BakerHostetler kicks off 2025 with addition of IP partner in Washington

Key takeaways

• Susan Kayser joins BakerHostetler’s Washington office as a partner in the Intellectual Property Practice Group and as a member of the Trademark and Copyright team. In addition, Timothy Payne and David Diorio join the firm’s Chicago office as partners in the Labor and Employment Practice Group and as members of the Immigration team.
• Kayser comes from an AmLaw 50 firm and concentrates on trademark, advertising, copyright litigation, and complex matters for international and emerging brands in the fashion, consumer products, and technology industries.
• Payne and Diorio also join from an AmLaw 50 firm, where they provided high-quality immigration case processing and compliance best practices for clients in a wide range of industries.
• Their proven track records strengthen BakerHostetler’s capabilities and align with the firm’s strategy of further enhancing its growing IP and Labor and Employment practices in Washington and Chicago and across the US.

Why this matters

With more than three decades of IP and litigation experience, Kayser represents some of the world’s most recognizable brands across various industries, including a leading global e-commerce company and a prominent fashion retailer. Together, Payne and Diorio offer more than 40 years of providing immigration services to multinational and US corporations, not-for-profit organizations, healthcare institutions, and high-net-worth individuals.

After opening a new office in Austin, Texas, and adding 10 highly accomplished affordable housing attorneys on January 1, BakerHostetler continues its strong growth in 2025 with this group of partners.

“The protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights is increasingly top of mind for our clients,” said Mark Tidman, firmwide chair of the IP Practice Group. “BakerHostetler has been strategically expanding its IP presence in key markets for several years, and Susan’s arrival strengthens our capabilities, particularly in litigation. Her addition will greatly benefit our existing clients and allow us to broaden our reach.”

About Kayser’s practice

Known for her trademark, advertising, and copyright litigation and complex intellectual property disputes work, Kayser represents clients across industries, including fashion, consumer products, and technology. She has significant experience obtaining and defeating preliminary injunctions in federal courts nationwide. She also manages global trademark portfolios. Kayser has achieved significant victories in multiple federal courts and the United States Patent and Trademark Office Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, securing key decisions for her clients.

In addition to her trademark and copyright work, Kayser also advises clients on the intersection of intellectual property and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, offering guidance on compliance policies and risk management. She also represents clients in connection with Lanham Act false advertising claims in federal court and National Advertising Division proceedings. She also counsels on advertising compliance and clearing marketing campaigns. Her copyright practice encompasses the protection and enforcement of works, such as fabric designs, artwork, and architectural plans.

Kayser received her J.D., magna cum laude, from the American University Washington College of Law and her B.A. from American University.

“Susan is an accomplished litigator who brings a strategic and practical approach to helping clients protect and leverage their intellectual property in an ever-changing market,” said Jeff Paravano, managing partner of the firm’s Washington office. “Her addition strengthens our offerings of innovative IP counsel, and we are excited to be enhancing the depth and breadth of our service offerings to established and emerging brands.”

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