Articles, Speeches & Seminars

Susan Natland and Gregory B. Phillips, Slurs, Student-Athletes and Tattoos: Key Intellectual Property Battles in Sports and Their Implications, Chapman University School of Law 2015 Entertainment & Sports Law Symposium (February 2015)

Jeff Van Hoosear and Gregory B. Phillips, Protection for Your Copyrights, Trademarks and Domain Names, Public Law Center and OneOC, Seminar for non-profit organizations (August 2014)

Lynda Zadra-Symes and Gregory B. Phillips, Understanding Trade Secrets and Trade Secret Misappropriation, IP Impact San Diego - Trademark Seminar (July 2013)

Catherine Holland and Gregory B. Phillips, Understanding Trade Secrets and Trade Secret Misappropriation, IP Impact Silicon Valley - Trademark Seminar (July 2013)

Susan Natland and Gregory B. Phillips, Advertising at the Olympics - Let the Games Begin!, published in Convergence (an International Bar Association publication), Orange County Business Journal and Law360 (July 2012)

John M. Carson and Gregory B. Phillips, Note, Nasalok Coating Corp. v. Nylok Corp., 522 F.3d 1320, 86 U.S.P.Q.2d 1369 (Fed. Cir. 2008), 30 European Intellectual Property Review 10 (Thomson/Sweet & Maxwell 2008)

Steven J. Nataupsky and Gregory B. Phillips, Protecting Your Athlete's Intellectual Property Rights, in Law of Professional and Amateur Sports, Ch. 28, (Gary Uberstine ed., 2006)

Indecent Content on Satellite Radio: Should the FCC Step In, Loyola of Los Angeles Entertainment Law Review, Vol. 26 No. 2 (2005-2006)

Speeches & Seminars

Revised Myriad Guidance from the US Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) - Now What is Patentable?, BIO Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Panel Discussion, December 2014.

The Legalities of Fashion - Intellectual Property Workshop, Fashion Week San Diego, Panel Discussion, September 2013 and May 2014.

Growing Technology in Arizona: Celebrating Success in Medical and Bioscience, Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Commerce Authority, Panel Discussion, October 2012.

Effective Utilization of Patent Searches in the Wake of AIA Patent Reform Act, Licensing Executives Society Winter Meeting, Panel Discussion, March 2012.

What Every Small Business Banker Should Know About Patents, Presentation to Arizona Small Business Bankers, November 2011.

Speeches & Seminars

Dr. Merani has been an invited speaker on various IP topics, including due diligence and the America Invents Act, at the IP Impact Silicon Valley Conference, the OCTANe Medical Device & Investor Form, the University of Southern California, and the University of California, Berkeley. 

Articles & Books

Contributor, 7 Intellectual Property Issues Startup Entrepreneurs Should Not Overlook, JD Supra Legal Perspectives (September 2015). 

Quoted in 7 Intellectual Property Mistakes Startup Entrepreneurs Often Make, JD Supra Legal Perspectives (February 2014).

Co-author, "Understanding Legal Trends in the Private Equity and Venture Capital Market, 2013 ed.: Leading Lawyers on Navigating the Current Economy, Managing Risks, and Understanding Changing SEC Regulations (Inside the Minds)," Aspatore Law Books from Thomson Reuters (2013).

Articles

"Inter Partes Review and Post-Grant Review: New Options Under the America Invents Act to Challenge Patent Validity", Orange County Business Journal (September 2012)

“Fair Conditions,” Establishing Present, Advancements in Intellectual Property Law, Supplement to the Los Angeles Daily Journal (April 1997), co-author

Ashton-Tate 'Out-Foxed' by Copyright Application Form,” California Republic, (February 1991)

“How to Handle Representations and Warranties in Transactions Involving Intellectual Property Law,” Vol. VII, No. 4, California's Continuing Education of the Bar Business Law Practitioner (Fall 1992)

“An Introduction to Computer Law,” Vol. 3, No. 1, California's Continuing Education of the Bar Business Law Practitioner (Winter 1988)

“A Model Trade Secret License Agreement: An Example from the Biotechnology Industry,” Vol. 3, No. 4, California's Continuing Education of the Bar Business Law Practitioner (Fall 1988)

“Strategic Alliances: Trade Secret Protection in Joint Ventures and Partnerships,” Vol. 2, No. 1, California's Continuing Education of the Bar Business Law Practitioner (Winter 1987)

“How to Protect Your Client's Trademark,” Vol. 2, No. 2 , California's Continuing Education of the Bar Business Law Practitioner (Spring 1987)

“A Checklist for Protecting Trademarks in the Healthcare Industry,” Vol. 2, No. 2, California's Continuing Education of the Bar Business Law Practitioner, (Spring 1987)

“A Trade Secrets Checklist for Hiring Employees from Competitors,” Vol. 1, No. 2, California's Continuing Education of the Bar Business Law Practitioner (Spring 1986)

Speeches & Seminars

Co-Moderator, “Tech transfer: JV or licensing”, IBA World Life Sciences Conference, Philadelphia, PA (June 2015)

Moderator, “What are the emerging life sciences business models and what will they be in five and ten years from now?", IBA World Life Sciences Conference, San Diego, CA (June 2014)

Panelist, "Learn How to Protect Your Intellectual Property", NVTC Small Business and Entrepreneur Committee, Fairfax, VA (March 2014)

Moderator, “Why Didn’t Someone Tell Me That?”, International Bar Association Annual Conference, Boston (October 2013)

Co-Moderator, "What are the emerging life sciences business models and what will they look like in five years and ten years from now?", IBA World Life Science Conference, Dallas, TX (May 2013)

Co-Moderator, "Tech transfer tactics: Licensing in the academic and commercial realms," IBA World Life Science Conference, Dallas, TX (May 2013)

Facilitator, "Intellectual property, e-commerce and privacy", International Bar Association Conference, Dublin, Ireland (October 2012)

Panelist, "Patenting the Unpatentable: Claim Drafting After Prometheus" and "Procedures, Pitfalls and Costs: Best Practices for Securing Foreign Patent Protection", Firm-hosted IP Impact Seminar, McClean, Virginia (May 2012)

Moderator, “Patent Reform: New Sheriff in Town”, OCBA Corporate Counsel Section (April 2012)

Presenter, "Patent Reform (AIA): What You Need to Know", IP Impact 2011: Innovative Intellectual Property Strategies for Emerging Technology Companies, McClean, Virginia (September 2011)

Presenter, "Patent Reform: What You Need to Know" and "Preparing Your IP Portfolio for Investment, Acquisition, and/or Litigation Events", IP Impact 2011: Innovative Intellectual Property Strategies for Technology and Life Science Companies, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (September 2011)

Presenter, "Recent USPTO Programs", IP Impact 2010: Innovative Intellectual Property Strategies for Emerging Technology Companies, Research Triangle Park (September 2010)

Presenter, "Recently introduced USPTO pilot programs and initiatives that you can utilize to improve the quality of your IP portfolio", IP Impact 2010: Innovative Intellectual Property Strategies for Emerging Technology Companies, Silicon Valley, California (July 2010)

Moderator and Presenter, “User Generated Content on the Internet – Its Business Case, IP Rights, Litigation, and Relevant Statutes”, IBA all-day session, Madrid, Spain (October 2009)

Presenter, "Innovative IP Strategies for Emerging Companies”, Firm-hosted IP Impact Seminar, Research Triangle (Chapel Hill), NC (September 2009)

Moderator, “Licensing Practices:  What Has the U.S. Supreme Court Done to your Agreements?”, USC Gould School of Law, IP Institute (March 2009)

Moderator and Presenter, “Thinking Outside the Box – Creative Defenses to IP Infringement Actions”, IBA all day session, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Fall 2008)

Moderator and Presenter, “Real IP in a Virtual World – Issues Arising Out of Virtual Characters and Scenes in On-Line Video Games,” IBA all day session, Singapore (Fall 2007)

Representative Matters

Carson Cheng, et al. v. AIM Sports, Inc., et al. (C.D. Cal.)  Obtained favorable settlement for our clients, including a consent judgment and permanent injunction and confidential settlement representing claims for past damages under six design patents and one utility patent owned by our clients.  The settlement was achieved after we defeated defendants’ motions for summary judgment and obtained a court order barring defendants from challenging our expert’s multi-million dollar damages opinion at trial.

I-Flow Corp. v. Apex Med. Tech., Inc.(S.D. Cal.) Obtained a $12.4 million verdict and injunctive relief after jury trial for our client I-Flow Corp.

Articles

Razai A, et. al., Molecular Evolution Of Antibody Affinity For Sensitive Detection Of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A.  J Mol Biol. 2005 Aug 5;351(1):158-69.

Koka PS, Brooks DG, Razai A, Kitchen CM, Zack JA., HIV Type 1 Infection Alters Cytokine mRNA Expression In Thymus.  AIDS Res. & Hum. Retroviruses. 2003 Jan 1;19(1):1-12.

PMID: 12581511 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE

Speeches

Speaker, "Intellectual Property Law Primer," Iranian American Bar Association (2009).

Representative Matters
Articles
Speeches & Seminars

Representative Matters

JS Products v. Kabo Tool (Fed. Cir.) Invalidated patent on summary judgment for DJ plaintiff by demonstrating that micron level dimensional differences in accused tools retailed at Lowe’s were also inherently present in prior art. Argued successfully to obtain affirmance on appeal.

Kreative Power v. Monoprice, Inc.  (N.D. Cal)  Defended on-line retailer of consumer electronics against claims of infringing utility patent, design patent, and copyright relating to a pyramid-shaped power outlet/surge protector. Obtained summary judgment of invalidity and no infringement within 6 months after complaint was filed, with no need for depositions or claim construction hearing.

Inogen v. Inova  (Fed. Cir.)  Obtained affirmance of PTAB decision in favor of patentability for manufacturer of portable oxygen concentrators used for respiratory therapy.

Bierman v. Toshiba (Cal. Sup. Ct., Marin County)  Obtained summary judgment for accused defendant based on statute of limitations in case alleging trade secret misappropriation and breach of NDA, stemming from alleged confidential disclosure of software used to protect computers in the event of power loss.

John Deks Australia Pty, Ltd. v. Atlas Bolt and Screw Company (N.D. Ohio). Represented defendant in a patent and copyright infringement suit involving construction products in a five-week jury trial. Obtained directed verdict and attorney fee award on the copyright claim, and favorable judgment on the patent claim, which was upheld on appeal to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, 14 U.S.P.Q. 2d 1077 (Unpublished).

Archive Corp. v. Cipher Data Products, Inc., 12 U.S.P.Q.2d 1464 (C.D. Cal.). Represented accused infringer of patent on a computer tape drive. Successfully opposed two motions for preliminary injunction, even though the patent had been found valid and infringed in prior litigation with a third party. Obtained stay of proceedings to permit hostile takeover of patent owner, which ultimately resolved the lawsuit.

Stillwell Developments, Inc., Sleepsafe Industries, Inc. v. Chen et al., 11 U.S.P.Q.2d 1328 (C.D. Cal.). Defended claims of trade secret misappropriation relating to a portable fire alarm, and related claims of unfair competition, breach of contract and commercial fraud. Brought successful directed verdict motion, which lead to attorneys fees award for successful defense of trade secret claim.

Atari Games Corp. v. Nintendo of America, Inc., (N.D. Cal.). Represented video game manufacturer accused of infringing patents and copyrights in hardware and software used to lock out unlicensed video games. Conducted extensive discovery in Japan. Obtained voluntary dismissal of one patent infringement claim, and participated in three-week jury trial on remaining patent. 

Applied Materials, Inc. v. Advanced Semiconductor Materials of America, Inc. (N.D. Cal.). Represented defendant in post-trial proceedings in patent infringement case relating to semiconductor wafer processing equipment. Successfully obtained a stay of permanent injunction pending appeal with favorable security terms, which were upheld on appeal to Federal Circuit.

The Beam System, Inc. v. Checkpoint Systems, Inc., 42 U.S.P.Q. 2d 1461 (C.D. Cal.). Represented defendant in computer software copyright infringement lawsuit. Obtained a protective order from the court to maintain the confidentiality of client's code. Ultimately, obtained a dismissal of the entire action based upon plaintiff's violation of that court order.

Cook v. Makita USA, Inc., (Cal. Sup. Ct., Riverside). Defended against claims of trade secret misappropriation related to power tool design. Negotiated settlement shortly before trial in which plaintiff dismissed all claims without any compensation from defendant.

Cabinet Vision v. Cabnetware, (S.D. Cal.), aff’d, 2000 U.S. App. LEXIS 2030 (unpublished). Represented defendant in post-trial proceedings patent infringement action relating to computer-aided design software. Initially obtained injunction against patent owner making misrepresentations to potential customers regarding anticipated outcome of lawsuit. Later successfully obtained judgment as a matter of law overturning unfavorable jury verdicts on invalidity.

Yamaha Motor Company, Ltd. Represented personal watercraft manufacturer in a series of patent enforcement actions in both District Court and the United States International Trade Commission relating to a portfolio of dozens of patents. The actions against major competitors were each resolved by license agreement resulting in significant royalties to the client.

Gart v. Logitech, Inc., CV 98-05957 CBM (Mcx) (C.D. Cal.) Represented plaintiff in a patent infringement suit relating to the ergonomic design of computer mice. After a successful appeal regarding claim construction issues, obtained a favorable settlement of the case. Continued enforcement efforts have resulted in several other licenses with mouse manufacturers. Published opinions: 254 F.3d 1334 (Fed. Cir. 2001); 67 USPQ2d 1263 (C.D. Cal. 2003).

Zimmer Inc. v. Nobel Biocare, USA, Inc. Defended dental implant manufacturer in an arbitrated patent infringement dispute. Conducted arbitration through final hearing, obtaining a judgment of no infringement in connection with a patent that six major competitors had previously licensed and paid millions of dollars in royalty payments. Obtained attorney fee award in excess of $2 million.

Nazomi v. HTC (N.D. Cal) Defended mobile phone handset manufacturer in multi-defendant action against two patents relating to Java processing technology, obtained summary judgment of non-infringement on both patents.

University of North Dakota v. James Hardie (D. N.D.) Represented construction products manufacturer in contract dispute regarding ownership of technology relating to fillers used in reinforced concrete products. Obtained preliminary injunction against University filing patents on the technology, and summary judgment that key technology rights were not owned by the University.

Nobel Biocare USA v. Technique D’Usage Sinlab (ED Va) Brought declaratory judgment action against patentee on patents relating to computerized dental surgical planning and CAD/CAM techniques for custom dental prosthetics. Obtained summary judgment of no infringement on all four patents.

Nobel Biocare USA v. Materialise (C.D. Cal) Brought declaratory judgment action against patentee on patent relating to CAD/CAM techniques for designing and rapid prototyping custom surgical templates. Obtained summary judgment of no infringement.

Dr. Paula Small v. Nobel Biocare USA (SDNY) Defended dental implant manufacturer against patentee on two patents relating to dental implant design. Although patents survived re-exam and re-issue, obtained summary judgment of invalidity due to on-sale bar, lack of written description requirement, and re-issue recapture.

Kruse Technology Partnership v. Caterpillar (C.D. Cal) Represented inventor of patent portfolio relating to computerized fuel injection controls to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Obtained favorable claim construction after 4 day evidentiary hearing, leading to settlement with Caterpillar. Enforced patents against GM, Isuzu, and other major diesel engine manufacturers, including Cummins.

Intamin Ltd. v. Magnetar (Fed. Cir.) Represented accused patent infringer against world’s largest amusement park ride manufacturer regarding patent on eddy-current magnetic braking system. On second appeal, affirmed favorable judgment that patent was unenforceable due to unclean hands. Also obtained attorney fee award.

Acuff v.Custom Control Sensors (AAA arbitration) Represented licensee and manufacturer of aerospace pressure sensing switches in royalty dispute on technology and patent license agreement. Licensor alleged that $11M in back royalties were owed. Obtained award that licensee owed no further royalties and instead was itself owed $7M in overpaid royalties. 

Hansen Beverage Co. v. National Beverage Co. (9^th Cir) In trademark infringement suit, obtained preliminary injunction against competitor of Monster Energy brand energy drink, and successfully enforced settlement agreement on appeal to 9^th Circuit.

Hansen Beverage Co. v. Cytosport (C.D. Cal) In trademark infringement suit, obtained preliminary injunction against competitor of Monster Energy brand energy drink, leading to settlement on eve of trial.

Monster Energy Co. v. HRHH Hotel Casino (JAMS arbitration) Successfully enforced trademark assignment agreement from Hard Rock Hotel relating to REHAB brand, and obtained attorney fee award.

Victoria’s Secret v. Urban Decay (S.D. Ohio) Represented cosmetics company owning trademark rights in NAKED brand against Victoria’s Secret, leading to favorable settlement and Victoria’s Secret discontinuing use of NAKED on cosmetic.

Articles

“Direct Molding Statutes: Potent Weapons, But Are They Constitutional?” Journal of the Patent & Trademark Office Society, Vol. 71, No. 1, 1989.

“Copyright Law, The U.S. Joins The Berne Convention,” Orange County Lawyer, December 1989.

“Legal Protection For Works Of Art,” Orange County Lawyer, March, 1991.

“Building A Winning Paper Trail For Intellectual Property Litigation,” Orange County Business Journal, September, 1991.

“What The Japanese Businessman Should Know About U.S. Copyright Law,” Kaigai Chuzai, May 1992.

“Growing Software Intensive Companies,” ABL Key Observer Report, May 1992.

“A Primer on Patents,” Orange County Business Journal, September 1993.

“The Pitfalls Of Providing Intent-to-Use Trademark Applications As Loan Security,” Los Angeles Daily Journal, February 7, 1997; Orange County Reporter, February 10, 1997.

“Recent Developments In Intellectual Property Law,” 1996 Annual Review of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of California, 1997.

“Swap Talk: Retail-Space Operators and Internet Providers May Be Secondarily Liable for Infringement,” Los Angeles Daily Journal, September 5, 1997.

“Secondary Liability for Copyright and Trademark Infringement: Where Cyberspace and Retail Space Meet,” Orange County Lawyer, March 1998.

“Litigating Obviousness: A New Approach for Using Expert Witnesses,” Journal of the Patent and Trademark Office Society, Vol. 81, No. 3, March 1999.

“Ch. 11 – Pretrial Proceedings,” co-author with Don W. Martens, Patent Litigation, Edited by Laurence H. Pretty, PLI Press, 2000.

“Pre-Litigation Patent Enforcement,” Thomson-Reuters, co-author with Don Martens, 2008-2013.

Speeches & Seminars

"IP Year in Review," CLE Wrap-Up: Substance Abuse, Elimination of Bias & the IP Year in Review, Knobbe Martens Hosted CLE Seminar (January 7, 2016)

"The Practitioner’s Perspective: The Effect of Patent Non-Practicing Entities on Industry," Trolls or Toll-Takers: Do Intellectual Property Non-Practicing Entities Add Value to Society? 2015 Chapman Law Review Symposium, Orange, CA (January 30, 2015)

Program Chair, The Third Annual Technology Seminar – Program Chair for Using Technology in Trials Today: What is a Must and What is a Bust, The Orange County Bar Association Masers Division, Irvine, CA (November 18, 2014)

"Woke Up This Morning – My Patent’s Gone: Recent Pro-Accused Infringer Trends in Patent Law," 2014 ACC-SoCal Double Header, Anaheim, CA (August 28, 2014)

“Best Practices and Trends in U.S. Patent Litigation and Prosecution,” US Litigation and Patent Prosecution Seminar, Osaka, Japan (July 11, 2014)

“Best Practices and Trends in U.S. Patent Prosecution,” US Patent Prosecution Seminar, Tokyo, Japan (July 8, 2014)

“Trends in U.S. Patent Litigation: Pro-Accused Infringer,” US Litigation Seminar, Tokyo, Japan (July 7, 2014).

Chapman University School of Law, Adjunct Professor 2013-2014, “Patent Litigation”

ACC-SoCal Double Header, “What to do in the First 30 Days of an IP Suit” (April 2013)

JAMS “Recent Trends in Intellectual Property Litigation”, roundtable participant (July 2006)

“Rule 11 in Patent Cases,” Intellectual Property/Technology Law Section Meeting, Orange County Bar Association (March 2006)

Los Angeles Intellectual Property Lawyers Association, Annual Seminar, “One Year Down the Road: Claim Construction Post-Phillips” (May 2006)

USC Gould School of Law, 2005 Intellectual Property Institute, “You’ve Been Sued for Patent Infringement – Now What?” (May 2005)

“ADR in Intellectual Property Cases,” Orange County Patent Law Association (March 2005)

Intellectual Property Owners Association (I.P.O.), “Drafting ADR Clauses – Lessons From the Battlefield,” Washington D.C. (November 2004)

Chapman University School of Law 3rd Annual Preview of the Supreme Court: “An Update of Intellectual Property Law,” Phillips v. AWH Corp (October 2004)

“Timing Summary Judgment in Federal Court,” Orange County Barristers (September 2004)

“Fundamentals of Business Practices Litigation,” Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB), Costa Mesa, (September 2000)

Entrepreneurs Conference, Harvard Business School Association of Orange County, “Intellectual Property Protection for the Internet,” Irvine (May 2000)

William P. Gray Legion Lex Inn of Court, “Everything You Wanted to Know About Motion Practice,” Costa Mesa (May 2000)

Lead defense counsel in patent infringement case, Costa Mesa, Whittier College School of Law, Mock Trial presentation (February 2004, 2005, 2006)

Lead defense counsel in trade secrets case, Costa Mesa, Whittier College School of Law, Mock Trial presentation (February 2003)

Mr. Sganga has also lectured on Intellectual Property Law issues for Orange County Patent Law Association, Orange County Barristers, Orange County Barristers, SO/CAL/TEN (Southern California Technology Executives Network), Practicing Law Institute (PLI), and Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB). 

Author, KnobbeMedical.com Blog

• Cantel Acquires Medical Innovations for $79.5 Million
• ConforMIS to Go Public in Upcoming IPO
• PilotFish Announces MedDevice Connection App
• Paragon Medical Announces Acquisition of Michael Bubolz GmbH
• Medical Device Market to Reach $361 Billion

Representative Matters

Nutrishop, Inc.
Catherine Holland is the lead IP counsel for Nutrishop, Inc., one of the fastest growing chains of retail nutrition stores in the United States. In 2015 the company will have grown to approximately 300 locations in 36 states. Ms. Holland has directed all of the company’s intellectual property efforts, including its extensive licensing program and brand enforcement efforts.

MonkeySports, Inc.
Catherine Holland is the lead IP counsel for MonkeySports, Inc., a sports retailer who has experienced explosive growth through on-line sales in the United States and around the world.  Ms. Holland has directed the company’s brand enforcement efforts on the internet and in social media around the globe. She has also assisted in the launch of the company’s brand into clothing and nutritional supplements.

Impact Beverage, Inc.
Catherine Holland is the lead IP counsel for Impact Beverage, Inc., a dynamic new company which has brought a new sports beverage to the market across the United States. Ms. Holland has directed the company’s brand enforcement efforts on the internet and in social media around the globe. She has also assisted in the launch of the company’s brand into clothing and nutritional supplements.

Speaking

Ms. Holland has spoken extensively in the field of trademark and copyright law, including seminars sponsored by INTA, OCTANe Venture Capital, the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, law firms in Germany and England, the Orange County Patent Law Association, the Orange County and Los Angeles Bar Associations, the Orange County Business Journal, the San Diego Business Journal, and the Advertising Production Association of Orange County.  She has been a guest on the radio program “Southern California Business Focus” where she discussed basic copyright issues.

Ms. Holland has spoken extensively in the field of trademark and copyright law, including:

·         Speaker, “Intellectual Property & Technology Law Section Seminar”, Orange County Bar Association, Newport Beach, CA     (February 2016)

·         Panelist, “Washington in the West 2016”, Los Angeles Intellectual Property Law Association (LAIPLA), Los Angeles, CA (January 2016)

·         Moderator, “INTA - USPTO Roundtable: Orange County”, Knobbe Martens, Irvine, CA (May 2014)

·         Moderator, “INTA - USPTO Roundtable: Los Angeles”, Knobbe Martens, Los Angeles, CA (May 2014)

·         Panelist, Knobbe Martens IP Impact -- Trademark Seminar, Menlo Park, CA (July 2013)

·         Presenter, “Clearing Marks in the U.S.: What European Practitioners Need to Know”, Taylor Wessing Brand Forum, London,     England (March 2013)

·         Co-Speaker, “Intellectual Property Protection in the Field of Cosmetics and Personal Care Products”, Society of Cosmetic       Chemists (SCC), Los Angeles, CA (March 2013)

·         Guest on the radio program “Southern California Business Focus” where she discussed basic copyright issues

Ms. Holland has taught several courses in, and served as an adjunct professor of, intellectual property at several institutions, including: USC Business School for foreign corporations wanting to do business in the U.S.; USC Law School; UC Irvine; UC Riverside; Chapman University; and OC Community College.

Publications

"To Tweet or Not to Tweet: Social Media and Intellectual Property Issues,"Orange County Business Journal, October 2015

"Getting the Deal Through: Trademarks 2016," Law Business Research Ltd., September 2015

Quoted in "Condoms may be key to ‘.sucks’ trademark success, lawyers claim," World Intellectual Property Review (WIPR), July 2015

"Managing Intellectual Property Assets,” California Business Law Practitioner, Fall 2014

"Clearing marks in the U.S.: What European practitioners need to know,” 9th Annual Taylor Wessing Brands Forum, London, England, March 2013

“More Than a Brand Name – Monetizing the Unique Aspects of Your Company and Your Products to Increase your Bottom Line,”  Orange County Business Journal,  November 2012

Contributing thoughts to "The Avengers face a new adversary: trademark professionals", a blog post on World Trademark Review, September 2012

"Domain Name Mania - Managing the Mayhem" Orange County Lawyer Magazine, July 2009

“Managing Intellectual Property Assets,” Chapter 1 in the multi-volume treatise Intellectual Property in Business Transactions published by the California Continuing Education of the Bar, 2008 - 2014

Legal Guide to Intellectual Property, a book published by Entrepreneur Press, 2007

“What Is A Copyright” Orange County Business Journal

Representative Matters

Ms. Natland has been involved in the following litigation cases, amongst others:

Victoria’s Secret Stores Brand Management, Inc. v. Urban Decay Cosmetics, 2:12-cv-00693-GLF-MRA (2012). Represented Defendant and Counter Claimant, Urban Decay Cosmetics, in connection with declaratory judgment suit involving the NAKED mark. Case settled favorably for client resulting in complete phase-out of accused Victoria’s Secret product.

Broadcom Corp. v. BroadVoice, Inc., SACV05-431 DOC (2005).  Represented Plaintiff, Broadcom Corporation, in trademark infringement suit. Case settled favorably for client.

Ms. Natland’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) experience is extensive, with some highlights noted below:

Ms. Natland successfully represented My Horse Player, Inc. in an ex parte proceeding before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, in which the Board's decision on appeal reversed the Examining Attorney by finding that MY HORSE PLAYER is not descriptive and is registrable on the Principal Register (TTAB 2008).

Ms. Natland successfully represented Hurley International LLC as Plaintiff in a precedential decision from the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, finding on summary judgment that the Defendants had committed fraud on the USPTO. Hurley International LLC v. Volta 82 USPQ2d 1339 (TTAB 2007).  Listed by Allen’s Trademark Digest as one of the top ten trademark cases before the TTAB in 2007.

Ms. Natland successfully represented Jose Remacle in a precedential decision from the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, reversing the Examining Attorney and finding that the mark BIO-CD is not descriptive and is registrable on the Principal Register. In re Remacle 66 USPQ2d 1222 (TTAB 2002).

Speeches & Seminars

Ms. Natland has spoken extensively on topics related to trademark and Internet law, including:

War Games: Recent IP Litigation, Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) (2015)

Guest Lecturer, Chapman School of Law (Music and Entertainment Law) (2015)

Panelist, Chapman Entertainment and Sports Law Symposium, Chapman Law School (2015)

The Intersection of False Advertising Claims and the FDCA, OCBA Entertainment and Sports Section (2015)

Scams, Schemes, and Spoofs: Online Brand Protection, Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) (2015)

The Intersection of False Advertising Claims and the FDCA, Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) (2014)

Avoiding False Advertising & Unfair Competition, IP Impact Silicon Valley - Trademark Seminar (2013)

Financing of Litigation in Trademark Actions, International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting (2013)

Silver Linings Playbook: Best Practices in Trademark Clearance and Selection, Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) (2013)

Swimming with Piranhas: Avoiding Trade Secret Misappropriation, False Advertising & Unfair Competition Claims, Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) (2013)

Soarin' Over Your Trademarks: Keys to Monetizing Your Brands, Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) (2012)

Navigating the Murky Waters of the New Top Level Domain Name Launch, Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) (2012)

Trademark and Copyright Clearance Scenarios: A Lawyer's Day at the Happiest Place on Earth.... Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) (2011)

Trademarks in Sports: Ambush Marketing, International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting (2011)

Keywords and Trademarks, Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) (2010)

Brand Power:  How to Develop and Protect a Profitable Brand, The Entrepreneurship Institute's Presidents' Forum (2007) (panelist)

Careers in Trademark Law, International Trademark Association Annual Meeting (INTA) (2006)

Brand Searching and Clearance in the Internet Age, International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting (2005) 

Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Practices, Practicing Law Institute (2004)

Trademark Year in Review, OCPLA/SDIPLA Spring Seminar (2003)

Trademarks and the Internet, National Association of Legal Secretaries (2003)

Dilution and the Victoria’s Secret Case, Orange County Paralegal Association (2003)

Articles

In addition, Ms. Natland has published numerous articles related to copyright, trademark and Internet law, including:

When the cost of default is $1.2 million, World Trademark Review, February 2016

Alert: California and the EU’s Changing Privacy Laws, December 2015

GoDaddy victorious in dispute over OSCARS and ACADEMY AWARDS marks, World Trademark Review, September 2015

Nuisance Repeat Filing Resolution: An Interview with the Enforcement Committee, INTA Bulletin, April 2015

Tacking isn't tacky - narrow doctrine saves defendant, World Trademark Review, January 2014

SPI in high spirits after suit against STOLI marks is dismissed for lack of standing, World Trademark Review, September 2013

No shades of grey: TTAB finds "white" deceptive for black tea, World Trademark Review, April 2013

Madrid Protocol registrations not insulated from petition to cancel based on abandonment, World Trademark Review, October 2012

Advertising at the Olympics - Let the Games Begin!, Convergence (an International Bar Association publication), Orange County Business Journal and Law360, July 2012

Ninth Circuit recognizes protectable trade dress for skull-shaped vodka bottle, World Trademark Review, June 2012

Time to Review – Achieving Best Practices in Trademark Audits, World Trademark Review, March 2012

Mark for Coffee House Likely to Cause Confusion with Coffee Certification Mark, World Trademark Review, March 2012

Nearly $300,000 awarded to plaintiff in keyword case against competitor, World Trademark Review, February 2011

Eighth Circuit: actual confusion is not a prerequisite to monetary relief, World Trademark Review, January 2011

Common U.S. Marines Slogan Remains in Public Domain, World Trademark Review, October 2010

Use of Identical Mark is Circumstantial Evidence of Dilution, World Trademark Review, July 2010

A TTAB Finds Mark Disparaging For Use with Wine, World Trademark Review, April 2010

Plaintiff Has Its Cake, May Not Eat It Too, World Trademark Review, December 2009

Trademark “Squatter” Enjoined From Using JAPONAIS Mark, World Trademark Review, September 2009

Eight-year delay bars claim that REDSKINS mark disparages Native American, World Trademark Review, July 2009

Heartbrand beefs with Yahoo!, World Trademark Review, May 2009 

Hershey Garners Sweet Victory Against Furniture Company, World Trademark Review, December 2008

Hobbit Sleeps on Rights, Says Court, World Trademark Review, August 2008

Google’s Motion to Dismiss AdSense Complaint Rejected, World Trademark Law Report, July 2008

Focus on Fraud: Still Treacherous Territory in the U.S., INTA Bulletin, June 2008

The Importance of Trademark Audits, INTA Bulletin, March 2008

HOT WHEELS summary judgment spins out in Ninth, World Trademark Law Report, 2007

TTAB applies more lenient Section 2(d) test in FIRST NIAGARA, World Trademark Law Report, July 2007

Trademark Management: The Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth, World Trademark Review, April 2007

Jonathan Livingston Seagull Claims Survive Summary Judgment Motion, World Trademark Law Report, April 11, 2007

Trademark Audits – what you need to know, World Trademark Review, May 2006

LAWYERS.COM Generic for Online Legal Database, World Trademark Law Report, March 2, 2006

No Second Bite of the Apple for SNAP Mark Owner, World Trademark Report, December 14, 2005

Infamous Mustang Ranch Name Still Up in the Air, World Trademark Report, September 9, 2005

Brand Searching and Clearance in the Internet Age (contributing author), International Trademark Association, May 18, 2005

Duck Quacking Sound Mark Shot Down by District Court, World Trademark Law Report, April 26, 2005

Nissan Dilution Case Driven Back to the District Court, World Trademark Law Report, October 7, 2004

No New Home for Disputed ‘TahoeLuxuryProperties’ Domain Name, World Trademark Law Report, July 12, 2004

Master Card’s ‘Priceless’ Ads Not Infringed by Political Broadcasts, World Trademark Law Report, April 6, 2004

Fake Gucci Bags Too Good to Recall, World Trademark Law Report, February 12, 2004

MBNA Forfeits MONTANA SERIES and PHILADELPHIA CARD, World Trademark Law Report, November 19, 2003

Default Respondent Prevails in UDRP Action, World Trademark Law Report, September 17, 2003

In Re MBNA America Bank, N.A., Federal Circuit Case Digest, September 2003

In Re The Boulevard Entertainment, Inc., Federal Circuit Case Digest, August 2003

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company v. Advantage Rent-A-Car, Inc., Federal Circuit Case

Articles

Co-author, "PTAB At The Fed. Circ.: Lessons From 2015,"Law360 (February 2016)

Speeches

Speaker, "Patent Strategy for Business Analytics", at the USC Second International Conference on Business Analytics (April 2014) 

Lecture, "What Businesses Need to Know about Recent Changes in U.S. Patent Law", USC Marshall School of Business (October 2013)

Speaker, "What Businesses & Engineers Need to Know about Recent Changes in U.S. Patent Law", Orange County IEEE (June 2013)  

Speeches and Seminars

Panelist, "Writing the Script for an Effective Patent Portfolio," Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) - Southern California DoubleHeader, November 2015.

Moderator, "SMART Worker," Calit2 Igniting Technology Event, University of California Irvine, May 2015.

Moderator, "The Internet of Things," Calit2 Igniting Technology Event, University of California Irvine, November 2014.

Moderator, "Proof-of-Concept Services," Calit2 Igniting Technology Event, University of California Irvine, November 2013.

Moderator, "From Pitch to Rich," Calit2 Igniting Technology Series Panel Discussion, University of California Irvine, June 2013.

Panelist, "Venture Science: Crossing Disciplines," Creating Innovation, Calit2 Igniting Technology Series Panel Discussion, University of California Irvine, November 2012.

Moderator, "Energy Empowerment: Get Smart About Efficiency," Calit2 Igniting Technology Series Panel Discussion, University of California Irvine, November 2010.

Guiliana, M., Benedict, M., Reisman, J., "Pharmaceutical Patent Applications in China, Europe and America," Intellectual Property Office of Jiangsu Province, Pharmaceutical News and Wuxi Intellectual Property Office, WuXi, China May 26-29, 2010.

Moderator, "Calit2 TechPortal," CalIt2 Igniting Technology Series Panel Discussion, University of California Irvine, May 2010.

Moderator, "Network Generation: Transforming the Global Infrastructure to Address Evolving Demands," Calit2 Igniting Technology Series Panel Discussion, University of California Irvine, November 2009.

Moderator, "The Clean Energy Challenge," Calit2 Igniting Technology Series Panel Discussion, University of California Irvine, May 2009.

Moderator, "H2Ology: Tapping into Technology to Solve Water Woes," Calit2 Igniting Technology Series Panel Discussion, University of California Irvine, November 2008.

Moderator, "Web 3.0: The Next Transformation of the Internet Experience," Calit2 Igniting Technology Series Panel Discussion, University of California Irvine, June 2007.

Guiliana, M., "Ten Things You Need to Know About Intellectual Property," Society of Automotive Engineers Southern California Chapter Conference, Irvine, California, February 2005.

Instructor, Intellectual Property for the High Technology Industry, UCI Extension 2 Day Course, 2006-2009.

Representative Matters

Ex Parte Bradley G. Vernon and Patrick D. Arnold, United States Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, Appeal No. 2009-013984: Represented patent applicant in appeal of rejection of utility patent application, resulting in all rejections being overturned. 

Kruse Technology Partnership v. Cummins, Inc., SACV 10-01066 JVS: Represented plaintiff in patent infringement litigation, negotiated settlement, January 2011.

Kruse Technology Partnership v. General Motors, CV 09-4970 JVS and Kruse Technology Partnership v. DMAX, SACV 09-00458 JVS: Represented plaintiff in patent infringement litigation, negotiated settlement after formal mediation, November 2010.

Kruse Technology Partnership v. Isuzu, SACV 09-3710 JVS: Represented plaintiff in patent infringement litigation, negotiated settlement of patent infringement litigation via formal mediation, August 2010.

Ex Parte K. Michael Harris, United States Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, Appeal No. 2009-006390: Represented patent applicant in appeal of rejection of design patent application, resulting in all rejections being overturned, and resulting in issuance of U.S. Design Patent No. 7,866,242.

Kruse Technology Partnership v. Caterpillar, CV 04-10435 PA: Represented plaintiff in patent litigation over diesel engine combustion technology, defeated Caterpillar’s summary judgment of non-infringement and invalidity, negotiated settlement before trial, December 2008.

Ex Parte Robert M. Todd, United States Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, Appeal No. 2006-3291: Represented patent applicant in appeal of rejection of utility patent application, resulting in all rejections being overturned, and resulting in issuance of U.S. Patent No. 7,270,377.

In Re Stuart J. Ledingham, United States Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, Appeal No. 2003-1862: Represented patent applicant in appeal of rejection of design patent application, resulting in all rejections being overturned, and resulting in issuance of U.S. Design Patent No. 503333.

Yamaha Motor Company, Ltd. V. Bombardier 60 USPQ2d 1541 (C.D. Cal. 2001) 59 USPQ2d 1088 (C.D. Cal. 2001), Represented plaintiff personal watercraft manufacturer in a series of patent enforcement actions in both District Court and the United States International Trade Commission relating to a portfolio of dozens of patents.  These actions were resolved by license and settlement agreements resulting in significant royalties to the client.

Inter Partes Review Proceedings

Kinetic Technologies, Inc. v. Skyworks Solutions, Inc., Case IPR2014-00529 (2014).  Successfully convinced the Patent Trial and Appeals Board to not institute the Inter Partes Review proceeding.

Kinetic Technologies, Inc. v. Skyworks Solutions, Inc., Case IPR2014-00530 (2014).  Successfully convinced the Patent Trial and Appeals Board to not institute the Inter Partes Review proceeding.

Kinetic Technologies, Inc. v. Skyworks Solutions, Inc., Case IPR2014-00690 (2014).  Successfully prevailed in validating all challenged claims.

Canon Inc. v. Intellectual Ventures I LLC, Case IPR2014-00536 (2014).  Successfully convinced the Patent Trial and Appeals Board to not institute the Inter Partes Review proceeding.

Canon Inc. v. Intellectual Ventures I LLC, Case IPR2014-00537 (2014).  Successfully convinced the Patent Trial and Appeals Board to not institute the Inter Partes Review proceeding.

Canon Inc. v. Intellectual Ventures I LLC, Case IPR2014-00757 (2014).  Successfully prevailed in validating all challenged claims.

Google Inc. v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC, Case IPR2014-00787 (2014).  Successfully prevailed in validating certain challenged claims.

Canon Inc. v. Intellectual Ventures I LLC, Case IPR2014-00952 (2014).  Successfully convinced the Patent Trial and Appeals Board to not institute the Inter Partes Review proceeding.

International Business Machines Corp. v. Intellectual Ventures I LLC, Case IPR2014-01516 (2014).  Successfully convinced the Patent Trial and Appeals Board to not institute the Inter Partes Review proceeding.

International Business Machines Corp. v. Intellectual Ventures I LLC, Case IPR2014-00587 (2014).  Successfully prevailed in validating all challenged claims.

Great West Casualty Company, BITCO General Insurance Corporation, and BITCO National Insurance Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC, Case IPR2015-01706 (2016). Successfully convinced the Patent Trial and Appeals Board to not institute the Inter Partes Review proceeding for certain claims.

Great West Casualty Company, BITCO General Insurance Corporation, and BITCO National Insurance Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC, Case IPR2015-01706 (2016). Successfully convinced the Patent Trial and Appeals Board to not institute the Inter Partes Review proceeding for certain claims.

Covered Business Method Proceedings

Speeches and Seminars

Mr. King has published a number of articles on intellectual property law and has lectured frequently on patent strategies and other intellectual property law topics.

"Alice-Proofing Patent Claims Under Section 101,"Telecommunication and Software Patent Practice Update, New Jersey Intellectual Property Law Association, Iselin, New Jersey.

“Post Grant Procedures & Strategies,” Orange County Patent Law Association, Irvine, California.

"What Businesses And Engineers Need To Know About Recent Developments in Patent Law,"OCTANe Strategic Growth Series, Irvine, California.

"Post Grant Patent Challenges," 37^th Annual Intellectual Property Institute, The State Bar of California, San Diego, California.

Look Before You Leap – Avoiding Intellectual Property Problems When Starting A New Information Technology Business," OCTANE Software Information Technology Seminar, Irvine, California.

The American Invents Act – How Changes To The Patent Law Can Help Emerging Companies,"  Patent Strategies Seminar, Irvine, California

"Cease and Desist Strategies – Preparing For Licensing Negotiations,"Orange County Patent Law Association, Irvine, California. 

“Defending the Crown Jewels: How to Manage and Protect Intellectual Property,” Harvard Business School Entrepreneurs Conference, Anaheim, California

Patent Claim Drafting Techniques That Enhance Enforcement And Increase Licensing Revenue,"  Orange County Patent Law Association, Seminar, Irvine, California

“Patent Allowance, Now What? Continuation Strategies That Significantly Increase Patent Value,” Orange County Patent Law Association, Costa Mesa, California 

“Protecting Innovative Medical Products,” Harvard Business School Entrepreneurs Conference, Irvine, California

“Tailoring a Patent Portfolio to Increase Licensing Revenue,” Orange County Licensing Executive Society, Irvine, California.

“Limiting Language and Alternative Embodiments: What to Do and What to Avoid,” Orange County Patent Law Association, Costa Mesa, California.

“Transforming Proprietary Knowledge Into Competitive Business Tools,” Chapman University, Orange, California.

“Profiting from Technology Innovation,” Harvard Alumni Association, Irvine, California.

“Protecting Intellectual Property – A Venture Capitalist’s Perspective,” Harvard Business School Entrepreneurs Conference, Irvine, California.

“Patent Strategies to Enhance Your Competitive Position,” Harvard Business School Entrepreneurs Conference, Irvine, California.

“Intellectual Property Protection for Startups,” Harvard Business School Entrepreneurs Conference, Irvine, California.

“Patent Preparation and Drafting for the International Company,” International Intellectual Property Seminar, Newport Beach, California.

Speeches & Seminars

Dr. Merani has been an invited speaker on various IP topics, including due diligence and the America Invents Act, at the IP Impact Silicon Valley Conference, the OCTANe Medical Device & Investor Form, the University of Southern California, and the University of California, Berkeley. 

Articles & Books

Contributor, 7 Intellectual Property Issues Startup Entrepreneurs Should Not Overlook, JD Supra Legal Perspectives (September 2015). 

Quoted in 7 Intellectual Property Mistakes Startup Entrepreneurs Often Make, JD Supra Legal Perspectives (February 2014).

Co-author, "Understanding Legal Trends in the Private Equity and Venture Capital Market, 2013 ed.: Leading Lawyers on Navigating the Current Economy, Managing Risks, and Understanding Changing SEC Regulations (Inside the Minds)," Aspatore Law Books from Thomson Reuters (2013).

Mr. Van Hoosear has spoken extensively in the field of trademark and copyright law.

Speeches & Seminars

"The Social Network: Current Legal Issues in Social Media," Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) - Southern California DoubleHeader (November 2015)

"Intellectual Property Workshop," FAB Authority, San Diego, CA (July 2015)

UCI School of Law Intellectual Property Essentials, Workshop Instructor, Irvine, CA (March 2015)

“Protecting Your Copyrights, Trademarks and Domain Names”, Presented at the OneOC and Public Law Center “Branding Impact” Series, Santa Ana, CA (February 2015)

“The Legalities of Fashion”, Presented at San Diego Fashion Week, San Diego, CA (September 2013)

“Trade Secret, Trademark, False Advertising and Unfair Competition Issues”, Served as Panelist at IP Impact - Trademark Seminar - Silicon Valley, Menlo Park, CA (July 2013)

“Trade Secret, Trademark, False Advertising and Unfair Competition Issues”, Served as Panelist at IP Impact - Trademark Seminar, San Diego, CA (July 2013)

“Trade Secret, Trademark, False Advertising & Unfair Competition Issues”, Served as Panelist at IP Impact Seminar, San Diego, CA (June 2013)

Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) – In House Counsel Conference, Participant, Beverly Hills, CA (January 2013)

“Avoiding Trade Secret Misappropriation, False Advertising & Unfair Competition Claims”, Participated in the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) – Southern California In-House Counsel Conference, Los Angeles, CA (January 2013)

“Hiring Competitor’s Top Talent & Being Fiercely Competitive Without Exposing Your Company”, Participated in the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) – Southern California In-House Counsel Conference, Los Angeles, CA (January 2013) 

"Soarin' Over Your Trademarks - Keys to Monetizing Your Brands", Presenter at the American Corporate Counsel (ACC) SoCal Double Header, Anaheim, CA (May 2012)

"Jungle Cruise: Navigating the Murky Waters of the New Top Level Domain Name Launch", Presenter at the American Corporate Counsel (ACC) SoCal Double Header, Anaheim, CA (May 2012)

"The New gTLD Program: What, When, and Why", Presented to the Orange County Patent Law Association, Irvine, CA (April 2012)

Articles & Books

Co-author, "Yosemite Case Suggests No 'Iconic Names Exception' For TMs,"Law360 (March 2016)

"To Tweet or Not to Tweet: Social Media and Intellectual Property Issues," Orange County Business Journal (October 2015)

Co-author, Getting the Deal Through: Trademarks 2016, published by Law Business Research Ltd. (September 2015)

"Google Inc. v. Oracle America Inc.,"Orange County Business Journal - Intellectual Property Supplement (July 2015)

“Protecting Your Company’s Intellectual Property through an IP Audit: a Guide for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses,” Book Co-Author (Published 2013)

“From Trademark to Registration: Getting it Right the First Time,” Orange County Lawyer (April 2012)

"Industry Joins the Fight for the Red Sole,"Managing Intellectual Property (January 2012)