Education
Law School: DePaul University, College of Law
College: University of Minnesota, B.S., aerospace engineering and mechanics
Major Cases
I have worked on a variety of patent, trademark and copyright infringement cases, as well as trade secret misappropriation disputes. I have represented Kimberly-Clark in a number of patent infringement litigations, with two cases going to jury trials. In another Kimberly-Clark case, the Federal Circuit recently affirmed a decision by the Western District of Washington in Kimberly-Clark’s favor.
We recently successfully defended a large San Diego-based insurance company in a copyright infringement suit. I have represented the 99¢ Only Stores for a decade, enforcing the company’s family of trademarks against knock-off and copycat stores. A number of my clients have been involved in trade secret misappropriation disputes. I have also presented numerous oral arguments to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.
Professional Background
I began practicing law at an intellectual property boutique in Minneapolis. After moving to California, I briefly tried my hand at running a small firm as a founding member of Zelkind & Shackelford LLP. I joined Knobbe Martens in 2005, where I have continued my intellectual property litigation work. In the fall of 2007, I also began teaching patent law.
Professional Affiliations
I am a lawyer representative to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California. I served on the board of the San Diego Intellectual Property Law Association, including the position of President. I am a Barrister alumni of both the Louis M. Welsh Inn of Court and J. Clifford Wallace Inn of Court. I continue to sponsor and lead the IP Practice Group of the San Diego chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel of America.
Personal Background
I was born in Minsk, Belarus, and immigrated with my family to the United States when I was 9 years old. I spent the rest of my childhood in Minnesota, where I learned to dodge mosquitoes, avoid hypothermia, and cope with numerous and often cruel Vikings’ losses. My three kids keep me busy, and when they are not paying attention, I try to fit in a workout.