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Desktop Image: Nelson, Jeff
Mobile Image: Nelson, Jeff

Jeff Nelson

He/Him

Partner

T 206.757.8377 Seattle
I enjoy finding strategic solutions in situations where there is no right answer.
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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

Protecting and enforcing clients’ most valuable assets for more than 15 years. Whether managing large trademark portfolios, helping emerging companies maximize their IP protection on a limited budget, clearing video-game content and titles, or advising creatives in protection and licensing of their content, the focus is the same - helping navigate risks so clients can keep working toward their goals.

Music rights

Music is a passion - helping artists protect their music and collect royalties; clear music rights for use in films, video games, commercials, and promotional videos; and negotiate music contracts for artists, labels, and producers.

Trademark disputes

Developed significant experience in enforcing trademarks and finding creative business solutions to trademark disputes for clients at every stage of the business life-cycle. Successfully resolved hundreds of proceedings at the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, for or against some of the most well-known brands in the world.

Brand Protection

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Video Games

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Music and Entertainment

*Denotes experience prior to joining Davis Wright Tremaine
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Digital Media and Copyright

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Conflicts and Dispute Resolution

*Denotes experience prior to joining Davis Wright Tremaine
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Publishing

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Admitted to Practice

  • Washington, 2012
  • Michigan, 2003

Education

  • J.D., University of Notre Dame, 2003
  • B.S., Drake University, 2000

Memberships & Affiliations

    • 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

    • Named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in Copyright Law by Best Lawyers, 2021-present
    • Named to the "World Trademark 1000" by World Trademark Review, 2021
    • Selected to "Washington Rising Stars," Thomson Reuters, 2017

Background

    • 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
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