John M. Carson, a partner with the leading intellectual property law firm, Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear, was recently elected as President of the International Technology Law Association (ITechLaw). Previously, Mr. Carson was a member of the Board of Directors and he was elected as assistant secretary in 2004, secretary in 2005, treasurer in 2006 and Vice President in 2007.
ITechLaw is the leading global organization for legal professionals focused on technology and law. With a mission to create unparalleled opportunities for international networking and exchanging knowledge and experience with experts and colleagues around the world, the association provides international education and networking through hosting worldwide events, providing valuable content to its members and bringing the brilliant minds of today’s law industry together in a global forum. The non-profit, membership based association is an excellent resource for individuals with careers in technology law, including managing partners, associates, judges, professors and corporate counsel. The association holds annual conferences in North America, Europe and India, publishes a quarterly journal and maintains relations with other international associations such as WIPO, INTA and IFCLA. More information about ITechLaw can be found at www.itechlaw.org
A partner in Knobbe Martens’ San Diego office, Mr. Carson’s practice involves representation of clients for acquisition, protection and exploitation of intellectual property rights. His practice is international in scope with an emphasis on European and East Asian IP markets. Mr. Carson has authored over 100 publications and has been listed in Super Lawyers, Who’s Who in California Legal for Trademark Representation, International Who’s Who of e-Commerce Lawyers, and World’s Leading Trademark Law Practitioners. Mr. Carson is an AV-rated attorney, the highest peer-awarded honor given by Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Carson received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Computer Science from the University of California, San Diego in 1981, his Master of Science Degree in Computer Science from University of Southern California in 1983 and his Juris Doctor from University of San Diego School of Law in 1988 and attended Magdalen College at the University of Oxford.
Knobbe Martens recently opened offices in Seattle, Washington and Washington D.C., bringing their total number of offices to seven nationwide. The firm represents clients in all areas of intellectual property law, including transactional and litigation practices. Clients include public and private companies at various stages of growth, from start-up to the Fortune 500 worldwide. In 2007, the firm was ranked #1 for growth in patent litigation and in the top 10 for number of patent litigation cases in a nationwide survey conducted by IP Law 360. In addition, several members of the firm have been voted among the world’s leading intellectual property lawyers.