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    1. Home
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    3. Staci Jennifer Trager (Riordan)People
    1. Home
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    3. Staci Jennifer Trager (Riordan)People

    Staci Jennifer Trager (Riordan)

    Partner


    • Los Angeles
    • Office213.629.6041
    • strager@nixonpeabody.com

    I'm a 2023 Nixon Peabody Pro Bono Champion.Read more about our Pro Bono program

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    Introduction

    Staci Trager (formerly Staci Riordan) draws on her experience as a corporate executive to help clients optimize growth and protect market share as they navigate post-pandemic business dynamics. A pioneer in fashion law, she works with leaders, teams, creatives, designers, manufacturers, retailers, and entertainers—particularly non–U.S.-based multinationals—to address the full array of corporate, litigation, and compliance issues they face.

    Practice Areas

    LitigationIntellectual PropertyItaly

    Industries

    EntertainmentFashionEsports & Gaming

    My focus

    I work with all types of consumer-facing businesses, but I have a passion for helping clients in the fashion industry. As a former apparel company executive and an adjunct professor at a leading fashion industry institute, I understand how to work within and use the law for the good of clients trying to navigate and thrive in the challenging, competitive, and crowded fashion market.

    Trusted Advisor

    In the courtroom or in the boardroom, my goal with every client is to be a trusted advisor. Whether you are a household name like Giorgio Armani or H&M or an up-and-comer like Swet Tailor, you need someone who knows your business, so you can benefit from cost-efficient, goal-oriented strategies—be it to conceive, structure, and grow your organization, aggressively litigate disputes that may arise, or adapt to evolving laws and regulations on issues like privacy and data security.

    High-Stakes Disputes and Litigation

    One of the downfalls of success is that it often opens the door to litigation. Here, I draw on my depth of experience to help clients navigate the legal issues, the system, and the individuals and craft strategies that meet their business objectives.

    Clients who are not used to going before the courts appreciate my ability to educate them on the litigation process and communicate the implications of what is happening throughout. I have experience litigating in California state and federal courts, including most recently a case involving statutory interpretation, currently before the U.S. Supreme Court.

    Brand Strategy

    I help fashion brands adapt, innovate, and stay ahead of their competition, particularly when it comes to the legal strategies at the foundation of brand cultivation. I serve as a business and legal advisor, partnering with clients to define, manage, and expand their brands via traditional media, such as television, film, and celebrity endorsement.

    Legal Educator

    One of my proudest accomplishments is helping to launch the Fashion Law Project at my alma mater, Loyola Law School. Founded in 2014, the Fashion Law Project is an academic center that provides a business and legal curriculum for designers, apparel industry executives, and lawyers. I serve as the program’s executive director—overseeing the annual Fashion Law Symposium and Fashion Law Summer Intensive—as well as an adjunct professor teaching Fashion Law and running the Fashion Law Clinic.

    Looking ahead

    The pandemic hit the fashion industry harder than most. Increased performance pressure and shifting customer behavior are accelerating digital transformation. But the potential for growth remains strong, and we are excited about the innovation we are seeing with existing clients as we enter a new post-pandemic period.

    Insights

    • Presenter, “Out of this world! – trademark protection in outer space,” IBA 5th Silicon Beach Conference: From Start-Up to Exit, January 23, 2023
    • Presenter, “Opportunities and Challenges for US Fashion Brands Amid Pandemic: Business and Legal Perspectives,” 2nd China Fashion Law Symposium, Webinar, October 29, 2020
    • Panelist, “The Women Running BigLaw,” Loyola Law School, October 15, 2020
    • Panelist, “IP Litigation During the Pandemic,” Nixon Peabody LLP, October 2, 2020
    • Co-author, “How Fashion Companies Can Reduce Litigation Risks and Strengthen Compliance,” New York Law Journal, July 22, 2020
    • Presenter, “Patterns for Success: Law & Business in the Fashion Industry,” UCLA Law School, November 13, 2019
    • Presenter, “Prints, Patterns, and Protection: A Fashion Law Luncheon,” Loyola Law School, March 27, 2019
    • Moderator, “Taking Our New Seattle Coffee Pot to the World—Design (Patent) and Trademark Protection for Our New Brewer,” INTA Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA, May 21, 2018
    • Panelist, “Fashion & Art Law Attorney Panel,” Intellectual Property & Technology Law Society and the Art Law Society, USC Gould School of Law, Los Angeles, CA, January 30, 2018
    • Moderator, “Copyright in Fashion Designs: Star Athletica and Going Forward,” AIPLA Annual Meeting, Washington DC, October 19, 2017
    • Moderator, “The Proof: Copyrightable Subject Matter in Apparel and Establishing Infringement Claims,” AIPLA Annual Meeting, Washington DC, October 19, 2017
    • Moderator, “Fashion Design Protection Around the World: What’s Available Now and What’s Under Consideration?” AIPLA Annual Meeting, Washington DC, October 19, 2017
    • Moderator, “Hot Trademark and Advertising Issues in the Entertainment and Sports Industries”, 2017 Annual Meeting for the ABA Forum on the Entertainment of Sports and Arts, Las Vegas, Nevada, October 7, 2017
    • Panelist, “Social Media Influencers: How to Rein Them In”, INTA Annual Meeting, Barcelona, Spain, May 23, 2017
    • Moderator and Chair, “Creative Industries Response to Political Disruption”, Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, CA, April 7, 2017
    • “My company was hacked, now what?!” Moss Adams’ Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA, October 19, 2016
    • “Outside the Box: Trademark and Copyright Litigation Before the ITC,” DRI Intellectual Property Litigation Seminar, Nashville, TN, May 5, 2016
    • Moderator and Conference Chair, “Technology: The Disruption Of Fashion Or The Next Big Thing?” Loyola Law School Fashion Law Project’s 2016 Fashion Symposium, Los Angeles, CA, April 15, 2016
    • “Litigation Trends Every Transactional Lawyer Needs to Know,” Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association, Montego Bay, Jamaica, October 22, 2015
    • “Fashion 101: Growing Successful Fashion Brands,” CLE Presentation, Nixon Peabody LLP, October 15, 2015
    • Keynote Speaker and Conference chair: “Sketch Goes Tech: The intersection of Fashion Law and Data Privacy,” Loyola Law School Fashion Law Project’s 2015 Fashion Symposium, Los Angeles, CA, March 27, 2015
    • “Project Runway: The Intersection of Fashion Law and Entertainment,” Harvard Law School, November 20, 2014
    • “Fashion Law & the Global Runway,” Beverly Hills Bar Association, Beverly Hills, CA, October 9, 2014
    • Response To: The Most Fascinating Kind of Art: Fashion Design Protection as a Moral Right ,” Journal of Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law (April 1, 2013)
    • “Fashion Licensing: What You Need to Know to Succeed in this 350 Billion Dollar Industry,” International Trademark Association 136th Annual Meeting, Hong Kong, May 12, 2014
    • “Charting the New Frontiers of Intellectual Property Protection of Fashion Brands and Designs,” University of Hong Kong Faculty of Law, Hong Kong, May 10, 2014
    • “One Channel Does Not Fit All: The Fashion Law Implications of Omni-Channel Marketing,” Loyola Law School Fashion Project’s Fashion Symposium, Los Angeles, CA, March 22, 2014
    • Keynote Speaker, Fashion Law Symposium, University of California, Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco, CA, February 28, 2014
    • Keynote Speaker, “Fashion Tech: The Law of Fashion in a Digital Marketplace,” Howard University School of Law’s Fashion Law Week, Washington, DC, February 26, 2014
    • Moderator, “Crafting Hollywood: How Costume Designers and Wardrobe Stylists Source Characters,” MAGIC, February 19, 2014
    • Keynote Speaker, “The Future of Fashion Law: Blurring the Seams Between the Academy and the Runway,” Virginia Journal of Law and Technology, Charlottesville, VA, February 7, 201

    Representative experience

    • Successfully resolved copyright claims brought by Sony Music Entertainment and affiliates against Gymshark Limited and its influencers regarding their use of music in social media posts (Sony Music Entertainment et al. v. Gymshark Limited, Case No. 2:21cv5731 (CCD)) as well as similar claims brought by Universal Music Corp., UMG Recordings, Inc., and the Warner Music Group
    • Represent The Regents of the University of California in a groundbreaking patent enforcement campaign to protect its rights in a revolutionary new generation of light bulb technology known as filament LED that was invented by a Nobel laureate-led team at UC Santa Barbara. The campaign includes litigation before the U.S. International Trade Commission, the U.S. District Courts for the Central District of California and Eastern District of New York, and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
    • Successfully defended the Estate of the Notorious B.I.G. in a copyright infringement case based on the lyrics of the artist’s song, “Party and Bullsh*t.” The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the district court’s finding of fair use. This is the first fair use ruling for music lyrics and is the first fair use ruling affirmed with a written decision. Abiodun Oyewole v. Rita Ora et al. (S.D.N.Y.)
    • Defending a national retailer against a class action privacy lawsuit, where its timekeeping system is alleged to improperly collect biometric information
    • Defended and counseled numerous clients on website Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and related claims
    • Co-chaired federal copyright trial on behalf of large clothing retailer that dealt with numerous novel copyright and damages issues and resulted in significant post-trial relief
    • Lead trial counsel in a federal jury trial resulting in transfer of trademark to client and significant money judgement
    • Successfully resolved numerous enforcement actions brought by the FTC involving social media and traditional marketing
    • Guided several well-known brands in response to high-profile data breaches as well as other situations requiring “crisis PR”
    • Representation of a well-known celebrity in a federal court case involving the intersection of copyright laws and the right of publicity
    • Representation in a patent infringement case involving distressed denim jeans
    • Representation of a lifestyle brand in a partnership agreement with a national financial institution that included a national co-branded television commercial
    • Representation in a copyright infringement case involving fabric designs
    • Representation of a major international fashion retailer in establishing its U.S. operations, including drafting employee handbooks, negotiating and drafting marketing, advertisement and promotion agreements as well as hiring talent to endorse its brand; currently facilitating its first U.S. benefit concert
    • Representation of a well-known rap artist in a copyright infringement case involving music sampling
    • Representation of a publically traded company in launching a fashion brand as a brand extension, using its internationally known trademarks and reputation
    • Representation of a brand owner in a trademark infringement, dilution, fraud and cyberpiracy case
    • Representation of a licensor in a direct-to-retail licensing deal with a major specialty retailer
    • Representation of a celebrity in an endorsement/sponsorship deal, that included a Super Bowl commercial
    • Representation of a licensor in a fashion licensing agreement to create a diffusion line
    • Representation of a celebrity in a hybrid licensing/endorsement deal that utilized social commerce and geo location
    • Representation of a celebrity seeking both financing and a partner to start a branded clothing line
    • Representation of the fastest growing accessory retailer in establishing its own entertainment division and forming its own record label as well as event production work for a branded event including securing talent, venue and sponsorship
    • Representation of a publically traded company in launching a fashion brand using its internationally known trademarks and reputation
    • Representation of partners in negotiations and forming a new fashion business
    • Representation of lifestyle clothing fashion designer in a co-branding agreement with a well-known entertainment venue.
    • Previous Experience

      Prior to joining the firm, I was the chair of the Fashion Law Practice Group at two other national law firms. I was exposed to the combination of legal and business affairs as the first law clerk at fashion lifestyle brand, Guess?, Inc. I honed my researching and writing skills as an extern for California Appellate Court Justice Fred Woods. Prior to law school, I was the COO of a multimillion-dollar garment manufacturing company, overseas purchasing and production coordinator for a textile importer and converter, and taught in the entrepreneurship department of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM).

    Admitted to practice

    U.S. Supreme Court
    California
    U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
    U.S. District Court, Central District of California
    U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
    U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
    U.S. District Court, Southern District of California

    Education

    Emory University, B.A.
    Loyola Law School, J.D.

    Professional activities

    • California Fashion Association (CFA), Executive Board Member
    • International Trademark Association (INTA), Academic Committee
    • Fashion Group, International (FGI), nominating chair 2012-present; Regional Director, 2010-2011; Director of Programming 2007-2010
    • California Fashion Association (CFA), Executive Board Member
    • Apparel Industries Group for the City of Hope, Board Member and Fundraising Committee
    • UCLA Extension, Business of Creativity, Advisory Council
    • Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles
    • Beverly Hills Bar Association
    • Los Angeles County Bar Association

    Recognition

    • World Trademark Review 1000—Recommended as a leading CA lawyer for trademark prosecution and strategy (2023)
    • Selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023 in the field of Litigation—Intellectual Property; Staci has been listed in Best Lawyers since 2019
    • Ranked as a leading California lawyer for trademark prosecution and strategy and trademark litigation and enforcement by the World Trademark Review 1000 (2020–2022)
    • Recognized as an “IP Star” by Managing Intellectual Property in 2021 and 2020
    • Recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers magazine in 2013–2014 and as a "Top Rated Intellectual Property Litigation Attorney" in Los Angeles, CA in 2017–2019; inclusion in Super Lawyers is based on a peer-review survey
    • Named to the Recorder’s “Lawyers on the Fast Track”

    In the News

    • Vogue Business

      Virtual try-on is being hit by class actions. Should brands be worried?

      Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner and Fashion practice leader Staci Trager is quoted in this article covering recent lawsuits against major fashion brands over the use of biometric data related to virtual try-on tools. Staci discusses common business motives behind this type of litigation, her outlook on the probable next steps in one of the cases, and the issue of what constitutes “clear and conspicuous” when it comes to a brand’s biometric data disclosures.

      March 7, 2023
    • Vogue Business

      What the Metabirkins verdict means for the future of Web3 fashion

      Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner and Fashion practice leader Staci Trager is quoted throughout this article, which analyzes fashion company Hermès’ victory in its trademark suit against artist Mason Rothschild over his “Metabirkins” NFT collection. Staci explains the actions Hermès will likely take to remove the existing NFT collection from the secondary market and how this verdict may signal the beginning of the extension of existing rules and laws into virtual spaces.

      Feb 10, 2023
    • Law360

      H&M says shoppers’ ‘greenwashing’ claims are baseless

      The following article mentions NP for representing H&M Hennes & Mauritz LP, which asked a federal judge in Missouri to dismiss a proposed class action lawsuit alleging the company deceptively marketed a clothing line as environmentally friendly. H&M’s motion to dismiss asserts that the plaintiffs make “inferential leaps” based on the company’s truthful representations about the garments’ composition. The NP team representing H&M includes Los Angeles partner and Fashion practice leader Staci Trager, Albany associate Erin Huntington, and San Francisco law clerk Carlo Bustillos, all of the Intellectual Property group.

      Dec 7, 2022
    • Bloomberg Law

      H&M says truthful marketing dooms sustainable clothing suit

      The following article mentions NP for representing H&M Hennes & Mauritz LP, which asked a federal judge in Missouri to dismiss a proposed class action lawsuit alleging the company deceptively marketed a clothing line as environmentally friendly. H&M’s motion to dismiss asserts that the plaintiffs make “inferential leaps” based on the company’s truthful representations about the garments’ composition. The NP team representing H&M includes Los Angeles partner and Fashion practice leader Staci Trager, Albany associate Erin Huntington, and San Francisco law clerk Carlo Bustillos, all of the Intellectual Property group.

      Dec 7, 2022
    • Reuters Legal

      Sony Music ends copyright fight with Gymshark over social media posts

      This article, on Sony Music agreeing to drop a copyright lawsuit against fitness apparel company Gymshark for its alleged misuse of songs in social media ads, mentions Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner and Fashion practice leader Staci Jennifer Trager for representing Gymshark. Los Angeles Labor & Employment senior counsel Dale Hudson also worked on the case.
      Jan 26, 2022
    • Law360

      Justices eye tossing H&M copyright case for question swap

      This article covers Monday’s argument before the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of client H&M Hennes & Mauritz, LP in a five-year-long copyright dispute between the fashion retailer and textile manufacturer Unicolors, Inc. The outcome could have a significant and lasting impact on copyright holders as well as alleged infringers by determining what consequences a registrant faces when it fails to provide accurate information on its copyright application. The article mentions Intellectual Property partner and Fashion practice leader Staci Riordan, Intellectual Property counsel Aaron Brian, and Labor & Employment senior counsel Dale Hudson, all of the Los Angeles office, for representing H&M.
      Nov 8, 2021
    • The National Law Journal

      A quiet US Supreme Court term ahead for IP—with one potential explosion

      This article covering high-profile IP cases in the U.S. Supreme Court’s upcoming term includes a case involving client H&M Hennes & Mauritz, LP and allegations of fabric design copyright infringement by textile company Unicolors. The NP team representing H&M includes Intellectual Property partner and Fashion practice leader Staci Riordan, Intellectual Property counsel Aaron Brian, and Labor & Employment senior counsel Dale Hudson, all of the Los Angeles office.
      Sep 29, 2021
    • Law360

      Electronics company says ‘rushed’ JAMS award should get axed

      Litigation Department vice-chair Staci Riordan and counsel Aaron Brian, both of the Intellectual Property group in Los Angeles, are mentioned in this article for representing Indian electronics company SFO Technologies Private Ltd. in its recent request to vacate a JAMS award. The matter relates to SFO’s complaint against the former owners of California-based Qual-Pro Corp. in 2019, alleging the concealment of debts during an acquisition process and of falsely claiming that test equipment was ready to be capitalized and could be considered an asset.
      July 8, 2021
    • Courthouse News Service

      H&M sweater spat heads to High Court

      The following article covers the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to hear a case involving client H&M and allegations of fabric design copyright infringement by textile company Unicolors. Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordon, vice-chair of the Litigation Department and Fashion Practice leader, is quoted in the Law360 article on defending the previous Ninth Circuit ruling, which held that the trial court had erred in its ruling, and found that instead of infringement, the textile company’s copyright was invalid and the plaintiff did not use the copyright process appropriately. The NP team representing H&M also includes Intellectual Property counsel Aaron Brian and Labor & Employment senior counsel Dale Hudson, all of the Los Angeles office.
      June 1, 2021
    • Reuters

      SCOTUS to review H&M's 9th Circuit win in copyright dispute

      The following article covers the U.S. Supreme Court’ s decision to hear a case involving client H&M and allegations of fabric design copyright infringement by textile company Unicolors. Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordon, vice-chair of the Litigation Department and Fashion Practice leader, is quoted in the Law360 article on defending the previous Ninth Circuit ruling, which held that the trial court had erred in its ruling, and found that instead of infringement, the textile company’s copyright was invalid and the plaintiff did not use the copyright process appropriately. The NP team representing H&M also includes Intellectual Property counsel Aaron Brian and Labor & Employment senior counsel Dale Hudson, all of the Los Angeles office.
      June 1, 2021
    • Bloomberg Law

      High Court to consider intent bar in H&M copyright escape

      The following article covers the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to hear a case involving client H&M and allegations of fabric design copyright infringement by textile company Unicolors. Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordon, vice-chair of the Litigation Department and Fashion Practice leader, is quoted in the Law360 article on defending the previous Ninth Circuit ruling, which held that the trial court had erred in its ruling, and found that instead of infringement, the textile company’s copyright was invalid and the plaintiff did not use the copyright process appropriately. The NP team representing H&M also includes Intellectual Property counsel Aaron Brian and Labor & Employment senior counsel Dale Hudson, all of the Los Angeles office.
      June 1, 2021
    • Law360

      Supreme Court agrees to hear H&M copyright case

      The following article covers the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to hear a case involving client H&M and allegations of fabric design copyright infringement by textile company Unicolors. Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordon, vice-chair of the Litigation Department and Fashion Practice leader, is quoted in the Law360 article on defending the previous Ninth Circuit ruling, which held that the trial court had erred in its ruling, and found that instead of infringement, the textile company’s copyright was invalid and the plaintiff did not use the copyright process appropriately. The NP team representing H&M also includes Intellectual Property counsel Aaron Brian and Labor & Employment senior counsel Dale Hudson, all of the Los Angeles office.
      June 1, 2021
    • Business of Fashion

      Why so many fashion professionals are starting side hustles

      In this article on the rise of fashion professionals pursuing side entrepreneurial ventures, Fashion practice leader and Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordan is quoted on the benefits of employees being transparent about their activities and the need to disclose a side project due to potential contract issues and general goodwill with employers.
      March 30, 2021
    • Women’s Wear Daily

      Joe Biden Promises New Day in America

      This article, exploring parts of President Biden’s agenda that will closely affect retail and fashion, quotes Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordan, leader of the firm’s Fashion practice, on how the various components of retail are interconnected and how mass vaccinations will help spur these areas of the economy.
      Jan 20, 2021
    • Women’s Wear Daily

      $900 Billion Stimulus Throws a Rope, but Retail Needs More

      Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordan, leader of the firm’s Fashion practice, is quoted in this article on how the new stimulus legislation, as well as changes in Congress, could impact retailers.
      Jan 6, 2021
    • Bloomberg News

      'Edison' Bulb Battle Heats Up With University Targeting GE, Ikea

      An NP team led by Los Angeles Intellectual Property partners Seth Levy and Shawn Hansen on Monday expanded its groundbreaking patent enforcement campaign on behalf of the Regents of the University of California (UC). This article covers the new complaint, filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission, which seeks an investigation into the unauthorized importation and sale after importation of UC’s patented filament LED lighting technology by General Electric, Savant Systems, Feit Electric, Home Depot, Ikea, and Satco Products. In addition to Seth and Shawn, the NP team includes Washington, DC Intellectual Property partner Evan Langdon; Los Angeles Intellectual Property partners Staci Riordan, Vincent Yip and Peter Wied, and associate Vince Capati; Chicago Intellectual Property associates Paulina Starostka and Angelo Christopher; San Francisco Complex Commercial Disputes associate Tracy Ickes; and Los Angeles patent specialist Jason Moore.
      Aug 31, 2020
    • Law360

      UC System Asks ITC to Probe Home Depot, Others Over LEDs

      An NP team led by Los Angeles Intellectual Property partners Seth Levy and Shawn Hansen on Monday expanded its groundbreaking patent enforcement campaign on behalf of the Regents of the University of California (UC). The following articles cover the new complaint, filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission, which seeks an investigation into the unauthorized importation and sale after importation of UC’s patented filament LED lighting technology by General Electric, Savant Systems, Feit Electric, Home Depot, Ikea, and Satco Products.

      In addition to Seth and Shawn, the NP team includes Washington, DC Intellectual Property partner Evan Langdon; Los Angeles Intellectual Property partners Staci Riordan, Vincent Yip and Peter Wied, and associate Vince Capati; Chicago Intellectual Property associates Paulina Starostka and Angelo Christopher; San Francisco Complex Commercial Disputes associate Tracy Ickes; and Los Angeles patent specialist Jason Moore.

      Aug 31, 2020
    • <a href="https://www.law.com/newyorklawjournal/2020/07/22/how-fashion-companies-can-reduce-litigation-risks-and-strengthen-compliance/" target="_blank">New York Law Journal</a>

      How fashion companies can reduce litigation risks and strengthen compliance

      New York City Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Schnapp and Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner, Litigation Department vice chair, and Fashion practice leader Staci Riordan co-authored this article on developing robust compliance programs for fashion companies, especially as COVID-19 has created disruptions in supply chain management.
      July 22, 2020
    • Cannabis Business Executive

      Marijuana Social Clubs: How Colorado is Setting the Pace

      This article, on the reopening of Colorado’s marijuana hospitality industry, cites a recent NP alert that details guidelines for cannabis retailers to consider for revamping operations without spreading communicable illnesses. Cannabis Business Executive also re-published the complete NP alert, written by San Francisco Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Alison Torbitt; Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner, Litigation Department vice-chair, and Fashion practice leader Staci Riordan; and San Francisco Labor & Employment associates Hillary Baca and Rachel Conn.
      June 17, 2020
    • WWD

      Retailers Facing Store Damage May Look to Insurance

      This article, which examines commercial insurance policy considerations for retail storefronts, quotes Intellectual Property partner, Litigation Department vice-chair, and Fashion practice leader Staci Riordan, based in Los Angeles.
      June 1, 2020
    • Reuters Legal

      IN BRIEF: Unicolors' copyright win against H&M unravels in 9th Circuit

      The following coverage highlights recent developments in a fabric design copyright infringement dispute in which the NP team secured a unanimous decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, reversing the trial court’s decision for client H&M. The NP team that advised H&M was led by Intellectual Property partner, Litigation Department vice-chair, and Fashion practice leader Staci Riordan, Intellectual Property counsel Aaron Brian and Labor & Employment senior counsel Dale Hudson, all of Los Angeles.
      June 1, 2020
    • Law360

      9th Circ. Says Suit Against H&M Hinges On Copyright Validity

      This article mentions Intellectual Property partner, Litigation Department vice-chair, and Fashion practice leader Staci Riordan, Intellectual Property counsel Aaron Brian and Labor & Employment senior counsel Dale Hudson, all of Los Angeles, for representing H&M in a dispute involving allegations of fabric design copyright infringement. The NP team secured a unanimous decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth District to reverse the trial court’s decision.
      May 29, 2020
    • The Recorder

      H&M Gets Another Shot at Challenging Validity of Pattern Copyright

      The following coverage highlights recent developments in a fabric design copyright infringement dispute in which the NP team secured a unanimous decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, reversing the trial court’s decision for client H&M. The NP team that advised H&M was led by Intellectual Property partner, Litigation Department vice-chair, and Fashion practice leader Staci Riordan, Intellectual Property counsel Aaron Brian and Labor & Employment senior counsel Dale Hudson, all of Los Angeles.
      May 29, 2020
    • Bloomberg Law

      H&M Gets Fabric Design Copyright Infringement Verdict Overturned

      The following coverage highlights recent developments in a fabric design copyright infringement dispute in which the NP team secured a unanimous decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, reversing the trial court’s decision for client H&M. The NP team that advised H&M was led by Intellectual Property partner, Litigation Department vice-chair, and Fashion practice leader Staci Riordan, Intellectual Property counsel Aaron Brian and Labor & Employment senior counsel Dale Hudson, all of Los Angeles.
      May 29, 2020
    • Women’s Wear Daily

      As COVID Imperils Deals, M&A Contracts May Include More Backstops

      This article about the how the coronavirus era has impacted the future of dealmaking in the fashion industry quotes Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner, Litigation Department vice-chair, and Fashion practice leader Staci Riordan.
      April 24, 2020
    • <a href="https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=23857992-f59e-4cab-bf45-c47bd61c7eaf" target="_blank">Women’s Wear Daily</a>

      Service Providers - Fashion and Retails Lawyers

      This article about the types of matters and questions that fashion and retail attorneys are handling for their clients during the COVID-19 pandemic quotes Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner, Litigation Department vice-chair, and Fashion practice leader Staci Riordan.
      March 25, 2020
    • Rochester Business Journal

      Peloton case an example of intellectual property rights of copyright owners

      Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk contributed this column analyzing a copyright dispute between home exercise giant Peloton and the National Music Publishers Association regarding the use of popular music in Peloton video workouts. This column was adapted from an NP alert by Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordan, New York City Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Schnapp, and associate Catherine Savio.
      March 20, 2020
    • Law360

      Tekashi 6ix9ine hit with $2M suit alleging vanished advance

      This article mentions Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordan and Los Angeles Complex Commercial Disputes associate Ryan Duckett for their representation of Fashion Nova in a breach-of-contract claim against incarcerated rap star Tekashi 6ix9ine.
      March 18, 2020
    • Rochester Business Journal

      To avoid lawsuits, companies should make websites ADA complaint

      Rochester Corporate partner Jeremy Wolk co-wrote this contributed article analyzing the recent wave of lawsuits against companies whose websites and mobile apps are alleged to be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The column draws on an NP Alert written by Boston Complex Commercial Disputes partner Matt McLaughlin, Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordan, and Boston Complex Commercial Disputes associate Marx Calderon.
      Dec 20, 2019
    • The American Lawyer

      And the “Litigators of the Week” Runners Up...

      This column includes Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Jennifer Riordan and New York City Complex Commercial Disputes partner Kristin Jamberdino as “Litigators of the Week” runner ups for securing a dismissal on behalf of fashion retailer Express, LLC.
      Oct 4, 2019
    • World Intellectual Property Review

      H&M revives copyright suit with SCOTUS petition

      This article quotes extensively from a petition filed at the Supreme Court by Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordan and Government Investigations and White Collar Defense associate Neal Gauger, who are representing H&M in a copyright suit.
      Sep 11, 2019
    • Law360

      H&M takes copyright ruling to Supreme Court

      This story mentions Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordan and Government Investigations and White Collar Defense associate Neal Gauger, who are representing H&M in a copyright suit. The story quotes the attorneys’ petition for cert, which asks the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a Ninth Circuit ruling that would make it much easier to sue for infringement.
      Sep 10, 2019
    • Billboard

      'Party and Bulls--t': NY judge rules phrase is fair use in Notorious B.I.G., Rita Ora songs

      This story highlights Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordan and associate Sydney Pritchett and Government Investigations and White Collar Defense associate Neal Gauger, all of Los Angeles, who successfully defended their client, the estate of slain rapper Notorious B.I.G., in a copyright infringement lawsuit.
      Sep 5, 2019
    • Law360

      Law360's Weekly Verdict: Legal Lions & Lambs

      This story highlights Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordan and associate Sydney Pritchett and Government Investigations and White Collar Defense associate Neal Gauger, all of Los Angeles, who successfully defended their client, the estate of slain rapper Notorious B.I.G., in a copyright infringement lawsuit.
      Sep 5, 2019
    • Law360

      2nd Circuit says Biggie's “Party And B*******” is fair use

      This story quotes Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordan discussing the successful defense of the estate of slain rapper Notorious B.I.G. in a copyright infringement lawsuit. Intellectual Property associate Sydney Pritchett and Government Investigations and White Collar Defense associate Neal Gauger, both of Los Angeles, also worked on this matter.
      Sep 4, 2019
    • Women’s Wear Daily

      At your service: The helping hands in fashion

      Women’s Wear Daily, a leading publication covering the fashion industry, has named Nixon Peabody one of the top law firms for fashion clients. This story quotes Los Angeles Intellectual Property partner Staci Riordan, who leads NP’s fashion practice.
      Aug 23, 2019
    • Forbes

      Three steps to developing a successful legal niche

      Los Angeles intellectual property partner Staci Riordan is mentioned in this article about how to establish a personal niche in the legal industry.  Staci combined her legal skills with her love of fashion to become a successful fashion attorney.
      May 24, 2018
    • AmLaw Daily

      Daily Dicta: Nixon Peabody’s B.I.G. Win

      Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partners Staci Riordan and Julian Petty successfully defended the estate of rapper Notorious B.I.G. in a copyright suit. Riordan is quoted in this article, saying the ruling “is sure to become an influential decision on music copyright infringement cases.”
      March 12, 2018
    • Billboard

      Copyright Lawsuit Against Rita Ora, Notorious B.I.G. Estate Dismissed

      Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partners Staci Riordan and Julian Petty are quoted for their representation of the estate of rapper Notorious B.I.G. in the successful defense of a copyright suit filed by a 1960s revolutionary poet.
      March 9, 2018
    • Law360

      Notorious B.I.G. Shakes Copyright Row Over 'Party' Song

      Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partners Staci Riordan and Julian Petty are mentioned in this article on NP’s win representing the estate of rapper Notorious B.I.G. A judge ruled the rapper’s use of a phrase from a 1960s poem was permissible under copyright law because it was “transformative.”
      March 9, 2018
    • Law360

      H&M, Unicolors face off on Day 1 of fabric copyright trial

      Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Staci Jennifer Riordan and counsel Aaron Brian are mentioned in this article about a copyright infringement trial in LA for representing clothing retailer H&M.
      Dec 5, 2017
    • Los Angeles Business Journal

      Most influential women lawyers in Los Angeles

      The Los Angeles Business Journal named Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner and fashion practice leader Staci Riordan as one of the Most Influential Women Lawyers.
      April 24, 2017
    • Law360

      5 keys to high court’s cheerleader uniform ruling

      Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner and fashion practice leader Staci Riordan is quoted in this article about the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent 6-2 decision regarding copyright law and decorative elements on cheerleading uniforms.
      March 22, 2017
    • Fashion Consciousness Magazine

      Education conscious people

      Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner and fashion practice leader Staci Riordan is featured in this story that focuses on her work in fashion law.
      Feb 10, 2017
    • Forbes

      Justices struggle with cheerleader uniform case that holds big implications for fashion

      This story discusses a Supreme Court case about whether design elements on a cheerleader uniform can have intellectual property protection. Los Angeles partner and fashion practice leader Staci Riordan talks about the potential impact of this case on the fashion industry.
      Oct 31, 2016
    • Los Angeles Business Journal

      Feud in fashion

      Los Angeles partner and fashion practice leader Staci Riordan is quoted in this article about SCOTUS case Star Athletica v. Varsity Brand, which could have major implications for the Los Angeles region’s fashion industry.
      Oct 28, 2016
    • KPCC-FM (NPR Los Angeles affiliate)

      The Styled Side: Style and Legal Hurdles at the Olympics

      Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Staci Riordan is quoted in this article about controversies surrounding corporate sponsorships at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
      Aug 10, 2016
    • Law360

      Forget Khakis: Law Firms Take Casual to the Next Level

      Los Angeles partner and fashion practice leader Staci Riordan is quoted in this article that discusses how lawyers are embracing trendier business-casual wear as the new workday dress code.
      July 13, 2016
    • California Apparel News

      Loyola Event Tackles the Legal Risks of Social Media, Technology and Advertising

      Los Angeles partner Staci Riordan is quoted in this article about a panel discussion that she moderated at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles on the topic of legal ramifications of the continuous evolution of technology on the fashion industry.
      April 21, 2016
    • Law360

      4 Ways Fashion Brands Trip On The Oscars Red Carpet

      Los Angeles partner and Fashion practice group leader Staci Riordan is quoted in this story about the four biggest legal landmines for fashion brands to avoid when celebrities wear their designs on the Oscars red carpet this Sunday.
      Feb 25, 2016
    • Apparel News

      Can Discount Prices Get Retailers Into Trouble?

      Los Angeles partner and Fashion practice group leader Staci Riordan provides third-party commentary in this piece about an increasing number of class-action lawsuits against big-name department stores over markdowns allegedly made on “false” original prices.
      Jan 21, 2016
    • Reuters

      Notorious B.I.G. estate gets copyright infringement lawsuit tossed

      Nixon Peabody is mentioned in this feature article for our representation of Warner Music Group, EMI Music Publishing, Big Poppa Music, Bad Boy Records and the estate of The Notorious BIG. Our team—led by partners Staci Riordan and Julian Petty—won a dismissal of copyright infringement claims involving BIG’s 1994 debut album. Associates Neal Gauger and Seth Berman were part of the legal team. Click here to read the full article.
      Dec 23, 2015
    • Law360

      Warner, Notorious BIG Estate Duck Songwriter's IP Suit

      Partners Staci Riordan and Julian Petty and associates Neal Gauger and Seth Berman are mentioned in this article for their representation of Warner Music Group, EMI Music Publishing, Big Poppa Music, Bad Boy Records and the estate of Notorious BIG in a case focused on alleged copyright claims involving BIG’s 1994 debut album. Staci provides commentary. Click here to read the full article.
      Dec 22, 2015
    • Boston Magazine

      Sneaker Wars: Converse vs. New Balance

      Los Angeles partner and leader of our Fashion practice Staci Riordan is included in this feature story on how the footwear industry is dealing with intellectual property lawsuits.
      Dec 1, 2015
    • Your Working Life

      Your Working Life with Staci Riordan

      Los Angeles partner and leader of the firm’s Fashion industry team Staci Riordan is profiled in this podcast. Your Working Life is a series that features thought-leaders and influencers in the career and personal growth arena. Staci talks about her passion for fashion and getting into fashion law.
      Dec 1, 2015
    • California Apparel News

      RevoLaze Drops Lawsuit Against Hennes & Mauritz

      Los Angeles partner and leader of our fashion practice Staci Riordan is quoted in this article discussing a dropped legal action against her client, fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz (H&M). Staci is quoted in the piece expressing H&M’s confidence that the retailer would have won the lawsuit as it did not infringe on RevoLaze’s laser technology used to distress jeans.
      Oct 8, 2015
    • Fortune

      Are Patent Trolls Taking Over the Fashion Industry?

      Partner and leader of the firm’s fashion team Staci Riordan provides commentary in this feature story discussing how the fashion industry—especially textile companies—are dealing with copyright infringement lawsuits.
      Oct 7, 2015
    • Democrat & Chronicle

      Fashion Week gets down to business with show, expert

      Los Angeles partner and leader of the firm’s Fashion team Staci Riordan is featured in this column on the legal side of the fashion industry.
      Sep 29, 2015
    • California Apparel News

      Brand Building With a Legal Foundation at Loyola's Summer Fashion Law Program

      Los Angeles IP Counseling & Transactions partner and leader of the firm’s Fashion practice Staci Jennifer Riordan is included in this article about Loyola Law School’s Fashion Law Summer Intensive. Staci is the executive director of the Fashion Law Project at Loyola and teaches not only fashion entrepreneurs and executives, but also attorneys who represent fashion-industry clients as well as current law students.
      July 30, 2015
    • FashInvest

      Study Break: Learn fashion law with Loyola Law School

      This coverage highlights Loyola Law School’s Fashion Law Summer Intensive program focused on what companies need to do in order to develop a brand narrative and all the legal elements necessary to carry that story forward. The program is part of The Fashion Law Project whose executive director is Los Angeles partner and leader of the fashion law practice Staci Riordan. In addition to Staci, Ellie Altshuler and Julian Petty are on the faculty as well.
      July 24, 2015
    • National Law Journal

      At Loyola L.A., a Fashion-Conscious Clinic

      The Fashion Law Clinic at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, is the center of this feature story. The article highlights this first-of-its-kind clinic and notes Los Angeles partner and leader of the firm’s fashion practice Staci Riordan as the creator. Staci and students who have gone through the clinic are quoted throughout the piece.

      May 18, 2015
    • Loyola Lawyer

      The Changing Landscape: Looking Forward Through a New Lens

      Los Angeles IP Counseling & Transactions partner Staci Jennifer Riordan, leader of the firm’s Fashion practice, is profiled among other attorneys carving out busy practices in new areas of the law.
      Jan 1, 2015
    • Law360

      Top IP Firms Hired To Fight Converse TM Blitz

      Los Angeles IP Counseling & Transactions partner Staci Jennifer Riordan is noted among the “veritable who's who of elite intellectual property” attorneys and firms representing dozens of major companies for allegedly copying Converse’s iconic Chuck Taylor.
      Dec 23, 2014
    • California Apparel News

      2014 Newsmakers: Staci Riordan and The Fashion Law Project

      Los Angeles IP Counseling & Transactions partner Staci Jennifer Riordan is featured as a “2014 Newsmaker” in this article on The Fashion Law Project, a collection of classes dealing with the peculiarities of the fashion business that Loyola Law School now offers.
      Dec 11, 2014
    • California Apparel News

      Novelty Textile Wins Major Case Over Fabric Design Copyright

      Los Angeles IP Counseling & Transactions partner Staci Jennifer Riordan provides commentary in this article on fashion copyright infringement.
      Nov 26, 2014
    • Law360

      Nixon Peabody Nabs Fox Rothschild's Fashion Law Head

      This feature story highlights the arrival of Los Angeles IP Counseling & Transactions partners Staci Jennifer Riordan and Julian Petty. The coverage notes that Staci Jennifer will lead our fashion law team after having spearheaded Fox’s group and Julian will focus his practice on providing strategic career and business guidance to clients in the music, TV, film, new media and book publishing industries.
      Oct 7, 2014

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      • abarron@nixonpeabody.com
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      • Office:585.263.1037
      • kharding@nixonpeabody.com
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      • Office:312.977.4460
        Mobile:708.606.8720
      • jtruskusky@nixonpeabody.com
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