About SpyHop
JEFF NELSON, FOUNDER
During the two decades that Jeff has protected the brands and creative works of innovators, entrepreneurs, and global giants, he has achieved major trademark enforcement wins for clients in apparel, consumer packaged goods, video games, and other industries, and negotiated thousands of deals across a wide variety of industries. Clients often tell Jeff that he doesn’t sound like a typical lawyer, grateful for his casual demeanor, clear and concise communication, and practical, business-minded advice.
A veteran of Big Law and Pacific Northwest firms, Jeff guides SpyHop in providing counsel in almost all areas of intellectual property protection.
- Trademark clearance and portfolio management
- Licensing and commercial contracts
- Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) disputes
- Enforcement and dispute resolution
- Title and content clearance for video games
- Sponsorship, brand ambassador, and influencer agreements
- Music rights clearance and content acquisition
- Music contracts with labels & publishers
- Band agreements, pub admins, sync deals and other licenses
- UDRPs, domain name and social media disputes
- Publishing contracts and illustrator agreements
- Right of publicity issues and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals
In the Community
A past president of the board of directors of Washington Lawyers for the Arts, Jeff continues to volunteer his pro bono counsel to creatives through WLA. He was a drummer before he added law to his repertoire, and music remains his passion. Jeff served as a long-time coach in youth baseball leagues in Seattle and attends as many live music events as his practice allows.
Career & Education Highlights
- Davis Wright Tremaine, Partner, Seattle
- Cairncross & Hempelmann, Partner, Seattle
- Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP, Partner, Seattle
- Perkins Coie LLP, Seattle
- Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, Grand Rapids
Education
- J.D., University of Notre Dame, 2003
- B.S., Drake University, 2000
- Admitted to practice in Washington, Michigan
Affiliations
- Copyright Society of the USA, Co-Chair PNW Chapter (2022-2024)
- International Trademark Association
- American Bar Association, Forum on Entertainment and Sports Industries, IP Law
- Washington State Bar Association, IP Section, Corporate Counsel Section
- Michigan State Bar Association, IP Section
Recognition
- “Best Lawyers in America” in Trademark Law, Copyright Law, IP-Litigation by Best Lawyers
- “Washington Super Lawyers” in Intellectual Property Law
- “World Trademark 1000” by World Trademark Review
- • "Jeff Nelson is sought after by industry leaders for his counsel on complex, high-stakes IP issues and disputes. With over two decades in the game, he provides invaluable guidance to a diverse clientele.” WTR 1000 (2025)
- • "Carving a “star quality” reputation for his boutique, SpyHop Law, into the Seattle IP scene, Jeff Nelson receives resounding praise from foreign associates and clientele: “I have been working with Jeff for nearly 15 years now. He is an essential trademark prosecution and dispute resource… Whatever I've needed, he has always delivered. I’ve referred other lawyers to him, and they uniformly walk away happy. Jeff is a tremendous practitioner. His advice is routinely sought by those who value clever and practical guidance delivered in a thoughtful manner. He is loyal to his clients and their goals, and is viewed as a true partner in their businesses – with good reason. Now, having created his own firm, he continues to deliver excellent service – at even better value. His clients are lucky to have him.” WTR 1000 (2024)
- • "A music industry expert with a diverse clientele in other fields, too, Jeff offers hands-on support on all aspects of trademark and copyright law." WTR 1000 (2023)
- • “Jeff’s ample TTAB experience and refined negotiation skills make him a go-to for contentious and transactional mandates; he maintains a vibrant practice in the entertainment industry, representing game developers, radio stations, among others” WTR 1000 (2022)
- • “Deeply committed, Jeff is a tremendous practitioner who delivers considered, practical guidance.... When disputes arise, those in the know turn to Jeff, who is excellent at thinking outside the box and resolving matters cost effectively” WTR 1000 (2021)
JEFF NELSON, FOUNDER
During the two decades that Jeff has protected the brands and creative works of innovators, entrepreneurs, and global giants, he has achieved major trademark enforcement wins for clients in apparel, consumer packaged goods, video games, and other industries, and negotiated thousands of deals across a wide variety of industries. Clients often tell Jeff that he doesn’t sound like a typical lawyer, grateful for his casual demeanor, clear and concise communication, and practical, business-minded advice.
A veteran of Big Law and Pacific Northwest firms, Jeff guides SpyHop in providing counsel in almost all areas of intellectual property protection.
- Trademark clearance and portfolio management
- Licensing and commercial contracts
- Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) disputes
- Enforcement and dispute resolution
- Title and content clearance for video games
- Sponsorship, brand ambassador, and influencer agreements
- Music rights clearance and content acquisition
- Music contracts with labels & publishers
- Band agreements, pub admins, sync deals and other licenses
- UDRPs, domain name and social media disputes
- Publishing contracts and illustrator agreements
- Right of publicity issues and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals
In the Community
A past president of the board of directors of Washington Lawyers for the Arts, Jeff continues to volunteer his pro bono counsel to creatives through WLA. He was a drummer before he added law to his repertoire, and music remains his passion. Jeff served as a long-time coach in youth baseball leagues in Seattle and attends as many live music events as his practice allows.
Career & Education Highlights
- Davis Wright Tremaine, Partner, Seattle, 2018-2022
- Cairncross & Hempelmann, Partner, Seattle, 2016-2018
- Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP, Partner, Seattle, 2013-2016
- Perkins Coie LLP, Seattle, 2011-2013
- Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, Grand Rapids 2003 -2010
Education
- J.D., University of Notre Dame, 2003
- B.S., Drake University, 2000
- Admitted to practice in Washington, Michigan
Affiliations
- Copyright Society of the USA, Co-Chair PNW Chapter (2022-2024)
- International Trademark Association
- American Bar Association, Forum on Entertainment and Sports Industries, Intellectual Property Law
- Washington State Bar Association, IP Section, Corporate Counsel Section
- Michigan State Bar Association, IP Section
Recognition
- “Best Lawyers in America” in Trademark Law, Copyright Law, IP-Litigation by Best Lawyers
- "Washington Super Lawyers" in Intellectual Property Law
- “World Trademark 1000” by World Trademark Review
- "United States Best Law Firms" in Copyright Law by Best Lawyers
- • "A music industry expert with a diverse clientele in other fields, too, Jeff offers hands-on support on all aspects of trademark and copyright law." WTR 1000 (2023)
- • “Jeff’s ample TTAB experience and refined negotiation skills make him a go-to for contentious and transactional mandates; he maintains a vibrant practice in the entertainment industry, representing game developers, radio stations, among others” WTR 1000 (2022)
- • “Deeply committed, Jeff is a tremendous practitioner who delivers considered, practical guidance.... When disputes arise, those in the know turn to Jeff, who is excellent at thinking outside the box and resolving matters cost effectively” WTR 1000 (2021)
