Deanna Kunze is a trial lawyer and a member of the Intellectual Property Litigation group. She represents both intellectual property owners and accused infringers in matters involving patents, trade secrets, trademarks and copyrights as well as related areas of commercial litigation. She uses her courtroom skills and experience—spanning state and federal courts, jury and bench trials—to craft litigation strategies tailored to each client’s particular goals.
I have litigated large-scale, multi-party actions as well as narrow disputes. Combining tried-and-true courtroom strategy and techniques with the most appropriate use of litigation technology for the subject matter and forum, I work with clients to meet their goals in the litigation, whether it be an early settlement or a jury trial.
I’ve represented clients in actions involving a variety of industries and technologies, including medical devices, software, navigation equipment, financial equipment and audio systems. I rely on my courtroom and trial experience to position complex, cutting-edge technical concepts in a way that makes the most sense to the judge and jury.
I’ve assisted businesses protecting well-established brands as well as growing businesses, and I often tackle the special issues that Internet companies experience. I’ve also represented artists, authors and copyright holders in copyright and related disputes, both domestic and international. One of my favorite practices is advising clients on holistic intellectual property management and protection strategies and policies.
I have extensive experience managing the discovery process, including e-discovery and general data preservation and management issues. In the early stages of crafting a litigation strategy, I work with the client to evaluate e-discovery and data issues and choose from the vast array of litigation technology available to manage that data most effectively—and most economically.
I predict that the frequency of requests for temporary restraining orders and/or preliminary injunctions will explode in cases where injunctive relief is an option. Just as the world of social media has revolutionized the way we do business, it’s also revolutionizing the speed by which a business can be damaged or harmed by misuse of intellectual property or by other unfair competition. It will be critical for a lawyer to be able to effectively request or respond to these expedited proceedings.
Frequently advise beverage alcohol companies regarding consumer protection, brand management, vendor and distribution management, state and federal shipping and regulatory requirements, and intellectual property protection
Advised industrial manufacturers on intellectual property protection strategies
Vanderbilt University Law School, J.D., (Order of the Coif; Vanderbilt Law Review, Associate Editor)
University of Notre Dame, B.A., magna cum laude
Illinois
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
Deanna was named a “Rising Star” in 2012, 2013 and 2014 by the publisher of Illinois Super Lawyers magazine. Inclusion in “Super Lawyers” is based on a peer-review survey.
