Name: Bruce Siegal
Position/Institution: Attorney At Law, Greenspoon Marder LLP
Number of years in your position: 35
Alma Mater(s): University of Alabama
Hometown: Tuscaloosa

Why did you become involved in ICLA?
I have been involved in ICLA since its inception. I served as chair of its legal advisory council, wrote the updated legal and enforcement section of Licensing Resource Book (with Duski Hale), served on the membership committee, etc. I value the work opportunities ICLA has presented over the years and all the way through present day.

How has your involvement with ICLA influenced your career?
Absolutely just having opportunity to make and maintain relationships is essential in this business, as well as actively participating in programs and learning from other licensing professionals.

Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate licensing?
Out of law school at the University of Alabama, I was hired by Bill Battle, who was starting up CLC in its infancy. This was in 1986 (I know, I am aging myself).

What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment?
Well, I have worked with many schools to assist in licensing and trademark protection. I would have to say the enforcement in the early years is a huge challenge when universities are challenged in their ability to protect and license their marks. I also helped establish CLC's labor code of conduct and implement it on behalf of universities adopting the CLC or other labor code standards.

What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
Learning on the run and having a service-first mentality for staff and university clients.

When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
Trademark and licensing legal advice; labor code compliance; navigating the licensing world (work with many licensees now that I am in a private practice).

Who has been the most influential person in your career?
Bill Battle; Dr. Finus Gaston.

Who's your role model? Why?
My uncle, Don Siegal, who is the reason I became an attorney.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the field of collegiate licensing?
As Linda Gilbert once said - soak up information like a sponge. That is sage advice, along with networking and being available to all key constituents both on campus and licensing and retail partners.

In your opinion, where is collegiate licensing headed in the future?
NIL will have an influence, and I would hope to see mutually advantageous arrangements between trademark licensing and athletes seeking to create opportunities for co-branding in a way that benefits both the schools and the athletes.

If you could choose one (1) amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be?
I work at a great firm, and they give me everything I need to succeed.

What percentage of your workweek is spent in your office?
75%.
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for?
Hot yoga.

What's your favorite quote?
"The past is no good to us. The future is full of anxiety. Only the present is real - the here and now. Seize the day." Saul Bellow.

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren't an issue?
More travel and to live on a ship.

What is your favorite family tradition?
Beach vacations.

What are you really good at that might surprise people?
Hot yoga.

If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Read, do hot yoga, and run.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Unresponsiveness.

What is your favorite binge-worthy show or book you are reading right now?
Better Call Saul.


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