Leslie Hartford

/My focus

Data Privacy Litigation

As a CIPP/US-certified attorney, I am well-qualified to assist clients in proactively preparing cybersecurity protocols as well as guiding clients in responding to a cyber incident. I have represented clients in data privacy-related litigation at both the state and federal levels, including multiple class actions. I have also negotiated resolution of funds transfer fraud incidents, allowing clients to avoid costly litigation.

Trademark & Copyright Enforcement and Litigation

I handle all stages of trademark and copyright enforcement and defense, working not only to ensure clients’ marks are protected but also to respond and defend clients when their own intellectual property use is challenged. I routinely develop and implement strategies to resolve trademark and copyright disputes, ranging from day-to-day enforcement to litigation in federal court and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Most recently, I was a member of a litigation team that secured a complete defense win for our client in the face of claims for trademark infringement, trademark dilution, unfair competition, and deceptive trade practices.

Trade Secret Litigation

I work zealously to protect client trade secrets and prevent the theft and/or dissemination of clients’ proprietary information. I have substantial experience managing complex discovery, including the unique issues that arise from the sensitive disclosure processes often required in trade secret matters.

/Representative experience

• Defended healthcare technology client in trade secret suit; case settled after plaintiff dismissed multiple claims
• Assisted global manufacturer in response to cybersecurity attack, including post-attack communications and class action litigation defense
• Defended healthcare industry client in class action data breach suit, achieving favorable settlement terms and avoiding further costly litigation
• Protect trade secrets and corporate opportunities of worldwide beverage manufacturer in litigation against start-up competitor
• Prepared large B2B office supplier for trial in trademark action against Dairy Queen concerning the use of the “Blizzard” trademark (D. Minn.); prepared and was successful on key motion to strike evidence that had not been timely disclosed
• Successfully defended a U.S. chemical startup in a patent litigation case involving allegations of willful infringement of catalyst technology through trial
• Frequently represent software developers and providers in disputes arising from large-scale software implementation contracts
• Routinely enforce clients’ trademark rights as applied to, inter alia, consumer goods, school name, and medical clinics

/Looking ahead

The proliferation of inexpensive AI tools is making cybersecurity threats like phishing emails more difficult to spot and thus even more dangerous. Companies and individuals will need to be vigilant in assessing threats and protecting their systems.

/Insights

• “Staying Ahead: Practical Strategies and Emerging Trends in Data Protection and Privacy,” Nixon Peabody 2025 CA MCLE Virtual Seminar, January 21, 2025
• “What’s Going On? A Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Update,” In-House Counsel CLE (financial services industry client), December 11, 2024
• “Cybersecurity Trends and Managing Ransomware Risks,” In-House Counsel CLE (healthcare industry client), October 19, 2023
• “A Little Privacy Please,” May 2023
• “The Clock Is Ticking: Cyberattack Response,” Nixon Peabody 2023 California MCLE Virtual Seminar, January 19, 2023