MELISSA CASTRO
As a senior associate attorney for Vivid IP, Melissa is our rising star in entertainment law. While her background spans an impressive range of experience from family and business to criminal and copyright law, her passion for music and performance—and deep appreciation for performers themselves—makes her an especially devoted defender of entertainers’ rights.
Having passed the Georgia bar in July 2019 on the heels of her graduation from Emory University Law School, Melissa was ready to join a practice where she could both contribute immediately and grow her entertainment law career long-term. Bold, boutique, and uniquely women-led, Vivid IP was the ideal fit. She officially joined the team in November 2019.
A talented mediator by nature and by title (she’s closed hundreds if not thousands of cases in Fulton and DeKalb Counties for the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution), Melissa is known for her genuine attention to the needs of clients and colleagues alike, a contagiously positive approach, and pitch-perfect communication. Whether negotiating, researching, or preparing legal documents, reviewing trademark searches and drafting opinions, or drafting responses to Trademark Office actions and prosecution documents, Melissa’s talent for clean, crystal-clear language shines. (Of course, having a trilingual vocabulary—English, Spanish and Italian—certainly helps.)
MEET MELISSA
WHY VIVID IP?
“Vivid IP is a boutique firm that provides a more personal approach to intellectual property needs. We’re also one of the only all-female attorney firms in Atlanta. I love that Vivid IP is a small team full of smart and inspiring women and that we serve clients with really interesting and vital IP challenges.”
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE STICKS WITH YOU?
“My dad always taught me to have no fear in any situation. Whether it’s in a professional setting or on a wild adventure, he always encouraged me never to let fear intimidate or prevent me from doing what I want to do.”
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PASSIONS OUTSIDE OF ENTERTAINMENT LAW?
“I love electronic music and attending shows and festivals; being outdoors—especially taking my dog, Bronn, on hikes in the mountains or long walks on the Beltline; and experimenting with fashion. I’ve even been known to design my own clothes. I also love to travel, particularly to warmer places.”
DO YOU HAVE ANY SURPRISING TALENTS?
“I grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, so I know how to surf. I was also a junior Olympic swimmer, and I’m certified as a lifeguard and water safety instructor.”
EDUCATION
- Emory University School of Law, JD
- University of Central Florida, BA in Advertising & Public Relations
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES & HONORS
- State Bar of Georgia, Intellectual Property Law & Entertainment Law Sections
