Joshua Wolkoff

Joshua S. Wolkoff

Partner
Baker & McKenzie LLP

Biography

Josh Wolkoff is a litigation partner in the North America Intellectual Property practice group. His work sits at the intersection of copyright, trademark law and emerging technologies. Josh represents some of the world’s most recognizable technology, digital media, entertainment, and luxury and fashion companies in complex IP disputes in courts across the country, including high-stakes litigation and enforcement matters. Beyond litigation, Josh advises online platforms and technology companies on their most complex product counseling needs, navigating challenges in the areas of intermediary liability, the DMCA, Section 230 of the CDA, fair use, right of publicity laws, and the development of generative AI tools and solutions.

For the past two consecutive years, Josh has been ranked by Chambers USA as an “up and coming” practitioner in the area of Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright and Trade Secrets. He has also been praised by World Trademark Review, where he has been repeatedly ranked, for being an “adroit trial lawyer” who “is turned to by market leaders” for “steadfast enforcement strategies and unwavering protection against infringers” and lauded for his "unique way of distilling down what is truly important to brand owners."

Practice Focus

Josh focuses his practice on copyright, trademark, right of publicity and licensing disputes, as well as brand protection and enforcement matters. He represents clients in state and federal courts throughout the country and in opposition and cancellation proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. In addition, Josh frequently advises on intellectual property issues in the context of corporate transactions, trademark prosecution and portfolio management, and intermediary liability and takedown compliance, policies and procedures on behalf of major online platforms, brands and content owners.

Representative Legal Matters

  • Defeated breach of contract, trade secret misappropriation and unfair competition claims brought against leading fintech solutions provider.
  • Representing information technology company in action for copyright infringement and DMCA violations against competitor arising from allegations of unauthorized use of copyrighted maps.
  • Secured early dismissal of copyright infringement claim filed against online intermediary and service provider of web design, content hosting and CRM technologies in the Central District of California arising from allegedly infringing user generated content on platform's servers.
  • Served as co-lead trial counsel in technology cross-license and dispute; won favorable ruling concerning the parties’ royalty obligations and complete dismissal of all claims for monetary relief.
  • Secured permanent injunction on behalf of global food and beverage company in copyright and trademark infringement action against a declaratory judgment plaintiff who initially sued for non-infringement and abandonment.
  • Obtained first impression ruling concerning a defendant's standing to invalidate a copyright in the absence of an affirmative claim for infringement by the plaintiff.
  • Won summary judgment dismissing four trademark infringement claims and prevailing on affirmative breach of contract claim in technology transfer dispute.
  • Successfully defended claims of copyright infringement brought by photographer against luxury fashion house, as a result of advertising campaign.

Prior to joining the Firm, Josh handled the following matters:

  • Defeated preliminary injunction and obtained summary judgment barring claims for defamation against internet service provider and online message board under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
  • Obtained preliminary injunction, summary judgment and subsequent fee award on behalf of film producer against motion picture contributor in declaratory judgment action for non-infringement of copyright and sole authorship. Served as second chair in appeal, later affirmed by the Second Circuit, in important decision involving copyright co-ownership and the rights of collaborators.
  • Successfully defended one of the world's largest independent press agencies and wire services against claims of direct and contributory copyright infringement, as well as violations under the DMCA.
  • Defended professional sports league and member team in trademark dispute concerning team name.
  • Defended preliminary injunction and ensuing litigation brought by competitor of leading 3D medical software developer, based on allegations of copyright infringement to enjoin sale of award-winning 3D medical app; settled favorably.
  • Defeated copyright infringement and right of publicity claims brought by model against major stock photography agency on motion to dismiss.
  • Member of litigation team defending book writer in copyright infringement lawsuit involving hit Broadway musical.

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Copyright Society of the U.S.A.
  • International Trademark Association (INTA), Young Practitioners Committee (2015-2019)
  • New York City Bar Association, Trademark and Unfair Competition Committee (2014-2016)
  • Media Law Resource Center (MLRC), Copyright & Trademark Committee (2014-2015)
  • New York City Bar Association, Entertainment Law Committee (2011-2014)

Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit~United States (2013)
  • U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey~United States (2012)
  • New York~United States (2011)
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York~United States (2011)
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York~United States (2011)
  • New Jersey~United States (2010)

Education

  • Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (J.D.) (2010)
  • Rutgers University (B.A.) (2007)

Languages

  • English

Publications

Co-author, "International Copyright Law: A Practical Global Guide," Chapter on United States, published by Globe Law & Business, 2021

Author, US Supreme Court Clarifies Test for Copyright ability of Designs of "Useful Articles," Client/Legal Alert, 24 March 2017

Author, Significant Changes to TTAB Rules Take Effect, Client/Legal Alert, 26 January 2017

Author, United States - Federal Appellate Court Strikes Down Ban on Disparaging Trademarks as Unconstitutional, Client/Legal Alert, 7 January 2015

Author, "DMCA Takedown Notices Require Fair Use Considerations," Digital Media Licensing Association's Blog, 30 September 2015

Author, "Ninth Circuit Finds Use of Street Art in Green Day Concert Video a Fair Use," Picture Archive Counsel of America's Blog, 9 September 2013