Jennifer Hetu is a Member in the firm’s Intellectual Property practice group. She focuses her practice on trademark law and brand protection.

Practice Related Activities

Jennifer is a former U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) trademark examining attorney and was previously a partner in the intellectual property practice group of a large Michigan‑based business law firm. Her background provides both regulatory insight and extensive private‑sector experience in trademark strategy and brand management.

Her practice includes trademark clearance searches, legal opinions on availability, and guidance on trademark adoption and proper use in packaging, labeling, advertising, and marketing materials. She manages all aspects of trademark prosecution for U.S. and international clients and represents them before the USPTO and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). Jennifer also handles enforcement matters such as trademark and domain name disputes, cease‑and‑desist actions, settlement negotiations, and oppositions in the U.S. and abroad. Her work further extends to e‑commerce issues, including domain investigations and UDRP proceedings. She counsels clients on complex IP issues in corporate transactions, including transaction‑related IP due diligence, assignments and transfers of intellectual property, and the recordation of security interests.

Professional Affiliations, Activities and Honors

Jennifer is a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA) and serves on the SME Resources Committee and is the Chair of the Resources Distribution subcommittee. She is also a council member of the Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

Jennifer has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for Trademark Law since 2019. She was featured in Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2023 Class of Influential Women and DBusiness Magazine 2024-2025 “Top Lawyers” for Copyright, Patent and Intellectual Property Law.

Articles and Presentations

• Co-author, “Disparaging, Immoral, and Scandalous Trademarks” Michigan Bar Journal (September 2021)
• Co-author, “It’s Not Easy Being Green: Use of the Terms ‘Organic,’ ‘Sustainable,’ and ‘Natural’ in Trademarks and Advertising,” Landslide (September/October 2011)
• Presenter, “One Size Does Not Fit All: Global TM Prosecution – Tips and Watch-Outs,” 2016 Trademark Administrators and Practitioners (TMAP) Meeting, Washington, DC (September 2016)
• Roundtable Host, “As the World Turns – International Trademark Developments,” International Trademark Association (INTA), Bloomfield Hills, Michigan (April 2016)
• Presenter, Protecting Your Business’s Intellectual Property: Trade Secrets & Trademarks,” Michigan Chamber of Commerce (January 20, 2016)
• Presenter, “Protecting your Business’s Intellectual Property: Patents & Copyrights,” Michigan Chamber of Commerce (December 16, 2015)
• Panelist, Career Paths Panel, Intellectual Property Law
• Spring Seminar, The Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan in cooperation with The Institute of Continuing Legal Education, East Lansing, Michigan (March 24, 2014)
• Moderator, “USPTO and TTAB Office Practice, Trends, and Tips from a  Former Examining Attorney,” 135th INTA Annua l Meeting, Dalla s, Texas (May 2013)
• Commentator, “Do Trademark Lawyers Matter?,” INTA’s 4th Annual Scholarship Symposium, 135th INTA Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas (May 2013)
• Presenter, “Eco-Marks and Greenwashing, Green IP: An Overview of Opportunities and Risks,” Webinar (November 2011)
• Panelist, “Careers in Trademark Law: A Panel Discussion for Law Students,” International Trademark Association, Ann Arbor, Michigan (October 27, 2010)

Education, Bar and Court Admissions

Jennifer earned her J.D. from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University.

Jennifer is admitted to practice in the State of Michigan.