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Desktop Image: Goldmark, John A.
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John Goldmark

Partner

T 206.757.8068 Seattle
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John Goldmark knows how to tackle tough litigation. With a focus on IP disputes, class action defense, and cannabis, John has helped deliver successful outcomes for some of the most innovative companies in the world. He learns his clients' business and finds creative ways to achieve their objectives. His strong record litigating diverse cases , at trial and appeals courts around the country, has made him a go-to advocate for companies facing complex disputes. He also understands where and how to mitigate risk and brings practical approaches to dispute resolution.

On behalf of leading companies like Amazon, Ring, Microsoft, Tilray, Leafly, Providence, and Citi, as well as an array of small to mid-size businesses, John has brought his passion for trying cases and his dedication to achieve each client's vision of success.

Practice Highlights

Litigator and trial lawyer

Substantial experience trying cases and arbitrations, and successfully litigating complex disputes in state and federal courts across the country.

Technology litigation

Deep experience representing and advising technology clients across a host of tech-focused litigation, including copyright, trademark, privacy, consumer protection, trade secret, and consumer protection disputes.

Cannabis litigation

Co-chair of DWT Cannabis Industry Group, serving as lead trial counsel on high-profile disputes for industry leading cannabis clients, and gaining recognition as "MVP of the Year" in Cannabis by Law360.

Treez v. USCIS

Represented software provider Treez in an administrative challenge to USCIS's erroneous denial of an H-1B petition. Won judgment against the agency for arbitrarily denying Treez's H-1B immigration visa for its software director on the erroneous ground that Treez was aiding and abetting violations of federal drug laws. As a result of the agency's misconduct during litigation, also obtained an order of contempt based on the agency's repeated refusals to comply with court orders regarding the scope of the administrative record. (N.D. Cal. 2024)

Ratermann v. Amazon

Represented Amazon against invasion of privacy claims by a model over promotional photos used in a product listing on Amazon.com. Won dismissal with prejudice of all claims against Amazon under 47 U.S.C. § 230, with court holding as a matter of first impression that claims under New York Civil Rights Law Section 50 and 51 do not fall within the "intellectual property" exemption of Section 230(e)(2). 2023 WL 199533 (S.D.N.Y. 2023)

Haywood v. Amazon

Represented Amazon against CPA, contract, and declaratory judgment claims alleging Amazon unlawfully removed content and blocked the account of a commentator. Won dismissal of all claims with prejudice. 2023 WL 4585362 (W.D. Wash. 2023)

Master P v. Privateer Holdings

Represented private equity firm Privateer against claims by rapper Master P arising from alleged deal to produce "Master P's Trees" branded cannabis, seeking over $25 million in alleged lost profits. Won dismissal with prejudice of all claims and award of attorneys fees. (Sonoma Cnty, (Calif.) Sup. Ct. 2020)

Penguin Random House et al. v. Kiss Library

Represent leading publishers and authors in copyright infringement suit against an international ebook piracy scheme, initially obtaining immediate TRO and causing the shutdown of infringing websites, and later securing default judgment for $7.8 million and a permanent injunction against the international defendants. (W.D. Wash. 2021)
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Admitted to Practice

  • Washington, 2008
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
  • Tulalip Tribal Courts Washington

Education

  • J.D., University of Washington School of Law, 2008, with honors
    • Washington Law Review
    • Order of the Coif
    • Order of the Barristers
  • B.A., Biophysics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Whitman College, 2003
    • Dean's List, six semesters
    • Academic Achievement Scholarship, 1999-2003

Memberships & Affiliations

    • Legal Foundation of Washington, Trustee, 2014-present
    • W.D. Washington, Pro Bono Panel Member, 2012-present
    • William L. Dwyer Inn of Court, 2011-2017
    • Tribal Court Spokesperson, Tulalip Tribes of Washington, 2008

Professional Recognition

    • Named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in Litigation - Intellectual Property by Best Lawyers, 2020-present
    • Named an "MVP of the Year" in Cannabis, Law360, 2020
    • Selected to "Washington Rising Stars," Thomson Reuters, 2013-2018

Background

    • Law Clerk, Hon. John C. Coughenour, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, Seattle, 2008-2009
    • Extern, Hon. Ricardo S. Martinez, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, Seattle, 2006
    • Trial Fellowship, King County Prosecutor’s Office, Felony Trial Unit, June-July 2012
    • Summer Associate, Davis Wright Tremaine, Seattle, 2007
    • Intern, Schroeter Goldmark & Bender, Seattle, 2001, 2004
    • Intern, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, 2002 
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Publications
01.16.25
News
"Amazon Shoppers' 'Buy Box' Suit Tossed For Good," Law360 Read More External Link
cannabis leaves
05.10.22
Advisories
Cannabis
FOIA Suit Uncovers True CBP Policy Regarding Immigration Admissibility of Individuals Connected to Legal Foreign Cannabis Industry Read More
Publications
January 2022
Publications
Litigation
Co-author, "Amazon, Penguin Random House, and Leading Authors Win $7.8m Judgment Against International Ebook Piracy Ring," MLRC MediaLawLetter Read More
Publications
10.05.20
News
Cannabis
John Goldmark of Davis Wright Tremaine Named a Cannabis "MVP of the Year" by Law360 Read More
Publications
10.05.20
News
Cannabis
"MVP: Davis Wright's John Goldmark," Law360 Read More
Publications
2019
News
County Held Accountable for Violating Inmate's Civil Rights Read More
Cannabis plants in a greenhouse
12.06.19
News
Cannabis
"Judge Sends Pot Co. Ownership Dispute To Wash. State Court," Law360 Read More External Link
Publications
October 2016
Publications
Litigation
Quarterly Securities Enforcement Briefing Read More
Publications
July 2016
Publications
Litigation
Quarterly Securities Enforcement Briefing Read More
Publications
July 2016
Publications
Litigation
SEC Looks to Renew Focus on Accounting Fraud Read More
Publications
May 2016
Publications
Litigation
Quarterly Securities Enforcement Briefing Read More
Publications
May 2016
Publications
Litigation
Senate Set to Consider President Obama’s SEC Nominees Read More
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