Leslie Hartford

What do you focus on?

Trademark & Copyright Litigation

I routinely monitor, protect, and enforce my clients’ marks. I handle disputes, as well as unfair competition and related cases. I advise my clients on trademark matters related to applications and registrations, along with handling all stages of enforcement, both in federal court and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. 

Complex Commercial Litigation

My commercial litigation practice includes managing litigation for software implementation disputes and related claims.

Patent Litigation

I help my clients approach claims of misappropriation and infringement. I have handled cases in diverse fields, including chemical catalyst technologies.

What do you see on the horizon?

In the wake of Fourth Estate, I anticipate a rise in copyright applications as this decision clarified that, generally, registration is a prerequisite to filing an infringement action even though copyright protection exists upon creation of a work.

Representative Experience

• Represent a U.S. chemical startup in a patent litigation case involving allegations of willful infringement of catalyst technology through trial
• Represent software developers and providers in disputes arising from large-scale software implementation contracts
• Reached settlement of a trademark matter for a leading musical products company involving allegations of infringement via social media
• Advise startup companies—including those in social media and consumer apparel industries—in matters of trademark and branding
• Obtained favorable arbitration decision for nationwide specialty food franchisor client
• Advise major office supplier regarding copyright issues related to national advertising campaigns