Meet Erik & Team

Erik Pelton

Founder and Lead Attorney

Erik is all about energy, whether he’s representing clients, More About Erik >addressing workshop or conference goers, volunteering with Falls Church City’s Economic Development Authority, testing his mettle in a triathlon, drumming up support for charity, or wrangling kids on Bike to School Day. His superpower is making complicated subjects clear, using real-world examples to illustrate his points in an engaging—sometimes-hilarious—way. And as an early-adopter gadget freak, the exploding world of technology and associated intellectual property laws is to Erik familiar and fun rather than intimidating. Erik got his start as a trademark examiner for the USPTO and, in the years since, has grown his law practice with the enduring ideals of customer service, affordability, and clarity. If you’re looking to work with someone who will care about your company brand as passionately as you do, you’ve come to the right place.

Did you know that Erik also owns several trademark registrations himself, such as IPELTON®, MAKING TRADEMARKS BLOOM SINCE 1999®, and THE NONTRADITIONAL TRADEMARK LAWYERS®? Erik believes that the best advisors must practice what they preach!

Erik is licensed to practice in New Jersey and the District of Columbia. Law practice limited to federal trademark matters.

Featured Article on Erik >Learn What I Preach >Brochure Download >About the Team >

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"Erik started his career as a trademark examiner for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and from there launched his own boutique trademark law practice. Whether it is a solo practitioner or an international corporation, Erik and his team strive to make protecting company brands both easy and affordable."
Jess Birken - Article on Erik, How Laywers Work

Olivia M. Muller

Managing Attorney

Olivia is an Associate and works on all types of trademark filings and communications. She began working for Erik as an intern and has had the pleasure of taking on an extremely diversified workload as the firm has expanded. As a former teacher of economics and marketing, Olivia has enjoyed putting her practical knowledge to use in ensuring that small business’s IP portfolios are protected. As the wife of a Marine Corps Judge Advocate, Olivia also greatly values working with veterans of all branches on their trademark matters.

Olivia is a graduate of the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University ('20) and DePauw University ('16, B.A. Economics). She served as the Student Bar Association President, Managing Editor of the Law Review, and was a member of Moot Court and the Intellectual Property Law Society. In her free time, Olivia enjoys watching sports and learning to cook. Olivia is licensed to practice in Colorado. Law practice limited to federal trademark matters.

Chelsea Kaminski

Chelsea is an Associate and joined the firm after graduating from American University Washington College of Law (’21) where she quickly developed a passion for studying IP law. During her final year in law school, she worked as a Student-Attorney in the Glushko-Samuelson IP Law Clinic, which further strengthened her interest in listening to clients' stories and helping them protect their ideas. As an undergraduate at University of Miami (’16), Chelsea studied Psychology with a minor in English. During her down time, she enjoys working out, reading, and cooking. Chelsea is licensed to practice in the District of Columbia. Law practice limited to federal trademark matters.

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"Erik is great. He’s responsive and takes the worry out of the trademark process. He tracks our renewals and ensures all of our trademark filings are up to date. As the CEO of a small business this saved me a great deal of time and allows me to focus on other crucial aspects of our business."
Mike Tuteur, CEO, Votent Solutions

Denisse Garcia

Denisse is an Associate with a passion for helping creative and innovative clients develop, protect, and capitalize on their intellectual property. Prior to joining EMP&A, Denisse worked with several intellectual property law firms as well as some of the biggest technology companies in the world. Through her previous work, she developed a diverse set of expertise in Intellectual Property, Technology Transactions, and Data Privacy. As a native of Uruguay, she particularly enjoys working with international clients.

Denisse graduated from Drexel University’s School of Law (’18) with Honors in the Intellectual Property Law Concentration and received the Faculty Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Student. During law school, she was a Staff Member of the Law Review, President of the Latin American Law Students Association, and a Scholar at the Microsoft/Hispanic National Bar Association Intellectual Property Law Institute. In her free time, Denisse enjoys photography, ice skating, watching documentaries, and visiting museums. Denisse is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and Uruguay. Law practice limited to federal trademark matters.

Dominique Cavich

Dominique is EMP&A’s Creative Director and brings over 25 years of experience as a graphic designer and studio owner to the EMP&A team. Having worked on numerous branding projects for a multitude of clients, she brings a critical eye, creative expertise, and attention to detail to her role. Outside of EMP&A, Dominique is an E-RYT Certified Yoga Instructor, and can be found in the kitchen, at the beach or on a hiking trail.

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"Erik and his firm have been helping me out since 2008, successfully securing two trademarks for my nonprofit organization, and advising on many trademark related situations. He is extremely knowledgeable, sends out a very informative newsletter, and is very easy to get along with. You won't find a better trademark attorney!"
Kendra J.