Jennifer Ashton focuses her practice on trademark and copyright law, internet and social media issues, licensing, and intellectual property-related transactions. She provides counseling on all aspects of clearance, prosecution, registration, rights enforcement strategies, as well as brand management, domain name and internet issues, and licensing for a wide array of industries. With more than a decade of experience practicing in trademark, copyright, and IP law, Jennifer is a knowledgeable advocate for entrepreneurs, emerging companies, and Fortune 500s alike seeking protection for their creative endeavors and valuable assets.
An established speaker and author in the trademark and technology space, Jennifer is dedicated to staying current with evolving legal precedents and industry trends, ensuring that clients receive advice that is not only informed but also forward-thinking. She advises on IP portfolios, brand protection, acquisitions, trade dress, unfair competition, domain name strategy and disputes, enforcement, and litigation. She is skilled at negotiating agreements regarding licensing, consent, co-existence, marketing, and cobranding, as well as preparing and responding to cease-and-desist letters and DMCA take-down notices.
Jennifer's approach is rooted in building strong client relationships. She listens to the specific goals of each client, tailoring strategies to suit their individual needs, and assisting them through all stages of trademark prosecution and maintenance, including before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. From conducting comprehensive domestic and international clearance searches to crafting ironclad filing and enforcement strategies, Jennifer is committed to securing and defending her clients' trademarks in various fields, including software, gaming, e-commerce, retail services, broadcasting, specialized electronic devices, and mechanical apparatus.
Admitted to Practice
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Washington, 2007
Education
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J.D., Villanova University School of Law, 2006
- Secretary: Law Students in Action (Community Services Group)
- Board Member: Sports and Entertainment Law Society
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B.A., English, Columbia University, 2003, with honors
- Dean's List
- Creative Writing Program
- Director of Scholarship, Honor Board Representative, and House Manager: Delta Gamma
Memberships & Affiliations
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- Washington State Bar Association
- International Trademark Association (INTA) – Publications Committee, 2020-2023; Trademark Administrators Committee, 2012-2014
- Intellectual Property Owners Association – Secretary, US TM Law Committee, 2014-2019
- Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association, Seattle
- Women In Technology International
- Volunteer, Pennsylvania Special Olympics, 2005
Background
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- Of Counsel, Schwartz Intellectual Property Law PLLC, Seattle, 2020-2023
- Of Counsel, Christensen O'Connor Johnson Kindness PLLC, Seattle, 2019-2020
- Associate (Secondment), CELA Trademark Team Lead, Microsoft Corp., Redmond, Wash., 2018
- Associate, Seed Intellectual Property Law Group LLP, Seattle, 2017-2019
- Associate, Bracewell LLP, Seattle, 2011-2017
- Paralegal II, Perkins Coie LLP, Seattle, 2007-2011
- Legal Assistant, DWC Law Firm, PS, Seattle, 2006-2007
- Summer Associate, Law Offices of Lloyd Zane Remick, Zane Management, Philadelphia, 2005