Danielle DeFilippis and Mike Locke Present Makerhoods First $100k Bootcamp

Danielle M. DeFilippis, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Co-Chair of its Intellectual Property Law Practice Group, and Michael J. Locke, an Associate of the firm, recently presented a virtual course to 20 attendees as part of the “First $100k Bootcamp” program hosted by Makerhoods.

“One of the best parts of my job is helping others succeed. I truly enjoy watching entrepreneurs grow their businesses, and to be a part of that brings joy to what I do,” said DeFilippis.

Locke added, “It’s an honor to be able to stand in front of these ambitious individuals and help them build their futures.”

About the Makerhoods First $100k Bootcamp

DeFilippis addressed selecting, clearing, and protecting a brand through trademark law, while Locke spoke on entity formation, the logistics of expanding a business into new states and countries, and how small businesses can use contracts to their advantage.

Makerhoods in Newark is a unique and original project including restoration of the historic Krueger-Scott Mansion and new construction to support local makers. Its aim is to help small businesses succeed by providing an apartment, commercial space, and business development services for a low monthly fee. The Makerhoods “First $100k Bootcamp” is a free, 10-week, online business training program for product-based businesses on how to grow a business to $100,000 in sales.

About Danielle DeFilippis

DeFilippis focuses her practice on intellectual property, contracts, and litigation. Her passion for food and beverage brands began at a young age, as she watched her father service various food brands through his work for a sales and marketing company. As the products came through her household, DeFilippis learned about marketing and branding from a retail and manufacturing perspective. Her appetite grew, and she now enjoys working with emerging and established food and beverage companies on brand development, clearance, counseling through the various stages of growth, and when the need arises, prosecuting and defending litigation.

DeFilippis is an author for Norris McLaughlin’s trademark, copyright, and unfair competition blog, More Than Your MaⓇk™. She has been recognized by NJBIZ in its “Manufacturing Power 50” list and named to New Jersey Law Journal’s 2019 list of “New Jersey Trailblazers” for her efforts in the food and beverage industry in New Jersey and for expanding those efforts on a global scale.

DeFilippis received her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2004 and her B.A. from The Pennsylvania State University in 2001.

About Mike Locke

Locke focuses on providing counsel to small businesses in all phases of their corporate existence, from formation through merger and acquisition. He works closely with clients as they grow and expand their businesses, offering advice and legal guidance in connection with customer and supplier agreements, terms and conditions of use (for both physical and digital products), inter-business relationships (including joint ventures), export regulations, securities regulations, litigation support, and more.

Locke is especially focused on working with businesses that seek to bridge the gap between commercial success and environmental or social responsibility. He has counseled clients in forming “benefit corporations” (also known as “B-corps”) and drafting corporate governing documents for those seeking to maximize profitability and have a positive effect on their communities while minimizing their own environmental impacts. Locke also has experience assisting larger corporations to conduct cross-border transactions, including the international purchase and sale of goods as well as the international purchase and sale of assets and equity.

Locke earned his J.D. in 2013, cum laude, from Brooklyn Law School, and his B.A. in 2010, magna cum laude, from Rutgers University.