EP#74: Your Brand Is Worth Stealing. Is It Protected? With Maria Sinatra (Venable) and Allison Luvera (Juliet)
Podcast: Startups DecodedPublished On: Mon Jun 22 2026
Description: Most founders think IP protection is something they'll sort out once the business gets traction. That's exactly backwards. By the time it feels urgent, the work already matters, and you're behind.This conversation cuts through the abstraction. Maria Sinatra is an IP attorney at Venable LLP who works with startups and nationally recognized consumer brands on exactly this problem. Allison Luvera is the founder of Juliet Wine, a category-creating consumer brand that got copied by a company 300 times its size, and had the receipts to do something about it. Together they make the case that your brand is not a marketing asset. It's infrastructure, and you need to own it before someone else does.Venable LLP is a supporter of Startups Decoded: Venable LLP is a national law firm of 900-plus professionals, with deep expertise in IP law, trademarks, copyright, patents, and brand protection for startups and consumer brands.Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTubePresented by Deel: If you're at the stage of making your first or fiftieth hire — and doing it across borders — Deel is worth knowing about. They're supporting Startups Decoded this season for good reason. LEARN MORE.Maria SinatraIs a Partner at Venable LLP specializing in trademark, copyright, and brand protection for startups and nationally recognized consumer brands. She advises companies on protecting and scaling their IP as they grow.Allison LuveraFounder and CEO of Juliet Wine and an award-winning entrepreneur and brand builder with 15 years of experience across consumer goods, media, and luxury beverage brands. Her work spans companies including Perrier-Jouët, Martell, Chivas Regal, Vogue, and InStyle.Andy Walsh2× exited founder and host of Startups Decoded (500,000 downloads + Top 2% globally).Access All Areas.Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTubeSubscribe: SubstackConnect: LinkedInWeb: startupsdecoded.com Socials: TikTok || Instagram || XMusic Credit“Neptuno” – Phondupe (Album: Onykia) https://phondupe.bandcamp.com/album/air-conditioning-vol-2The Studio Filmed on location at 28th&Park. A content & production studio for New York’s visionary Builders, Investors, Artists, Musicians, & Creators to amplify their voice & share bold stories. Use the code "Decoded" for 25% off your first booking.
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