John Wilson is a partner whose practice focuses on technology transactions and
sports law. John has deep experience drafting and negotiating commercial agreements
for clients that range from startups to Fortune 500 corporations. These agreements
include cloud computing services (including IaaS and SaaS), technology development,
licensing arrangements, worldwide distribution, cooperative marketing, and
endorsement deals. In addition to negotiating and drafting agreements, he regularly
counsels clients on matters involving intellectual property, social media, and
privacy issues.
John also represents clients in structuring, drafting, and negotiating sports and
entertainment transactions including naming rights deals, sponsorship agreements,
celebrity and athlete endorsements, media rights agreements, and stadium
construction contracts. He has experience advising clients positioned on both the
team and league, and the sponsor and brand side of deals. He also advises a
group holding a minority interest in Seattle Sounders 2, a professional soccer club
competing in the United Soccer League.
Prior to joining the Technology Transactions practice group, John gained experience
as a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Litigation practice group. In
that role he represented clients in numerous court appearances, negotiation of
favorable settlements, and assisting with Section 337 investigations before the
International Trade Commission in Washington D.C.
John's professional work extends to his commitment to pro bono services. He has
argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of a Mexican immigrant
seeking asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against
Torture to a citizen of Mexico based on his past military service and involvement in
the arrest of several members of the Los Zetas drug cartel. He has also provided
counsel to the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Alaska and Washington (on whose board
he sits), and the Girl Scouts of Western Washington.
