DLA Piper is pleased to announce that Ann Ford, US chair and global co-chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property and Technology practice, has been named a 2020 DC Trailblazer by the National Law Journal.

Noting that Ford “doesn’t just represent her clients, she helps them envision the future,” the publication highlighted Ford’s work advising clients on branding, trademark protection and enforcement, and technological advances. Through her early career experience working with television and cable programmers to protect their copyrights, Ford became deeply acquainted with the intricacies of clients’ businesses, according to the report, which gave her a strong understanding of how to craft a brand name that “would resonate around the world, was protectable around the world, and didn’t offend people around the world.” Ford works with clients in “their day-to-day lives in terms of solving business problems.” Her leadership of a strong team — “in trademark, patents, privacy, cybersecurity and other fields — that meets clients’ often unexpected needs” is also noted.

In her practice, Ford represents clients with respect to business and transactional aspects of intellectual property, as well as litigation and pre-litigation protective measures. She is a trusted legal advisor to clients with respect to the acquisition, development and exploitation of intellectual property assets and has specific experience with rolling out, managing and protecting brands globally. As a leading practitioner on international trademark matters, she is a co-author of The Intellectual Property Handbook: A Practical Guide for Franchise, Business, and IP Counsel.

Ford also serves as US chair and global co-chair for Clients and Sectors for the firm, and is a member of DLA Piper's Global Board and its Executive and Policy committees.