As cannabis markets mature and brands scale across state lines, the lack of federal IP protection is leaving cannabis brands increasingly exposed, with high stakes for those looking to scale or defend what they have built. Companies are investing heavily in brand identity, but few understand the legal risks of operating without enforceable national trademarks. Instead, they rely on inconsistent state-level protections that don’t extend beyond their borders, leaving valuable assets at risk.
This session, led by Michigan-based cannabis attorney Denise Pollicella, will break down what every operator, investor, and advisor needs to know about protecting brand names, logos, and trademarks in an industry that’s growing faster than the legal infrastructure supporting it. Denise, one of the original architects of Michigan’s cannabis legislation, will offer a real-world perspective on how IP issues are playing out on the ground, including disputes over trade names, branding conflicts in multi-market expansions, and legal blind spots that many businesses miss until it’s too late.
Attendees will walk away with a practical framework for assessing risk, navigating IP protections in the current federal landscape, and taking proactive steps to protect what they’ve built. With consolidation rising, licensing deals increasing, and federal reform on the horizon, brand protection isn’t legal guidance, it’s a business strategy.
This session is designed for operators at all stages, as well as business decision-makers navigating growth, investment, or rebranding. It’s not just legal theory—it’s an actionable blueprint for scaling responsibly in a fragmented and competitive market.
Denise Pollicella: Partner and Chair of Cannabis Practice, Omnus Law
Partner and Chair of the Cannabis Practice at Omnus Law, Denise Pollicella is a nationally recognized cannabis attorney and business advisor with more than 28 years of legal experience. She was instrumental in shaping cannabis policy at the state level, including drafting the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act, and continues to advise regulators, legislators, and industry leaders on sustainable cannabis policy.
Denise’s practice focuses on multi-state compliance, corporate governance, M&A, and litigation strategy for cannabis operators, investors, and entrepreneurs. She advises clients at every stage of growth, from single-state startups to national operators, and is known for helping businesses scale responsibly in complex regulatory environments.
Most recently, Denise was invited to testify before the Michigan House Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Insurance and Financial Services Subcommittee, where she addressed the risks posed by Governor Whitmer’s proposed 32% cannabis excise tax. Drawing on her experience advising licensed operators across the state, she argued that the tax would destabilize the legal market and drive consumers back to illicit channels.
She has consistently brought a legal and operational perspective to high-stakes issues such as taxation, licensing, and enforcement, offering practical solutions for businesses and policymakers alike. Her approach blends legal expertise with business pragmatism, helping clients navigate a fragmented and rapidly evolving national landscape.
Denise brings authority and accessibility to her speaking engagements, making her a strong resource for audiences seeking practical insights on cannabis law, policy, and growth strategy.