David A. Donahue

David A. Donahue is a partner at Fross Zelnick, where he focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation and counseling. He advises clients on copyright, trademark, unfair competition, rights of publicity, design patents, and related commercial issues, drawing on decades of courtroom experience to craft strategies that protect valuable business and creative assets.

David earned his Juris Doctor magna cum laude from St. John’s University School of Law in 1998, where he was an associate editor of the St. John’s Law Review and a recipient of the St. Thomas More Institute Scholarship and Kenneth Wang Fellowship. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, earned in 1994. After law school, he clerked for two federal judges, gaining foundational experience in trial and appellate practice.

Throughout his career, David has successfully represented clients in federal and state trial and appellate courts across the United States, as well as before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. His litigation successes span various industries, including technology, professional sports, hospitality, fashion, food and beverage, fine art, music, film, publishing, and entertainment.

In addition to his litigation work, David leverages his courtroom knowledge to negotiate and draft commercial agreements involving intellectual property rights. His dual focus on dispute resolution and preventive counsel enables clients to safeguard their brands and creative works while minimizing risk. Known for his command of both the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and intellectual property law, he is a trusted advocate in high-stakes disputes.

By combining litigation expertise with practical business insight, David A. Donahue provides clients with comprehensive protection of their intellectual property, ensuring they can operate and innovate with confidence.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, P.C.
• Member, International Trademark Association, International Amicus Committee
• Member, Federal Bar Council, Intellectual Property Committee
• Member, Association of the Bar of the City of New York, Sports Law Committee
• Former Assistant Secretary, Copyright Society of the U.S.A.
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• New York

Education

• St. John’s University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Michigan
  BA with Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Badges