Norris McLaughlin P.A. Attorneys Theodore J. Zeller and Danielle M. DeFilippis to Present at Inaugural NJ Craft Beer Conference

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A. is pleased to announce that Theodore J. Zeller, Esq. and Danielle M. DeFilippis, Esq. will be presenting at the inaugural New Jersey Craft Beer Conference hosted by the Brewers Guild of New Jersey and Craft Beer Professionals. Zeller and DeFilippis will address "Trade Agreements, Trademarks & THC Law" providing a practical legal guide to protecting your distribution rights, IP, and trade secrets when negotiating agreements and navigating the evolving craft beer and cannabis space.

"We're seeing a big shift from alcohol to other kinds of craft beverages with younger generations," said Zeller, Chair of the firm's Liquor Law group. "For us liquor law folks, we're following the trends in the industry, how to help legacy, household name brands as well as craft beer startups looking to break into the market."

On the manufacturing side of the craft beer industry, establishing your intellectual property portfolio is key to a successful and widely distributed brand. "Proper clearance and registration of trademarks is crucial. These can be anything from your primary brand name to names of different brews or product lines," said DeFilippis, Co-Chair of the firm's Intellectual Property group. "Intellectual property protection extends further than trademarks. Companies should look to protect their trade secrets, formulas and recipes through their contracts, which are all part of a business' IP portfolio."

You can hear more insights from Zeller and DeFilippis at the NJ Craft Beer Conference being held from October 13-15 at the Hilton Hasbrouck Heights, just outside of Hackensack. The conference will feature over 25 additional educational sessions, 2 keynotes from industry leaders, and over 30 exhibitors.

About Ted Zeller

Ted Zeller, Chair of the firm's Liquor Law Practice Group, has extensive experience in liquor law, regulatory licensing, commercial transactions, real estate, and litigation. Zeller has played a key role in shaping Pennsylvania's liquor laws through lobbying, legislative drafting, and testimony before state committees. His efforts have resulted in significant changes to brewery and distribution regulations, including the creation of taproom allowances and the Malt Beverage Tax Excise Credit.

Zeller counsels clients on liquor license acquisitions and transactions, often coordinating with real estate, business, financing, tax, and intellectual property practices. Recognized statewide and nationally, Zeller represents breweries, wholesalers, and retailers on regulatory and distribution matters, regularly preparing distribution agreements and managing federal and state licensing.

As General Counsel to the Brewers of Pennsylvania and a member of the Pennsylvania Cider Guild, Zeller advises alcohol industry stakeholders across all categories. He has tried cases in both county and federal courts and has represented numerous start-up breweries, wineries, distilleries, and retailers.

About Danielle DeFilippis

Danielle M. DeFilippis, Co-Chair of the firm's Intellectual Property Law Practice Group, focuses her practice on intellectual property matters and litigation. DeFilippis represents individual and corporate clients in all phases of litigation, including cases before federal and state courts, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and alternative resolution forums. DeFilippis is also experienced with trademark clearance, prosecution, enforcement, licensing, and other contractual work.

DeFilippis has represented clients across industries including food and beverage, liquor, jewelry, cosmetics, sports, media, and entertainment. Her cases involve trademark and copyright infringement, false advertising, unfair competition, Lanham Act claims, and other business disputes. DeFilippis also manages global trademark portfolios for domestic and international clients.

An active speaker and writer, DeFilippis serves on the International Trademark Association's Geographical Indications Committee and contributes to the firm's intellectual property blog, More Than Your Mark®. DeFilippis has been recognized by Media Law International, ROI-NJ, NJBIZ, and the New Jersey Law Journal, and has appeared on the New Jersey Super Lawyers® list since 2024.

Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is a multi-practice, commercial law firm with offices in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, delivering legal solutions to clients wherever they conduct their business, including nationally and internationally. The firm's nearly 130 attorneys practice in more than 25 legal disciplines and industry-focused groups and serve a wide range of clients, including small businesses, middle-market companies, and Fortune 500 corporations, as well as the private individuals and families who may own, lead, and/or manage those companies. Norris McLaughlin is a member of Meritas®, a global alliance of leading independent law firms. To learn more, visit  www.norrismclaughlin.com . 

Contact: Skylar Daley
Communications Coordinator
(908) 252-4214
[email protected]

SOURCE Norris McLaughlin, P.A