Leslie Hartford

/My focus

Data Privacy Litigation

As a CIPP/US-certified attorney, I am well-qualified to assist clients in proactively preparing cybersecurity protocols as well as guiding clients in responding to a cyber incident. I have represented clients in data privacy-related litigation at both the state and federal levels. I also am closely following consumer data breach litigation across the nation, which informs my advice to help clients avoid similar costly, class-based claims.

Trademark & Copyright Enforcement and Litigation

I handle all stages of trademark and copyright enforcement and defense, working not only to ensure clients’ marks are protected but also to respond and defend clients when their own intellectual property use is challenged. I routinely develop and implement strategies to resolve trademark and copyright disputes, ranging from day-to-day enforcement to litigation in federal court and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Most recently, I was a member of a litigation team that secured a complete defense win for our client in the face of claims for trademark infringement, trademark dilution, unfair competition, and deceptive trade practices.

Trade Secret Litigation

I work zealously to protect client trade secrets and prevent the theft and/or dissemination of clients’ proprietary information. I have substantial experience managing complex discovery, including the unique issues that arise from the sensitive disclosure processes often required in trade secret matters.

/Representative experience

• Assisted global manufacturer in response to cybersecurity attack, including communications with customers, impacted individuals, and governmental agencies
• Defended healthcare industry client in class action data breach suit, achieving favorable settlement terms and avoiding further costly litigation
• Protect trade secrets and corporate opportunities of worldwide beverage manufacturer in litigation against start-up competitor
• Prepared large B2B office supplier for trial in trademark action against Dairy Queen concerning the use of the “Blizzard” trademark (D. Minn.); case involved dozens of witnesses, prepared and was successful on key motion to strike evidence that had not been timely disclosed
• Successfully defended a U.S. chemical startup in a patent litigation case involving allegations of willful infringement of catalyst technology through trial
• Represent software developers and providers in multiple disputes arising from large-scale software implementation contracts
• Routinely enforce clients’ trademark rights as applied to, inter alia, consumer goods, school name, and medical clinics
• Settled trademark matter for a leading musical products company involving allegations of infringement via social media on terms favorable to the client
• Obtained favorable arbitration decision for nationwide specialty food franchisor client
• Advise major office supplier regarding copyright issues related to national advertising campaigns

/Looking ahead

The proliferation of inexpensive AI tools is making cybersecurity threats like phishing emails more difficult to spot and thus even more dangerous. Companies and individuals will need to be vigilant in assessing threats and protecting their systems.

/Insights

• "Cybersecurity Trends & Managing Ransomware Risks," In-House Counsel CLE, October 19, 2023
• “The Clock Is Ticking: Cyberattack Response,” Nixon Peabody 2023 California MCLE Virtual Seminar, January 19, 2023