Christopher E. Gatewood - Attorney

Christopher E. Gatewood - Attorney

 

Chris Gatewood helps clients answer strategic questions and resolve business disputes. He represents and counsels clients primarily in intellectual property and entertainment matters. Chris meets clients' needs in counseling, negotiation, dispute resolution, with focus on the areas of copyrights, trademarks, web development and software licensing, music and entertainment law, and franchising.

Relevant Experience:

  • Drafting, review, and counseling regarding software licenses and web development agreements.
  • Contract negotiation and counseling regarding management, agency, licensing, distribution, and record label agreements for music industry clients.
  • Successful litigation and trial of copyright infringement action on behalf of architect against builder.
  • Software licensing and copyright disputes involving commercial software programs.
  • Successful litigation and trial of marketing services contract dispute between pharmaceutical firms.
  • Internet domain name disputes, including both successful defense and successful prosecution of domain name registrants.
  • Successful litigation of case between professional recruiting firms with respect to covenants not to compete and alleged misappropriation of trade secrets.
  • Various franchising law matters including mediation, arbitration, and litigation on behalf of franchisors and franchisees.
  • Regular appellate practice includes appeals to the Fourth Circuit, Supreme Court of Virginia, and Federal Circuit.

Education:

  • University of Virginia, J.D.
  • Wake Forest University, B.A.

Published Work/Speaking Engagements:

  • Multiple speaking engagements for creative professionals regarding intellectual property issues, through Virginia Commonwealth University, Refresh Richmond, Virginia Lawyers for the Arts, and C3, the Creative Change Center.
  • WorkMagazine, legal columnist for quarterly publication
  • Lawyers Weekly's Business Law Bulletin, legal columnist regarding intellectual property matters

Pro Bono/Community Service:

  • Steering Committee Chairman for YRichmond, C3's regional summer internship program
  • Pro bono immigration assistance to immigrant juveniles and asylum seekers

Recognition:

  • Virginia Business Magazine's Legal Elite - 2007 and 2009
  • Rising Star Virginia Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property, 2008-2010
  • Style Weekly Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 - 2009

Memberships:

  • American Bar Association
  • ABA Intellectual Property Section
  • Greater Richmond Intellectual Property Law Association

Bar Admission:

  • Virginia, 2000
  • District of Columbia, 2001