About
Christie represents global clients in all aspects of trademark and copyright law, including international portfolio management, clearance, licensing and enforcement, with a focus on strategic counseling and intellectual property management across multiple jurisdictions.
Leveraging over 20 years as in-house senior legal counsel for a Fortune® 500 telecommunications company, Christie intuitively understands the business impacts and opportunities of a company’s trademark and copyright strategies, and stays focused on the company’s results and bottom line. She understands what does (and does not) matter to business leaders and approaches each IP issue with creativity and a laser focus on the client’s ultimate business objective. Christie knows how to develop practical solutions that address competing business interests and resource constraints throughout complex and evolving IP management situations.
Christie knows how to navigate the legal complexities and cultural nuances of doing business worldwide. she has helped international companies develop trademark registration and enforcement strategies at national, regional and global levels, managed high-stakes brand litigation, and run a multi-million-dollar international trademark licensing program. Over the last four years, Christie initiated and oversaw a wide variety of global business initiatives in her role as general counsel to a category leading international credentialling and licensing organization. She has launched and operationalized businesses in India, handling all aspects of corporate formation, vendor selection, employment and contractor agreements and regulatory / tax compliance. She currently serves as a director to an Indian company focused on financial education.
A consummate team-builder, the Fortune® 500 intellectual property practice group Christie led was recognized as the Best In-house Internet and Telecommunications Trademark Team. Christie is a life-long learner with a passion for excellence. She uses her unique blend of strategic talents, deep legal and business experience and creative problem-solving skills to achieve the best outcomes for her clients. When not practicing law, Christie enjoys spending time in the Colorado outdoors with friends, family and her two rescue dogs, traveling (especially abroad) and volunteering with a global cultural exchange program.
Highlights
- Designed and implemented strategies to protect major consumer brands through trademark clearance and registration programs, cease and desist notice programs, and the filing of offensive litigation as necessary.
- Drafted and negotiated hundreds of intellectual property agreements, including trademark, patent, copyright and software licenses, name and likeness releases and joint development agreements.
- Handled intellectual property aspects of multiple domestic and international acquisition and divestiture transactions, including a $4 billion divestiture of an international collocation division.
- Designed, implemented and managed the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notice and takedown program for an international internet provider.
- Managed a multi-million-dollar trademark and copyright licensing program for a category leading international credentialling program.
Recognitions
- “Best In-house Internet and Telecommunications Trademark Team”– World Trademark Review
- “Best Colorado In-house Legal Department” – Pro Bono – National Law Journal
Activities
- Volunteer, AFS Intercultural Programs (2020-present)
- Board Member, Jeffco Schools Foundation (2016-2020)
- Board Member, Denver Urban Debate League (2014-2018)
Admissions
- Colorado, 1991
Education
- University of Colorado School of Law, J.D., 1991
- Order of the Coif
- Case Note Editor, University of Colorado Law Review
- Colorado State University, B.S. Business Administration, High Distinction