Bahram Mahdavi
Senior Counsel · California Pizza Kitchen
Newport Beach, CA
Work Experience
Senior Counsel
Hybrid Promotions, LLC dba Hybrid Apparel2021 – 2022
Draft, redline and negotiate agreements, providing resolutions to contract disputes, including agreements related to: Marketing, IP related (media, content, photograph, artwork, creative service), master services, release/chain of title/clearance, talent/model release/endorsements, digital/social media, eCommerce, promotional/sweepstakes/contests, supplier/vendor, distributor, licenses, commercial lease, retailer, non-disclosure, information technology, influencer, manufacturer/supply chain and corporate * Draft, redline and negotiate merchandise license agreements with Disney, Peanuts, Viacom, Mattel, Sony Music, identifying what are the business needs, its bargaining power and capabilities, the risks involved on balance with potential guardrails that may reduce risk * Identified potential risks and red flags for different departments during contract negotiations and renewals, such as issues with territory, finance/bank requirements, conflicting expiration dates, data privacy, and indemnification and insurance obligations * Preparation of business templates for different departments incorporating new laws, such as severance and termination agreements, non-disclosure agreements, model releases, influencer agreements and independent contractor agreements. * Prepared and presented to the art department the "Dos and Don'ts" when preparing artwork, to reduce risks of copyright infringement * Coordinate with the business on their options in maintaining trademark docket and trademark prosecution, including preparation and submission of responses to office actions, Statement of Use, Extensions of Time, Section 8 Affidavits, Section 15 Affidavits and renewal applications * Assist the supply chain team on customs issues, including preparation of authorization letters and alternative solutions in emergencies * Coordinate intellectual property clearance (including artwork, trademark and copyright), providing alternatives for the team * Investigate potential counterfeit and infringement of the business' intellectual property through online investigation of retailers, resellers and distribution channels, and prepare cease and desist letters when necessary, engaging outside counsel when needed
Legal Counsel
Volcom, LLC2015 – 2021
Draft, redline and negotiate hundreds of agreements, providing resolutions to contract disputes, including agreements related to: Marketing, PR agency, purchase, IP related (media, collaboration, content, photograph, video production, artwork, creative service), location, athlete endorsement, master services, release/chain of title/clearance, talent/model release/endorsements, digital/social media, eCommerce, sponsorship, promotional/sweepstakes/contests, commercial co- venture, supplier/vendor, distributor, licenses, government regulation on data privacy and CCPA, storefront leases, retailer, non-disclosure, sales rep., information technology, staffing/employment/independent consultant, music sync license, influencer, manufacturer/supply chain and corporate * Prepare dozens of official rules, affidavits of eligibility, liability/publicity releases for promotion/sweepstakes/contests * Guide marketing to assure regulatory compliance with FTC and FCC guidelines and cause-related marketing campaigns * Identified potential risks for different departments during contract drafting and contract renewals, such as issues with territory, conflicting expiration dates, and indemnification and insurance obligations * Maintain global trademark, copyright and patent docket and database * Partner with human resources in employment matters as needed, such as how to handle questionable behavior, the preparation of termination notices and releases when appropriate, and the use of legal holds. * Manage litigation handled by outside counsel, including budgeting and legal pleadings review * Manage U.S. trademark prosecution, including preparation and submission of responses to office actions, Statement of Use, Extensions of Time, Section 8 Affidavits, Section 15 Affidavits and renewal applications * Coordinate U.S. and foreign intellectual property clearance, prosecution, cancellation & opposition matters * Investigate potential counterfeit and infringement of Volcom intellectual property through online investigation of retailers, resellers and distribution channels, and prepare cease and desist letters when necessary, engaging outside foreign counsel when needed * Maintain corporate governance, compliance and governmental filings/registrations, review and analyze minute books, amendments to bylaws, stock certificates, certificates of LLC formation and merger documents, in order to move forward with company sale, acquisition, company name changes, and resolutions for several different entities.
Attorney
Nordstrom, Steele, Nicolette and Blythe2013 – 2015
Interviewed over 100 clients, researched documents and facts and prepared over 25 complaints in personal injury, premises liability and medical malpractice actions * Prepared several mediation briefs and attended settlement conferences resulting in successful resolution of personal injury matters * Reviewed, prepared and negotiated contracts, clauses and addendums including terms and conditions * Prepared for several trials by drafting exhibit lists, jury instructions, deposition summaries, and opening and closing statements * Located and interviewed potential expert witnesses in personal injury and medical malpractice actions * Engaged daily in discovery, prepared special interrogatories, requests for admission, requests for document production, prepared responses to written discovery and subpoena requests along with redaction of documents to be produced, drafted over 50 meet and confer letters followed by motions to compel * Prepared dozens of outlines in preparation for conducting depositions and defending clients at depositions * Made over one hundred court appearances and met with clients to build relationships and provide updates
