Claire Hawkins (Principal, Seattle) has always been searching for ways to use her intellectual property skills to support non-profits with an important mission. Skate Like a Girl aims to create an inclusive community by promoting confidence, leadership and social justice through skateboarding. Their mission is to empower women and trans skaters to grow into strong, confident leaders who promote and implement social equity. Skate Like a Girl also runs camps, workshops and other youth outreach programs on inclusive sports.
Claire was referred to Skate Like a Girl by a long-time client in the outdoor sports industry. Originally, Skate Like a Girl needed pro bono help on intellectual property infringement issues. Claire worked together with Skate Like a Girl to address the infringement issues, which resulted in unauthorized marks being promptly abandoned by the third party in one case, and a potential collaboration partner in the UK being developed (instead of alienated) in another – outcomes that perfectly suited a collaborative and inclusive organization such as this.
Claire continued the pro bono representation to update Skate Like a Girl’s trademark portfolio to help address potential future concerns and protect their current IP. She also furthered an internal awareness of how to strengthen their brand, starting a longer-lasting relationship with the company. One of her favorite memories of working with the organization was hearing how pleased they were to have successfully collaborated on a co-branded sneaker with Nike. Even though her pro bono work with them was separate from the deal, the resulting sneaker turned out to be perfect evidence of use for Skate Like a Girl’s trademark requirements, and, Claire decided, the shoes were just really, too cool to pass up, so she got a pair as well!
The Foster Garvey Intellectual Property team that provided pro bono legal services to Skate Like a Girl also provides comprehensive support for client IP portfolios and related issues both domestically and internationally. The Foster Garvey Skate Like a Girl team includes the excellent work of Carrie Lofts (Associate, Portland), Gray Hagemann (IP Paralegal, Seattle), Dena Hewson (Legal Practice Assistant, Seattle), Renee Stewart (Senior IP Paralegal, Spokane), and Yeli Zhou (Associate, New York). Skate Like a Girl’s expanded work with Foster Garvey is just one instance in which clients – including pro bono clients – turn to Foster Garvey for their guidance in navigating challenging situations and stay engaged for the additional quality work Foster Garvey provides. The team’s ability to provide structured, timely legal assistance and counseling on intellectual property, disputes, contracts and more has proven invaluable, leaving many clients deeply appreciative of the additional support.
