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Introduction
Leslie Hartford is a skillful litigator and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US), with particular expertise in the areas of trademark and copyright enforcement and litigation, trade secret litigation, and data privacy litigation.
Leslie is energized by the opportunities to protect her clients’ most valuable assets, and while she is adept at driving early and expedient resolution of disputes, she has the experience and determination to see matters through to their appropriate conclusion.
My focus
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.
Data Privacy Litigation
As a CIPP/US-certified attorney, I am well-qualified to represent clients in data privacy-related litigation at the state and federal levels. I also am closely following consumer data breach litigation across the nation, which informs my advice to help clients avoid similar costly, class-based claims.
Representative experience
- 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.); case involved dozens of witnesses, 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
- Represent software developers and providers in multiple 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
- Settled trademark matter for a leading musical products company involving allegations of infringement via social media on terms favorable to the client
- Obtained favorable arbitration decision for nationwide specialty food franchisor client
- Advise major office supplier regarding copyright issues related to national advertising campaigns
Looking ahead
Companies across all industries will need to remain vigilant about data privacy compliance and best practices to keep up with evolving privacy laws in each state, address the projected increase in data breaches, and mitigate the risk of litigation.
Insights
- “The Clock Is Ticking: Cyberattack Response,” Nixon Peabody 2023 California MCLE Virtual Seminar, January 19, 2023
In the news
- The Boston Globe
From Blizzard legal battles to 15 minutes of casket fame, it was another weird, wacky year in Boston business
Dec 26, 2022This column of notable Boston-area business news from 2022 includes client W.B. Mason Co.’s trial victory in a trademark infringement and dilution case brought by Dairy Queen related to the client’s BLIZZARD private-label spring water. The article mentions the firm for representing W.B. Mason. NP’s trial team, led by Intellectual Property partner and Cybersecurity & Privacy practice group leader Jason Kravitz, included Cybersecurity & Privacy counsel Gina McCreadie, associates Leslie Hartford and Melanie Dempster, and Complex Disputes senior counsel Deborah Thaxter, all of the Boston office.
- Law360
Judge shuts door on Dairy Queen's 'Blizzard' trademark fight
The following clip covers a federal court’s decision in favor of client W.B. Mason Co., which found that the business products company had not violated Dairy Queen’s trademark rights, or otherwise harmed DQ, by using the BLIZZARD name on its private-label spring water. Following a fall 2021 trial, the decision marks a complete win for W.B. Mason, and enables the company to continue using the BLIZZARD name. The NP trial team, led by Boston Intellectual Property partner and Privacy & Technology practice group leader Jason Kravitz, also includes Intellectual Property counsel Gina McCreadie and associate Leslie Hartford, and Complex Disputes senior counsel Deborah Thaxter and associate Melanie Dempster, all of the Boston office.June 21, 2022 - Law360
Canadian cannabis co. can't escape Georgia IP theft suit
The following article covers a litigation win for client Refresco Beverages US Inc., in which a federal judge denied a motion by defendant Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. to dismiss it from litigation alleging the theft of a secret drink formula. Boston partner Jason Kravitz, co-leader of the Intellectual Property practice, and Boston Intellectual Property associate Leslie Hartford are representing Refresco.Dec 1, 2021 - Law Street
Judge: Beverage industry tortious interference case to proceed
The following article covers a litigation win for client Refresco Beverages US Inc., in which a federal judge denied a motion by defendant Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. to dismiss it from litigation alleging the theft of a secret drink formula. Boston partner Jason Kravitz, co-leader of the Intellectual Property practice, and Boston Intellectual Property associate Leslie Hartford are representing RefrescoNov 30, 2021 - Intellectual Property & Technology Law Journal
Dial away? The future of TCPA after Facebook v. Duguid
Intellectual Property co-leader and Boston partner Jason Kravitz, Washington, DC associate Palash Basu, and Boston associate Leslie Hartford, both of the Intellectual Property group, contributed this article analyzing the Supreme Court’ s interpretation of what constitutes an autodialer and compliance concerns regarding common business communication methods.June 1, 2021
Admitted to practice
Massachusetts
U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
Education
Duke University, B.A.
Georgetown University Law Center, J.D.
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllAnthony Barron
Partner / Chair, Litigation Department- San Francisco
- Office:415.984.8309
- abarron@nixonpeabody.com
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Kimberly Harding
Partner / Deputy Leader, Litigation Department
Leader, Labor Relations Team- Rochester
- Office:585.263.1037
- kharding@nixonpeabody.com
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John Ruskusky
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Complex Disputes / Leader, Medical Device, Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostic Health- Chicago
- Office:312.977.4460Mobile:708.606.8720
- jtruskusky@nixonpeabody.com
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Jeffrey S. Brenner
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Construction & Real Estate Litigation- Providence
- Office:401.454.1042
- jbrenner@nixonpeabody.com
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Daniel J. Hurteau
Partner / Deputy Practice Group Leader, Complex Disputes- Albany
- Office:518.427.2652
- dhurteau@nixonpeabody.com
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