[Varndell, JD] I am an attorney who specializes in the private practice of patent, trademark and copyright law, which is known as Intellectual Property (IP) Law. The focus of my practice is obtaining trademarks for words, slogans, color, scents, etc. and copyrights for written works, computer programs, sculptures, fabric design, etc. for small and medium size companies.

[NAPW] Tell us a little bit about your career journey:

[Varndell, JD]  I started my career as an economic lobbyist for the chemical industry. Having been raised in a family business, in 1986 I began an IP law firm with my husband. Also, the practice of IP law was more compatible with raising our three small children. We operated our law firm, Varndell & Varndell, for 19 years before we merged with Posz Law Group in 2005.

[NAPW] When did you know this is what you wanted to do? Did you have an ‘ah ha’ moment?

[Varndell, JD]  I knew trademarks and copyrights are what I really loved since it involved personal interaction with customers. Helping business owners gain protection for the goodwill invested in their names, slogans, written works, sculptures, fabric design, etc. is very rewarding to me.

[NAPW]  What are some of your greatest accomplishments and/or accolades?

[Varndell, JD]  My greatest accomplishments are representing new business owners who succeed and represent my clients in stopping others who try and copy or infringe their IP rights. One memorable example was when two young, inexperienced college men came to me with the business, College Hunks Hauling Junk®. I was able to get them several tough trademark registrations and from there they built a national franchise business in a matter of five years. Representing and defending the IP property rights of nonprofit organizations has also produced some of my greatest accomplishments. As far as accolades, my most valued accolades are the words of appreciation from my clients for being “real” and doing my job with as little interference with their daily business operations as possible.

[NAPW]  Do you have a mantra?

[Varndell, JD] Actually I have quite a few - but one that I really hang my hat on is by the famous author Anthony J. D’Angelo - Don’t fear change -- embrace it.

[NAPW]  What inspires you on a day-to-day basis?

[Varndell, JD]  I think I am inspired by a combination of thoughts each day. The first is my favorite character, Emma Harte, in the book Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford. Emma came from very humble beginnings and by dedicating herself to hard work she became very successful. The second thought that inspires me is the potential challenges that may arise with each new day. I learned this lesson from a classmate in college who saw that I was very nervous for a history test. She told me that she thinks of tests as challenges and not something to be feared. It’s funny how some small moments in life can make a lasting impression.

[NAPW]  What is on your iPod?

[Varndell, JD] I have a combination of music and meditation guides on my iPod. Music is my first choice since I find it relaxing and inspirational at the same time. I listen mostly to new age music. Some of my favorite artists are Kevin Kern, George Winston and Enya.

[NAPW]  Tell us a funny story about you.

[Varndell, JD]   Gosh, I’m embarrassed to say that there are quite a few. Before I proceed, the reading audience should consider that I’m generally known to have a very healthy sense of humor about myself. With that being said, I think one of the funniest stories is one morning early in my career I was at work and we had visitors from the company’s office in Texas. It was a small company and I worked long hours. I was particularly tired that morning and a gentleman came up to me and introduced himself by saying “Hello, I’m George Meyer from the Texas office,” and without thinking I responded “Hi, I’m Therese Varndell from Arlington, Virginia (of course is where I was living at the time).” Needless to say George was rather perplexed. I guess this qualifies as funny and embarrassing, but mostly funny to me.