A periodic Q & A session with a Lewis Thomason (LT) lawyer
Lewis Thomason: What is the best place you have ever visited?
Nic Vescovo: That’s a tough one. I have to go with Machu Picchu, and specifically the mountain of Huayna Picchu. My wife (Marianna) and I are working our way through the New Seven Wonders of the World. So far, we’ve seen the Coliseum in Rome, the Great Wall of China (we visited the Mutianyu section outside of Beijing on our honeymoon), Chichen Itza in Mexico, and Machu Picchu in Peru. Next up is Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, then hopefully the Taj Mahal followed by Petra in Jordan
Lewis Thomason: If you could change careers, what would you choose?
Nic Vescovo: Wow. Another tough one. Hmmmm. I think I’d like to try stand-up comedy or being a spy. But one of the good spies…
Lewis Thomason: If you had time for a new hobby or to learn a new skill, what would you choose and why?
Nic Vescovo: I want to learn fluent Italian or how to code. I come from an Italian family and want to be able to converse with Italians when we visit Italy again. I want to learn how to code because I think computers are the way of the future. Plus if the robots ever take over I can at least hopefully get an entry level positon and remain gainfully employed.
Lewis Thomason: What type of kid were you (e.g. spoiled, rebellious, well-behaved, quiet, obnoxious…)? And would your dad agree with that assessment?
Nic Vescovo: This seems like a set up. You’re not going to show this to my dad right? Let’s see…..spoiled (a little), rebellious (very), well-behaved (occasionally), quiet (hardly), obnoxious (more than I want to admit). There are also at least two or three (or maybe more) lawyers and/or staff members in the Memphis office that could comment on my childhood behavior. Hopefully they agree with my assessment. I will say I probably had the longest hair at one point during my childhood of anyone to work in the Memphis file room (regardless of gender).
Lewis Thomason: When did you decide to become a lawyer?
Nic Vescovo: I studied Microbiology in college and then got a job with Buckman Laboratories in Memphis after I graduated from the University of Memphis. I was going to work in a lab running tests on paper – as in, “how strong is this paper,” “if this paper gets wet, will it rip,” “will a special coating help this paper not tear.” After my first day of orientation, I realized the pay was not that great so I decided to try law school. I took job as a paralegal for a year to see if I would enjoy legal work and felt that it was something I could see myself doing. Plus, I knew a couple of lawyers that I felt would give me good advice.
Lewis Thomason: What has been your greatest challenge as an attorney?
Nic Vescovo: TIME ENTRY. It’s my sincere hope that this Artificial Intelligence I keep hearing about will make time entry easier because I really enjoy all other aspects of being an attorney.
Lewis Thomason: What is something that is popular now that annoys you?
Nic Vescovo: Snapchat. I’m convinced it was designed in a purposefully non-intuitive manner to make those of us that are not good with the app feel like Luddites. Plus, the whole filters thing seems silly (but my kids think it’s AMAZING).
Lewis Thomason: What is one of the most memorable moments in your life so far?
Nic Vescovo: Personal life – my wedding (we had an 8 year old rapper perform, which I think you can find on YouTube…) and the births of my children, Max (4) and Eva (1). Professional life – working on a case from the district court level though the Supreme Court and then my first time being lead on a copyright infringement PI hearing (and wining –thanks, Casey). Music life – Phish’s 2000 NYE Big Cypress Music Festival on an Indian reservation in Florida where they played from 11:55 pm until sunrise (7 am) (thanks for letting me go to that one, Dad!). Wait….did you ask for one moment or six? Can you repeat the question?
Lewis Thomason: What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
Nic Vescovo: Basketball. I also like to ski.
Lewis Thomason: How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Nic Vescovo: 3 pairs of work shoes/loafers, 2 pairs of sandals, 4 pairs of sneakers, a couple of pairs of boots, and one pair of Salomon trekking shoes, and no pairs of Crocs or Uggs.
Nic Vescovo is an associate in the firm’s Memphis office. Mr. Vescovo regularly counsels clients ranging from start-ups and emerging companies to individual artists and performers to multi-national corporations on all types of intellectual property issues. He has handled matters before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. From prosecuting trademarks to enforcing trademark rights nationally and globally, whether it is local infringement or infringement occurring online or on social media, Mr. Vescovo efficiently manages intellectual property disputes and enforcement matters. He has also handled a wide array of complex business-related litigation matters for clients, including class action lawsuits, injunctions, and arbitrations.