Jeff Nelson
Partner
Jeff has gained broad experience in trademark, copyright, music, and entertainment matters in his more than 15 years of practice. He manages U.S. and global trademark portfolios and enforcement matters with significant experience in resolving disputes before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Industry leaders seek out his counsel on complex, high-leverage IP issues. Jeff negotiates licenses and other commercial contracts relating to IP and technology. He clears rights in music for commercial and promotional uses and for use in political campaigns. He also regularly advises musicians and artists to help protect, enforce, license, and defend the copyright in their creative works.
Jeff develops effective protection and enforcement solutions for businesses at every stage - from entrepreneurs and emerging companies to established industry leaders. Jeff takes the time to understand each client's business so he can identify and evaluate relevant risks and then tailor his advice to help his clients achieve their specific goals. Whether he is representing a band, record label or radio station, gaming company, craft distillery, restaurant, or technology company, he focuses on the unique needs of each client to protect their IP.
Practice Highlights
Brand and content protection
Music rights
Trademark disputes
Brand Protection
Video Games
Music and Entertainment
Publishing
Digital Media and Copyright
Conflicts and Dispute Resolution
Admitted to Practice
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Washington, 2012
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Michigan, 2003
Education
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J.D., University of Notre Dame, 2003
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B.S., Drake University, 2000
Memberships & Affiliations
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- President, Board of Directors, Art With Heart, 2015-2019
- Board of Directors, 2015-2017; Chair, 2014-2015 – Washington Lawyers for the Arts
- Forum on Entertainment and Sports Industries, Intellectual Property Law Section, American Bar Association
- Intellectual Property Law Section, Washington State Bar Association
- Intellectual Property Law Section, King County Bar Association
- Intellectual Property Section; Arts, Entertainment & Sports Section; Information Technology Section – State Bar of Michigan
- American Intellectual Property Law Association
- Enforcement Committee, Courts & Tribunals Subcommittee, 2012-2013; Co-chair, Task Force on Unfairness in Trademark Cases, 2012-2013; Enforcement Committee, Judicial Administration and Trademark Litigation Subcommittee, 2014-2015 – International Trademark Association
Professional Recognition
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- Selected to "Washington Rising Stars," Thomson Reuters, 2017
Background
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- Partner, Cairncross & Hempelmann, Seattle, 2016-2018
- Partner, Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP, Seattle, 2013-2016
- Attorney, Perkins Coie LLP, Seattle, 2011-2013
- Attorney, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, 2003-2010