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 and Christina Fignolé of Cabinet de Lespinasse will share practical strategies for building productive relationships with foreign associates, drawing on real-world experience managing international trademark portfolios. In particular, they will 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.
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.