Tracy Jong brings a rigorous blend of legal, scientific, and executive experience, focusing on high-value intellectual property assets and corporate transactions, particularly within M&A contexts. She is fully licensed to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) (Registration No.: 56105), the Western and Southern Districts of New York (federal court), and the State Bar of New York. Her foundation includes a doctorate of law combined with technical training in the chemical arts, supplemented by years of private legal practice and government experience.

Tracy concentrates her practice on maximizing the commercial value of intangible assets. She provides strategic client counseling, handling complex US and foreign patent and trademark preparation and prosecution, copyright procurement, and critical aspects of licensing, technology transfer, and exploitation. Utilizing her extensive network of specialists and patent agents, she ensures comprehensive coverage for inventors across diverse technical disciplines. As an experienced IP attorney, she collaborates directly with management and in-house counsel to define a robust and cost-effective IP protection strategy that aligns with the client’s commercial objectives and enterprise value.

Tracy leverages her deep understanding of industry dynamics to serve owners in the restaurant, winery, and microbrewery sectors, marrying her industry passion with a commitment to corporate strategy. Her background includes previous experience in management consulting for Fortune 500 companies at Moran, Stahl & Boyer in midtown Manhattan, as well as management of a public power company and municipal government. These experiences allow her to provide practical, high-level solutions to challenges facing growing and transitioning businesses.

Tracy’s expertise is intensely focused on M&A preparation and execution for these businesses. She understands that the largest asset for food and beverage entities is often their goodwill and trade secrets—their brand reputation and earning potential. Utilizing her intellectual property (IP) background, Tracy assists these businesses in formally protecting their brand, proprietary recipes, processes, and other trade secrets, which is the key to building the long-term, defensible equity value required for a successful sale. Furthermore, she advises entrepreneurial business owners on how to structure their entities and practices to maximize their return when they exit or sell. This includes meticulously preparing the business for due diligence by ensuring all critical IP and regulatory documentation is in perfect order. Finally, she offers multi-faceted expertise tailored to Agribusiness Complexity; drawing on her experience in an agricultural community, she guides entities like wineries through complex issues involving seasonal economics, multi-generation family-owned entity structuring, branding protection, and stringent land use and alcohol/food regulations.

Tracy also provides critical support in navigating the complex regulatory landscape, assisting businesses with federal licensing and labeling issues with the TTB and managing licensing, renewal, and violations/suspension cases before the New York State Liquor Authority. This regulatory compliance is often a critical de-risking factor in any acquisition.