Q & A with Mark Warzecha

Mark F. Warzecha is the Director of the Intellectual Property Litigation Department at Widerman Malek, L.L.P. in Melbourne, FL.

A graduate of Rutgers University, Warzecha appears before the USPTO to prosecute Trademark Applications, including prosecuting and defending opposition and cancellation proceedings. Warzecha, who earned his juris doctor from California Western School of Law in 1994, also appears in U.S. District Courts nationwide to enforce and defend cases involving trademark and patent Infringement, unfair competition, domain name disputes, misappropriation, and counterfeiting. In addition, Warzecha prosecutes and defends Uniform Domain Name Disputes (UDRP) and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Civil Mediator specializing in Intellectual Property disputes.

Q: Before becoming an attorney, what was your first job?

A: Growing up in a middle-class family in New Jersey, I began to work at a pretty young age, and usually got paid under the table. Sorry, employment law specialists. I delivered newspapers, worked at a bar supply warehouse, and did construction and HVAC installation.

Q: What motivated you to pursue a legal career?

A: I was in college and had no idea what I wanted to do. I was at a rock club in Brooklyn and the band presented a gold record to their lawyer. I asked my friend, who was in a local band, what that was all about and he said bands have entertainment lawyers. From that moment, I said, “that’s what I’m going to do.”

2022 December 05 - Weekly Q and A - Mark Warzecha - Family2022

At the seashore, Mark Warzecha is pictured with his three children, Alexandria (8), Derek (7), and Gabriella (4).

Q: Who was your chief mentor and how did he or she influence your career?

A: I can’t say I had a chief “legal” mentor. I have worked for firms and under attorneys and learned what traits and practices I told myself I wouldn’t engage in as my career moved forward. I have had amazing mentors such as teachers and coaches that have instilled in me the importance of a strong work ethic and values to live by.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

A: If you want something you need to go earn it. Nothing in life comes for free.

Q: What is one thing you would like to learn to do?

A: Play guitar or piano. Sorry, that’s two.

Q: What is your proudest career achievement?

A: Having practiced for nearly three decades and being able to mentor the next generation of IP attorneys as well as founding our firm’s foundation, No Bad Days Foundation, to provide medical equipment for children with disabilities.

Q: What other career path might you have chosen?

A: Charter boat captain or carpenter.

Q: What is your most treasured material possession?

A: Cabo sportfish boat.

Q: What is your happiest childhood memory?

A: There are too many to list. Playing whiffle ball, football, and hockey on the street I grew up on with the neighborhood kids. Going fishing from sunup to sundown. Winning a Pop Warner football championship after an undefeated season.