Cynthia A. Neal

Cindy advises clients on compliance with U.S. export controls, trade and economic sanctions, export controls (International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR)), and other regulations related to the possession, trade and export of U.S. controlled assets. In particular, she works with companies to analyze product, service, and technology portfolios to identify and classify assets subject to export controls, register under the ITAR or EAR, and develop, implement, and improve export control compliance programs. She also regularly advises companies on various compliance issues related to sanctions programs administered and enforced by the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC), including US sanctions targeting China and Russia/Crimea. Cindy also assists companies with drafting and submitting license applications, disclosures, and classification requests to BIS and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC).

Cindy's practice also includes patent preparation and prosecution in the fields of mechanical devices and chemical and pharmaceutical formulations. Cindy regularly counsels a broad range of clients, from individual inventors and startups to Fortune 500 companies, on intellectual property matters, including reviewing disclosures, offering clearance and validity opinions, handling prior art searches, rendering infringement opinions and managing portfolios.

Cindy earned her J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 2009 and her B.S. in Biochemistry from Miami University in 2005.

She joined Calfee from a Cincinnati-based law firm in 2021.

Education

J.D., University of Cincinnati College of Law, 2009

B.S., Biochemistry, Miami University, 2005

Professional & Community

• CincyIP, CIO (2015), Vice President (2013 –2015), Secretary (2009 – 2012)

• Cincinnati Bar Association, Member

• Intellectual Property Owners Association, Member

• United Way Emerging Leaders and WINGs, Member

• Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, Board of Directors, Chair (2016 – 2019)

Presentations

"Start-Up 101: Protect Your Tech!," Women in Start-Ups and NAWL Women in Intellectual Property & Tech Law, Panelist, Webinar (September 2021)