McDonald Hopkins welcomes experienced IP attorney Malisheia Douglas to its growing team

McDonald Hopkins is proud to announce the addition of another talented member to its Intellectual Property Department: Malisheia Douglas. Malisheia has built a global reputation for helping companies navigate complex intellectual property challenges, particularly those emerging at the intersection of innovation and evolving legal landscapes.

Malisheia is the eighth experienced attorney to join McDonald Hopkins’ IP Department since the start of 2025.

“I was drawn to McDonald Hopkins because of its strong reputation and sense of camaraderie. I appreciate the firm’s autonomy and entrepreneurial culture, it empowers professionals to chart their own path while still fostering a supportive, collaborative atmosphere,” Malisheia said.

Her practice focuses on patent and trademark strategy, trade secret protection, technology transactions, and global portfolio management, with experience spanning a wide range of industries including e-commerce, industrial and consumer products, automotive, oil and gas, and energy management. She routinely advises clients on distinguishing between trade secrets and patent protection, especially for innovations involving artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML).

She also advises clients on the protection of intellectual property through government contracts, including the rights of contractors and the US government regarding research and development of new technologies, products and processes. While serving as in-house counsel, Malisheia led teams dedicated to cybersecurity and digitization, as well as diversity and inclusion. She is dedicated to creating and guiding collaborative, cohesive and innovative teams. Prior to law school, she earned her degree in chemical engineering and worked as a polymer research engineer at a Fortune 50 tire company, as well as a leading manufacturer of specialty fibers and nonwoven materials made from cellulose.

“I enjoy helping companies tackle some of their most complex intellectual property challenges, especially as emerging technologies and an evolving legal landscape continue to reshape the field,” she said. “My approach to client work is to become an extension of their internal team. By understanding their business and culture, I’m able to deliver more strategic and customized solutions.”

Dave Cupar, Chair of McDonald Hopkins’ Intellectual Property Department, noted that it’s an exciting time for the group as it continues to expand its capabilities with experienced attorneys like Malisheia.

“With Malisheia’s arrival, our Intellectual Property Department has grown to 22 attorneys, supported by amazing staff, all working together to provide comprehensive, business-minded IP counsel,” said Cupar. “We’re proud of the depth of talent we’ve assembled, and we’re excited about the momentum we’re building.”

Malisheia holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Akron and a Bachelor in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.