Nichols, Phillip A.

Maria Nelson focuses her practice on intellectual property litigation, representing plaintiffs and defendants in patent, trademark, copyright, unfair competition, and trade secret actions. She has represented clients in all stages of federal and state court litigation, including before the International Trade Commission, and has conducted and participated in numerous trials and mediations. Maria has acted as lead counsel, managed litigation teams, and participated in all aspects of litigation from discovery through trial. Her clients have been involved in a variety of industries, including wireless and satellite communications, consumer products, and the media. Maria has substantial experience in counseling clients regarding matters related to intellectual property, including brand procurement, enforcement, and licensing; negotiating and drafting license agreements; and advising on intellectual property aspects of commercial contracts. She also successfully finished the Trial Advocacy Program through the Los Angeles County Bar Association and completed a practicum at the City Attorney's Office in Los Angeles.

Maria is a member of the State Bar of California (General and Intellectual Property sections), the International Trademark Association where she is on the editorial board of The Trademark Reporter, the California Women's Law Center (board of directors and former president, 2007-2008), and the Trial Advocacy Program of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. At Jones Day, Maria has served as head of the Los Angeles New Lawyers Group, on the Recruiting Committee, and as the firmwide liaison of the trademark and copyright practice for the Los Angeles Office.