Leslie Hartford

What do you focus on?

Trademark & Copyright Litigation

I routinely monitor, protect, and enforce my clients’ marks. I handle all stages of trademark enforcement and defense, both in federal court and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, as well as unfair competition and related cases. I also advise and represent clients on matters of copyright infringement and defense. 

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 and consumer products.

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 multiple 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