Kristen S. Knecht
First of all, I have to know, is it true that you grew up in a town called "Bad Axe"?
Yes! The town was named after a broken hatchet the founders came upon in the woods. One of the things I like about Pattishall is that it has the same feelings of warmth and collegiality I remember from my days growing up in that small town in Michigan.
Can you describe some of the issues you've dealt with in your substantive areas?
I've counseled clients and litigated in a variety of areas, including cybersquatting, copyright infringement, trademark infringement, unfair competition, dilution, libel and defamation, and false and misleading advertising cases. I've also worked with clients on brand development and protection, and advertising and promotions. I've handled cases in Federal and state courts, and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office proceedings.
What industries have you represented?
As a litigator, my job is to understand as much as I can about the particular industry of my clients. I've had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, consumer durables, food products, and architecture while handling matters for clients such as Abbott Laboratories, Kohler Co., Marcel Media, J&G Farms and Expedia.
I'd be interested in hearing about some representative projects you`ve worked on.
Where possible, I try to negotiate settlements of disputes that can be resolved efficiently and at a lower cost. With intellectual property law issues, however, a client`s business can suffer serious damage in a short time, so a litigator has to respond rapidly. One example was a trademark infringement case involving counterfeit appliances. Over the course of three days, I worked with a small team of lawyers to investigate, interview witnesses, draft papers seeking emergency court intervention, and prepare a complete set of discovery requests. We ultimately obtained the desired relief for our client, including seizure of the counterfeit products.
How do you help your clients protect their brands?
I help my clients develop a solid trademark portfolio, guiding them through clearance, application, prosecution, and maintenance of registrations. I also enforce my clients' rights and, if necessary, defend them against infringement claims through litigation, administrative proceedings or negotiation.
By listening carefully and focusing on my client's goals and resources, I develop a legal strategy designed specifically for that client or project. This might mean planning a large-scale litigation or aggressively pursing a cease-and-desist demand. I work hard to make sure that my knowledge of the substantive law and the relevant procedures is shared with my clients in a clear and useful way.
Industry Expertise
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Consumer Durables & Apparel
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Retailing
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Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
Trials, Appeals & Litigation
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Kohler Co. v. Kohler Homes, Inc., Opposition Nos. 91152287 and 91152290 (TTAB 2009)
(Trademark)
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Kohler Co. v. AS America, Inc. d/b/a American Standard Brands, Case No. 2:2009-cv-00711 (E.D. Wis. 2009, Judge Stadtmueller)
(Trademark)
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Corr v. Pepsico, Inc., Case No. 05 L 001785 (Cir. Ct. of Cook Cty, Ill., 2009, Judge Goldberg) (Pepsico awarded attorneys fees)
(Trademark)
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Cornerstone Architects, Inc., v. Lakeland Development Group, Inc., et. al., Case No. 1:2007cv07043 (N. D. Ill. 2009, Judge Darrah)
(Copyright Infringement)
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Robert J. Corr v. PepsiCo, Inc., et al., Case No. 105823 (Il. Sup. Ct. 2008) Case Nos. 06-2251, 07-0004, 07-1277 (Ill Appl. Ct. 1st Dist.) (affirming dismissal of six trademark and fraud claims brought against PepsiCo)
(Trademark Infringement)
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PepsiCo, Inc. v. Star Importers & Wholesalers, Inc., Case No. 1:2008cv01733 (N.D. Ga. 2008, Judge Martin)
(Trademark Infringement)
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Swiss Reinsurance Company v. M Financial Holdings, Inc., Opposition Nos. 91165001 and 91165629, Cancellation No. 92044292 (TTAB 2006)
(Trademark)
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BSH Home Appliances Corp. v. AJ Madison Corp., Case No. 1:2005cv04127 (E.D.N.Y. 2006, Judge Vitaliano)
(Trademark Infringement)
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PepsiCo, Inc. v. Diaz Wholesale & Manufacturing Co., Inc., Case No. 1:2005cv01043 (N.D. Ga. 2005, Judge Duffey)
(Gray Market Enforcement, Trademark Infringement)
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Nike Inc v. La Porte Holdings Inc., Case No. 2:2005cv01350 (C.D. Cal. 2005, Judge Cooper)
(Internet, E-Commerce and Computer Technology)
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Expedia, Inc. v. Leisure Tours Int'l c/o John Sullivan, Case No. 381271 (National Arbitration Forum 2005)
(Internet, E-Commerce and Computer Technology)
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Nike Inc. v. Circle Group Internet Inc., 318 F.Supp.2d 688 (N.D. Ill. 2004, Judge Gettleman)
(Internet, E-Commerce and Computer Technology)
Professional Activities
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Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section
:
Project Officer
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Chicago Bar Association
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2010 Nominating Committee
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Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section
:
Director (2009-2010)
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Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, Intellectual Property Committee
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Past Chair (2007-2009); Past Vice Chair (2006-2007)
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INTA
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Member, Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Midwest Planning Committee
Publications
Presentations
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"Second Annual Federal Judges Panel," Moderator, IP Committee, Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association, Chicago, IL (February 2009)
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"Federal Judges Panel," Moderator, IP Committee, Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association, Chicago, IL (February 2008)
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"Careers in Intellectual Property", Co-moderator, IP Committee, Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association, Chicago, IL (September, 2007).