NJBIZ: Five Questions with 2021 NJBIZ Leader in Law, Peter E. Nussbaum

CSG’s Peter E. Nussbaum, Co-Chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Group has been recognized in NJBIZ’s inaugural Leaders in Law program, which was created to honor legal professionals in various sectors and disciplines who bring an outstanding dedication to their occupation and their communities.

Over the course of his career, Peter has helped bring to market – and vigorously protected the brands of – countless food and beverage companies, as well as world-famous musical artists and leading clothing and footwear companies.

Following his selection in the “Retail/Wholesale” category by NJBIZ, we sat with him for a broad-ranging discussion covering topics ranging from his founding of Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve, New Jersey’s first GFAS-accredited animal sanctuary; the increasingly global scope of brands and trademark law; and the element he has valued most in developing his practice: the relationships.

Q: In what ways have you seen your role as a “leader in law” evolve over the years?

A: As brands and their reach become increasingly global, our international capabilities in the intellectual property space have had to grow reciprocally in scope. Many of our domestic-based clients operate as far as the Philippines, Dubai and Taiwan – and we have responded in-kind by adding talent to our Intellectual Property Group focused specifically on foreign trademark filing, enforcement and prosecutions.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your career?

A: Whether working with food and beverage operators, world-famous musical artists or leading clothing and footwear companies, the ultimate objective in my role as intellectual property counsel is to protect their brands and facilitate their ongoing global growth. In this process, I have had the opportunity to meet an extraordinarily wide range of people, many of whom have become lifelong friends. Gaining a meaningful understanding of these brands’ businesses and unique personalities, and advocating on their behalf, requires deep relationships, trust and confidence – and I have been fortunate to gain many friendships in the process of earning their business.

Q: What do you consider to be your greatest contribution to your company’s/client’s success?

A: I am immensely proud of my role as the guardian and monetizer of my clients’ greatest and most valuable assets: their unique brands and other creative works. Many of my client relationships are long-standing, and it has been very gratifying to witness and actively facilitate their growth from promising upstarts to powerhouse entities with dynamic partnerships around the world – and, all the while, serving their escalating needs every step of the way.

Q: Describe a career challenge you overcame and the outcome

A: I graduated from law school in 1993, when the legal market was at an all-time low, but was committed to practicing intellectual property law. I interviewed tirelessly with all of the major IP practices to no success due to the downturn – but, in time, landed at a smaller New Jersey-based IP boutique. I left that practice to launch my own and, there, was fortunate to develop a formidable client base that attracted many large, well-established law firms seeking to bolster their trademark capabilities. Among these firms was CSG, which I chose to join forces with, and I have not looked back since!

Q: What types of charities, community involvement, or pro bono work are you a part of?

A: In 2013, my wife and I co-founded Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve in Montague Township, New Jersey. It all began with the adoption of two roosters, Yuri and Jupiter, and our 336-acre property has since evolved into a paradise for nearly 250 previously neglected and abused farm animals. Over the years, we have hosted countless enriching tours, visits and other events – allowing families throughout the region to experience the transformative qualities of a sanctuary through humane education. In March 2021, we were incredibly proud to become the first animal sanctuary in New Jersey to receive The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries accreditation, which demonstrates adherence to the highest standards of sustainability, ethics, educational outreach, safety and animal care.

To view the full 2021 NJBIZ Leaders in Law list, please click here.