I am an empathetic and engaged student of our clients and their businesses, always striving to understand their values, fears and hopes. I believe in clear communication, tailoring advice and advocacy to meet each client’s needs. Every problem is treated as my own, and I tackle each challenge with tenacity until a solution emerges.

Eric Sidler is a seasoned advocate who concentrates his practice on intellectual property litigation and counseling. He represents clients in various industries, including agribusiness, shipping and transportation, consumer products, retail, entertainment, publishing, financial services and manufacturing.

In his intellectual property litigation practice, Eric is known for skillfully advocating for clients in disputes involving:

  • Copyrights
  • Domain names
  • False advertising
  • Patents
  • Trade secrets
  • Trademarks

Eric represents clients in intellectual property litigation matters in courts and administrative tribunals nationwide, including in opposition and cancellation proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) and inter partes review (IPR) proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).

In addition to his intellectual property litigation practice, Eric advises clients on trademark, domain name and copyright registration, licensing, monitoring and enforcement strategies.

Beyond intellectual property matters, Eric brings a wealth of experience in handling other types of complex civil disputes. He has successfully represented clients in insurance coverage, employment, shareholder, contract and business tort disputes, offering strategic counsel and advocacy across various legal challenges.

His experience serving as a law clerk to Judge Lynn J. Bush of the US Court of Federal Claims has given him a unique perspective on the judicial process, particularly in cases involving patent and copyright claims against the United States.

Eric offers a solutions-oriented approach for companies seeking a strategic and trusted partner to navigate complex disputes and protect their most valuable assets. He delivers well-rounded representation tailored to each client’s needs. His commitment to understanding each client’s business allows him to provide personalized counsel that aligns with their objectives.

When asked…

Why did you become a lawyer?

I became an attorney because I love advocating for others and finding clear answers and creative solutions to complex problems. The rule of law is essential to achieving justice and order in our society, and being a part of that process motivates me daily.

What do you do outside of work?

Outside of work, my wife and three little kids bring joy to my life. We’re in a wonderful season filled with tee-ball games, dance recitals, impromptu dance parties and laughter. I also love running, playing tennis, cheering on Minnesota sports (having grown up in the Twin Cities), diving into a great book and spending time with good friends.

Areas of Focus

Services

Sectors

Experience

IP Counseling

  • Counseled a leading shipping and transportation company regarding the design and execution of trademark registration, maintenance and enforcement programs.
  • Provided IP counsel to a waterproofing, foundation repair and environmental remediation company regarding the design and execution of trademark registration and maintenance program and patent portfolio.
  • Counseled a leading mortgage lender regarding the design and execution of trademark registration, maintenance and enforcement program.

Patent Litigation

  • Defended a company in utility patent infringement claims regarding baby bouncers in California.
  • Prosecuted utility patent infringement claims related to baby carriers in Texas on behalf of a client.
  • Prosecuted utility and design patent infringement claims concerning infant and toddler drinkware.
  • Defended against utility patent infringement claims related to diaper disposal systems in multiple jurisdictions and IPR before the PTAB.
  • Successfully prosecuted utility patent infringement claims regarding a modular proppant handling system used for hydraulic fracture drilling and defended against related IPR before the PTAB.
  • Defended utility patent infringement claims concerning patient identification wristbands, trademark, trade dress infringement, false advertising and unfair competition claims in Illinois and Missouri.
  • Prosecuted utility patent infringement claims involving spillproof drinking containers in California on behalf of a client.
  • Defended utility patent infringement claims concerning apparatus supporting automotive tires in California.
  • Successfully defended against design patent infringement claims involving contoured handles for wallboard taping knives.
  • Prosecuted utility patent infringement claims related to baby carriers in California.
  • Successfully defended a client in a patent infringement case, resulting in dismissal due to lack of subject-matter jurisdiction.
  • Defended utility patent infringement claims involving mobile data communication systems.
  • Defended utility patent infringement claims related to bed rails.
  • Successfully defended against utility patent infringement claims regarding bath spout covers and prosecuted related IPR before the PTAB.
  • Successfully prosecuted utility patent infringement claims involving phosphorylated resistant starches and related trade secret misappropriation and unfair competition claims, leading to a favorable settlement after opposing summary judgment.

Significant Non-IP Litigation

  • Successfully defended a company in a putative class action under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act.
  • Represented major third-party liability insurers in numerous coverage disputes before federal and state courts and administrative tribunals.
  • Represented the manufacturer of laser vision correction systems in a shareholder dispute. Drafted opposition to the demand for indemnification of attorney's fees and costs, persuading the court to adopt the client's position on a novel, "bet-the-company" legal issue, ultimately leading to a favorable resolution for the client.
  • Represented hedge fund manager in an employment dispute with a former employer. Achieved a multimillion-dollar award on behalf of a client through arbitration.

Trademark, Copyright, Trade Secret, False Advertising and Domain-Name Litigation

  • Defended a media production company against copyright infringement claims related to hidden camera prank television shows.
  • Represented a major shipping and transportation company in multiple cancellation and opposition proceedings before the TTAB.
  • Prosecuted claims for trademark infringement, trademark dilution, unfair competition and cancellation of trademark registration on behalf of a leading transportation company in both district court and TTAB proceedings.
  • Prosecuted trademark infringement, dilution and unfair competition claims in district court and before the TTAB.
  • Successfully defended a company against trademark infringement claims.
  • Prosecuted trademark infringement and unfair competition claims, resulting in an early and favorable settlement in California.
  • Successfully defended a marketing company against trademark infringement and false advertising claims, resulting in complete dismissal.
  • Prosecuted trademark infringement and cybersquatting claims on behalf of a residential and commercial services provider, achieving a successful outcome.
  • Prosecuted claims under the Defend Trade Secrets Act on behalf of a software company, obtaining a preliminary injunction to prevent state agencies' disclosure of proprietary information.
  • Defended trademark infringement claims, prosecuted a cancellation action and defended a related TTAB proceeding.
  • Successfully defended an agribusiness client against claims of trademark infringement, dilution and trade secret misappropriation, leading to a favorable settlement
  • Prosecuted trade secret misappropriation, trademark infringement and cybersquatting claims on behalf of a client, resulting in an early consent judgment following a successful motion for a preliminary injunction.
  • Successfully defended a music industry client against copyright infringement claims in district courts, achieving a favorable settlement at mediation.
  • Prosecuted copyright, trade dress and false advertising claims relating to competitor’s toys and television advertisements, leading to an early and favorable settlement.
  • Prosecuted numerous trademark, trade dress and copyright infringement actions on behalf of a major mortgage lender, resulting in early and favorable settlements.
  • Successfully defended against a copyright infringement claim, drafting a successful motion for summary judgment that resulted in complete dismissal in favor of the client

Credentials

Education

  • The George Washington University Law School (J.D., with high honors)
  • Vanderbilt University (B.A., magna cum laude)

Clerkship

  • Law Clerk for the Honorable Lynn J. Bush, U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Recognitions

  • World Trademark Review, "Leading Trademark Lawyer," 2023-2024
  • Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, "Rising Star," 2017-2022
  • Order of the Coif
  • The George Washington International Law Review, Executive Managing Editor, Volume 43
  • George Washington Scholar
  • Phi Beta Kappa

Presentations

  • Co-presenter, "Internet Pirates: Navigating the Murky Waters of Online Copyright," Pro Communicators Conference, May 20, 2022
  • Co-presenter, "IP Litigation Case Update," Lathrop GPM State of Litigation Virtual Event Series, July 30, 2020
  • Presenter, "State of Intellectual Property," Lathrop GPM Webinar, June 3, 2020

Publications

Professional Activities

  • American Bar Association
  • The District of Columbia Bar
  • Federal Bar Association
  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Lawyers Association of Kansas City
  • Minnesota State Bar Association

Community Involvement

  • The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, Kansas City Tomorrow Leadership Program, Class of 2019-2020