IP Attorney Courtney Adams Thornton Joins Ballard Spahr in Atlanta

Courtney Adams Thornton—an experienced brand protection attorney who advises clients in trademark, copyright, advertising, and internet law matters—has joined Ballard Spahr’s Intellectual Property Department and Trademarks and Copyrights Group as Of Counsel. She is resident in the firm’s Atlanta office.

Ms. Thornton works with clients throughout the lifecycle of a brand, from clearance and registration to contract and license drafting, enforcement, and litigation. Her practice includes both domestic and foreign trademark prosecution, IP portfolio management and counseling, diligence, prosecution and defense of trademark oppositions and cancellations before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, litigation in federal district courts, and representation of clients in advertising and domain name disputes. She also advises clients in a variety of other internet-related matters, including those involving the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and take-down notices, online copyright and trademark infringement, social media issues, and misappropriation of likeness.

“We’re thrilled to have Courtney bolster our impressive roster of IP attorneys,” said Hara K. Jacobs, who leads the firm’s Trademarks and Copyrights Group. “She is a talented lawyer who is committed to helping clients solve their most complex challenges. At a time when threats to brands seem to multiply overnight, clients need attorneys with strong experience in brand protection more than ever. Ballard’s team provides exactly that, and with Courtney having joined us, we can look forward to more growth in our trademark and copyright work in the thriving Atlanta market.”

Ms. Thornton has represented individuals, private businesses, publicly traded companies, and universities and research institutions across numerous industries, including apparel, beauty, consumer products, sporting goods, financial services, food and beverage, software and technology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, hospitality, education, renewable energy, manufacturing, blockchain and digital collectibles, construction, and real estate. She has procured trademark registrations in more than 50 countries, has represented several clients in proceedings before the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers to obtain valuable domain names, and has defended clients against false and misleading advertising claims before the National Advertising Division.

“Ballard’s IP attorneys are known as strong advocates for their clients throughout the life of their brands,” Ms. Thornton said. “Through Ballard’s long-term IP portfolio management, they solve today’s problems while keeping an eye on the future to ensure their clients maximize the value of their IP assets. I know my practice will thrive here and my clients will benefit from Ballard’s team of experienced IP attorneys. I’m excited to join the team.”

For media inquiries, please contact Will Ashenmacher at 612.371.5792.