M. Elena Benavente

Elena Benavente is a seasoned Trademark and Brand Specialist with nearly four decades of legal experience and more than 30 years focused on intellectual property. Her career spans international law firms, specialized IP boutiques, and in-house corporate legal departments, giving her a distinctive perspective on both the legal and business considerations involved in building and protecting valuable brands.

Elena has extensive experience managing sophisticated U.S. and international trademark portfolios, including clearance and search strategy, prosecution, global filing strategy, maintenance, enforcement, and litigation strategy and support. She works closely with attorneys, clients, foreign counsel, and marketing and business teams, and is known for her ability to independently manage complex portfolios, anticipate issues, and serve as a trusted point of contact for clients.

Before joining Pirkey Barber, Elena held senior trademark and intellectual property management positions with Munck Wilson Mandala, Harvey & Company, Harvey Siskind, DLA Piper, Bare Escentuals Beauty, and Benefit Cosmetics. Her experience includes supporting Fortune 500 companies and other leading organizations across a broad range of industries, from consumer products and food and beverage to energy and technology.

Elena is fluent in Spanish and has been actively involved with the International Trademark Association (INTA), including service on the Indigenous Rights, Trademark Administrators, and Unreal Campaign Committees. She also had the privilege of working alongside her life partner, the late Peter Harvey, including supporting his intellectual property practice and teaching initiatives at the USF San Francisco School of Law and its international summer IP program.

Outside the office, Elena enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.