Biography

Erik Olson is a trial lawyer whose practice focuses, albeit not exclusively, on intellectual property matters.

Erik has an exceptionally broad range of experience with respect to the subject of his cases, the forum in which they’re resolved, and the technologies at issue. He has handled cases involving technologies and topics ranging from patents and copyrights to trade secrets and trade dress, as well as disputes over licensing royalties and ownership of intellectual property. He has advocated in numerous different courts and jurisdictions, both in the United States and abroad, including the Eastern District of Texas, a popular venue for patent cases, New York, Switzerland, and elsewhere. He has also represented clients before several arbitration bodies—commercial arbitration involving breaches of development agreements, for example, and international arbitration involving a patent license.

The technologies at issue in Erik’s cases have also been exceptionally diverse: biotechnology, nanocrystals, electrochromic glass, data centers, mattresses, corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST), WiFi, USB, Android software, and other technologies relating to smartphones and tablet computers. In addition to IP matters, he has also litigated a variety of other forms of disputes, ranging from cases that encompass both employment law and IP to family law matters in which trusts and other entities managed by a client became involved in a community property claim following the dissolution of a marriage.

As an advocate, Erik’s approach is to work with clients to develop a nuanced understanding of both the legal objective in a dispute, and the business goals to which it is connected. With that in place, he uses it to shape his tactics for the various stages of a case, beginning with discovery and motion practice, and carrying through settlement negotiation, summary judgment and, if necessary, a trial or hearing. As he has represented both plaintiffs and defendants, he is also keenly aware of his opposition’s priorities and challenges, which makes him an exceptionally effective tactician. For instance, as a defendant, he strives to put forward an affirmative case rather than just attempting to negate the plaintiff’s claims.

In short, Erik brings to his cases the perspective of a seasoned, experienced and above all, strategic trial lawyer, whose specialty happens to be IP, but whose capabilities have proven effective in many kinds of cases, in many different settings.

Distinctions

  • Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars - Rising Star (2019)
  • Northern California Rising Stars by Super Lawyers in the field of Intellectual Property Litigation (2013-2018)

Memberships and Affiliations

  • Member, Executive Committee, Litigation Section, Bar Association of San Francisco

Firm Highlights

News

Scraping Battles: Meta Loses Legal Effort to Halt Harvesting of Personal Profiles

Alex Reese spoke to Matt Fleischer-Black of  Cybersecurity Law Report about the Meta v. Bright Data decision and its impact on U.S. scraping case law. Read the article here (paywall or trial).

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News

Farella Announces 2024 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Pathfinders: Taylor Rottjakob and John Ugai

Farella Braun + Martel is proud to announce that senior associates  Taylor E. Rottjakob and John M. Ugai have been named 2024 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Pathfinders. Pathfinders have been identified as...

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News

JPMorgan Chase Accuses TransUnion of Stealing 'Trade Secrets'

Intellectual property practice chair Eugene Mar provided expert commentary to American Banker for the article "JPMorgan Chase Accuses TransUnion of Stealing 'Trade Secrets'." In the article, he said: "By filing this as a trade...

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Publication

Corporate Transparency Act: A Guide on Beneficial Ownership for Nonprofit Executives

The Corporate Transparency Act, enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, represents a significant shift in regulatory requirements for entities across the United States. This act, set to...

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Publication

Nonprofit Quick Tip: State Filings in North Carolina and South Carolina

Welcome to  EO Radio Show - Your Nonprofit Legal Resource . Episode 75 is the tenth in a series of Quick Tip episodes focusing on the details of state registration of nonprofit corporations. With...

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News

Farella Braun + Martel Earns San Francisco Green Business Recertification

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Publication

Insurance Market Crushes Wineries and Wine Country Homeowners

We keep hearing about how difficult it is for winery and vineyard owners to get property insurance these days, both for their homes and their wine businesses in California’s wildfire-prone areas. Those who have...

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News

North Coast Industry Insiders Weigh In on Why California Cannabis Tax Revenue Slipped in 2023

Jeff Hamilton spoke to Susan Wood with the North Bay Business Journal for the article "North Coast Industry Insiders Weigh In on Why California Cannabis Tax Revenue Slipped in 2023." Read the article with Jeff's...

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Publication

Corporate Transparency Act: State of the Law and Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements

Key Points: Despite ongoing legal challenges, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) generally remains in effect and enforceable. Clients should continue to abide by its regulations. Initial reports for entities formed in 2024 are due within...

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Publication

Employment Law Update for Nonprofits With Holly Sutton

Welcome to  EO Radio Show - Your Nonprofit Legal Resource . Charities, foundations, and their founders often request help addressing employment practices and compliance questions. In this episode, host Cynthia Rowland is joined by Holly...

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