet de Lespinasse presented the session, “Foreign Exchanges: Streamlining Communications with Local Counsel.” Learn about additional sessions here. Here are some key takeaways from the session:
1. Clear instructions and expectations are essential for successful collaboration. Provide foreign counsel with complete information, documentation, deadlines, and expectations upfront. Establish clear communication protocols and responsibilities to minimize delays, confusion, and unnecessary back-and-forth.
2. Global trademark management requires flexibility and an understanding of local challenges. Legal requirements, cultural differences, time zones, political instability, and staffing limitations can all affect how foreign counsel operates. Recognizing these differences and planning accordingly helps teams navigate unexpected challenges.
3. Proactive communication helps prevent delays and costly mistakes. Send instructions early, review documents carefully, and address missing information before it becomes a problem. Maintain open communication and establish realistic response-time expectations, particularly for urgent matters.
4. Effective cost management starts before work begins. Establish budgets, request estimates, explore fixed-fee arrangements, and match resources to the complexity of each matter. Consider how technology and workflow improvements can increase efficiency without compromising the quality of legal services.
5. Strong relationships with foreign counsel extend beyond individual matters. Build connections with attorneys, paralegals, administrators, and other team members. Active listening, transparency, mutual respect, and regular communication help establish trust and create more productive, long-term partnerships.
6. Treat foreign counsel as an extension of your trademark team. Share business objectives, portfolio priorities, and long-term strategies so local counsel can provide advice that aligns with broader organizational goals. Regular feedback, collaboration, and an appreciation for local expertise lead to stronger global trademark operations.
Speakers
Christina Fignolé, Operations Director, Cabinet de Lespinasse
Since joining Cabinet de Lespinasse in January 2020, Christina Fignolé has built a strong foundation of operational expertise, advancing from her initial role in the Billing Department to her current position as Operations Director. Along the way, she has worked across several key areas of the organization, including affidavits, client communications, and shipping, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the trademark prosecution and maintenance process from both operational and client-service perspectives. Leveraging this broad experience, Christina plays a pivotal role in developing and streamlining workflows that drive efficiency, enhance employee productivity, and support exceptional client service. She is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality while thoughtfully managing client expectations in an environment where political instability and periodic civil unrest can present unique operational challenges.
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.