Blattner, John C.

Education

University of Michigan

B.A., 1974
  • Political Science

The American University

M.A., 1975
  • Communications
  • John Merriman Award (Outstanding Student in Broadcast Journalism).

University of Michigan Law School

J.D., 1994
  • cum laude
  • Contributing Editor, MICHIGAN LAW REVIEW

John C. Blattner

Member

Prominent Assignments

I practice brand creation and protection law, including trademark counseling, clearance, registration, maintenance, and enforcement both in the U.S. and overseas. My pre-legal career in publishing, marketing, and nonprofit development enables me to bring real-world business experience into my practice, which includes the fashion, financial services, cosmetics, sporting goods, automotive, technology, pharma, publishing, and other industries. I represent U.S. clients doing business in Europe, Latin America, China and the Pacific Rim, and elsewhere; as well as global clients doing business in the United States. I also assist clients with copyright, internet, licensing, and antitrust matters.

I have extensive experience in IP enforcement, including a wide range of patent, trademark, copyright, and antitrust litigation in state and federal courts; appellate litigation in state and federal courts of appeals, including the Federal Circuit; and opposition and cancellation proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

  • Represent state government agency in applying for new generic top-level internet domain (gTLD)
  • Trademark counsel to U.S. financial services company, three U.S. magazine publishing companies, U.S. cable television provider, New York-based men’s personal care manufacturer, Italian fashion house, U.K.-based pharmaceutical company.
  • Represent Italian fashion house in trademark litigation in U.S. District Court, Oregon, and in more than fifty opposition and cancellation proceedings in Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
  • Trademark clearance for major U.S.-based internet/technology company and for major U.S. retail chain.
  • Defended national cable TV network in trademark infringement action in W.D. Mich.
  • Defended U.S. auto supplier in multi-front patent infringement dispute in E.D. Mich., W.D. Mich., and Federal Circuit.
  • International trademark portfolio management for custom golf club manufacturer.
  • Defended U.S. auto supplier in patent infringement/antitrust action in S.D. Texas.

Representative Clients

  • Active Interest Media, Inc.
  • Bellerophon Publications, Inc.
  • Gilmar S.p.A.
  • Google, Inc.
  • Intermedia Outdoors, Inc.
  • Jackson National Life Insurance Company
  • Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  • Norbrook Laboratories Limited
  • Scratch Golf LLC
  • Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Professional Involvement

  • International Trademark Association: Publications Committee
  • American Bar Association (Intellectual Property and Appellate sections)
  • State Bar of Michigan (Intellectual Property and Appellate sections)

Teaching and Prior Professional

  • Adjunct Professor, Michigan State University College of Law: Trademarks and Unfair Competition, 2005-present. 
  • Book and magazine publisher/editor, freelance writer, 1975-94; author, co-author, or editor of 26 books and numerous articles on topics including public policy, biomedical ethics, management psychology.