#United States #Bridgewater #Norris McLaughlin #Craft Beer Conference #Theodore Zeller

Attorneys to Present at Inaugural NJ Craft Beer Conference

Bridgewater, N.J. – The legal landscape surrounding craft beer and cannabis continues to evolve, and Norris McLaughlin, P.A. is at the forefront of this transformation. Attorneys Theodore J. Zeller and Danielle M. DeFilippis will be presenting at the first-ever New Jersey Craft Beer Conference, hosted by the Brewers Guild of New Jersey and Craft Beer Professionals from October 13-15, 2025, at the Hilton Hasbrouck Heights. Their session is titled "Trade Agreements, Trademarks & THC Law," where they will provide essential guidance on protecting distribution rights and intellectual property (IP) amidst changing regulations in the craft beverage sector.

The craft beverage industry has undergone significant changes, especially with younger consumers shifting their preferences. As Zeller, who leads the firm’s Liquor Law group, observes, the incorporation of cannabis into the beverage market is influencing legal frameworks. He notes, "For us liquor law professionals, keeping an eye on the current trends is imperative, especially as both legacy brands and new entrants navigate these complexities."

A critical component of success in the craft beer sector is the development of a robust intellectual property portfolio. DeFilippis, co-chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group, emphasizes the importance of securing trademarks and protecting trade secrets: "Proper trademark clearance and registration are vital. These can range from primary brand names to specific product lines and brews."

DeFilippis also highlights that companies should not overlook contract laws as a means to safeguard proprietary recipes and formulas, all integral parts of a comprehensive IP strategy.

The NJ Craft Beer Conference is designed to equip attendees with knowledge through over 25 educational sessions, alongside keynote speeches from notable figures in the industry, and opportunities to network with over 30 exhibitors.

About Theodore J. Zeller

With extensive expertise in liquor law, Zeller has been instrumental in influencing Pennsylvania’s liquor regulations through proactive engagement with legislative processes. His advocacy has led to important reforms in the regulation of breweries and distribution practices. Zeller's clients include breweries, wholesalers, and retailers requiring legal assistance in licensing and regulatory matters, which includes drafting distribution agreements imperative for their operations.

About Danielle M. DeFilippis

DeFilippis, with a focus on intellectual property, has represented individuals and corporate clients in various litigation arenas, including trademark-related disputes in federal and state courts. Her approach combines in-depth understanding of the complexities tied to IP protection and enforcement across multiple sectors, from food and beverage to entertainment. Additionally, she actively contributes to discussions on legal educational forums, underlining her commitment to advancing knowledge in the fields of trademark and copyright law.

Norris McLaughlin, P.A. is a multi-practice law firm based in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. They are known for delivering customized legal solutions across diverse industries and have almost 130 attorneys with expertise in more than 25 legal disciplines.

Attending the NJ Craft Beer Conference presents a unique opportunity for craft beer professionals to stay informed on legal developments affecting their businesses while networking with industry peers. For more information on the conference or to register, you can visit the official conference website.