Alissa N. Shapiro has been Of Counsel to Paris Ackerman LLP since 2013. Alissa concentrates her practice on intellectual property, franchising, and licensing. Alissa primarily represents established franchise companies and start-up ventures seeking to expand their businesses through franchising, licensing and distribution. She advises her clients on complex issues relating to franchise law, intellectual property and other commercial matters.
Alissa’s franchise practice includes the representation of franchisors and master franchisees in various matters, including the preparation of franchise disclosure documents and franchise agreements, state registrations, and compliance with applicable federal and state regulations. Alissa also has significant experience in preparing complex commercial contracts including license agreements, non-compete agreements, confidentiality agreements, operating agreements, lease agreements and assignments, asset purchase.
In addition, Alissa has an extensive background in intellectual property law, advising many national and multi-national companies on intellectual property acquisitions and enforcement matters. Alissa has overseen trademark portfolio management and trademark enforcement programs for luxury good designers including Salvatore Ferragamo, Emanuel Ungaro and Etienne Aigner, as well as nationally recognized corporations in consumer products, hospitality and retail industries.
In addition to her transactional practice, Alissa litigates disputes arising in franchise in relationships in state and federal courts. To that end, Alissa represents franchisors and franchisees in disputes arising from issues such as abandonment, non-compete provisions, non-payment of royalty fees, trademark infringement, unlawful financial performance representations, encroachment, standards compliance, vendor rebates and wrongful termination. Alissa also litigates general commercial matters including partnership and shareholder disputes.
Prior to joining Paris Ackerman LLP, Alissa’s experience included working as an associate at Miami-based franchise firm Zarco Einhorn Salkowski & Brito, P.A.
Alissa earned her J.D. degree at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and her Masters of Law (LL.M.) in intellectual property also from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Alissa received her undergraduate degree from the George Washington University. Alissa is currently licensed to practice law in New York and Florida and is admitted to practice in United States District Courts for the Southern District of New York, Eastern District of New York and Southern District of Florida.