Renee R., Intellectual Property Counsel, is a superhero of sorts. She spends her days maintaining the integrity of Enterprise Holdings’ brands. Her work runs the gamut of protecting the company’s most valuable assets – our brands.
Every day is different for Renee and involves addressing a variety of tasks. For example, she recently dealt with trademark matters in France, Botswana, the U.K., the U.S., Canada and Israel – and that was just within the first two hours of her day.
Renee sat down with us to cover her unique role on the Legal team.
How did you join the Legal team and what is your role on it today?
I started my career as an Administrative Assistant and Paralegal in 1998. I worked full time while attending Saint Louis University School of Law. Upon graduation in 2002, I was pleased to be offered the role of Government Relations Counsel.
In my current role as Intellectual Property Counsel, I focus on managing trademark and domain portfolios and enforcing trademark rights.
What excites you about your job?
The increasing international scope of our business makes trademark clearance more challenging, which I enjoy, and I absolutely love sitting at the cutting edge of the organization’s future.
Every day is different – some days I work on the defense and some on the offense. I enjoy tackling the surprises and challenges that come my way.
Why is intellectual property so important to protect?
Intellectual Property is the lifeblood of any company, particularly companies focused on innovation. Patents protect innovative ideas while trademarks identify Enterprise as the source of goods and services and distinguish our offerings from those of competitors.
A trademark used and protected well will come to mean more than just name-brand recognition. In our case, for example, the Enterprise mark represents transportation services offered with great customer service.
Our first Founding Value – our brands are the most valuable things we own – directly relates to my job. I help protect the integrity and soul of the organization.
What is a proud moment in your career?
After 10 long years of hard work, getting the first patent for the ARMS system, a communication tool used in the vehicle replacement business to allow real time communication between Enterprise, insurance companies and body shops. The process included several trips to Washington, D.C. to meet with examiners, dozens of drafts and collaboration with the Product Development team. Enterprise was the first car rental company to obtain a patent registration, and it was truly an incredible achievement for the company and the legal team.
What is something employees might not know about the Legal team?
We are an international team headquartered in St. Louis with offices in Tulsa and the U.K. I see my colleagues as creative problem solvers who are always happy to help.
