Phillip L. Kim
Phil is a Partner in the firm’s San Diego office, recognized by WTR 1000 and Super Lawyers for delivering strategic, results-driven trademark counsel to some of the world’s most iconic brands, including NBCUniversal, Vuori, and Unity Technologies. Phil advises both global conglomerates and fast-scaling startups on all aspects of trademark law, including global clearance, prosecution, enforcement, litigation, and portfolio management where his expertise spans a wide range of industries including AI, SaaS, blockchain, cryptocurrency, gaming, entertainment, medical devices, fashion, and consumer products. Whether launching new brands in global markets, litigating cross-border disputes, or developing scalable brand protection and monetization strategies, Phil has a knack for aligning legal strategy with business growth and innovation. He also regularly handles both international and domestic trademark litigation and advises on IP licensing, contract disputes, IP acquisitions and divestitures, UDRP proceedings, and copyright litigation matters.
During law school, Phil was a member of the San Diego Law Review and Appellate Moot Court Board. Phil is fluent in Korean, is a former junior rock-climbing champion of South Korea, and enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and daughter outside of work.
Recognitions
- Recognized by World Trademark Review (WTR 1000) in 2024 and 2025 for excellence in trademark law.
- Super Lawyers Rising Star (2023-2025)
Admissions
- The State Bar of California
- United States District Court for the Northern District of California
- United States District Court for the Central District of California
- United States District Court for the Southern District of California
Education
- B.A. Political Science and Sociology, Wheaton College, IL
- J.D. University of San Diego School of Law
Representative Cases
- Tom Hussey Photography, LLC v. Senior Doc Management, LLC et al. 8:25-cv-00549-JVS-JDE (C.D. Cal. 2025)
- Representing Defendant in copyright infringement dispute
- Bravo Media LLC v. Hill (Trademark Tr. & App. Bd. 2024)
- Secured favorable settlement during early stages of opposition
- Playground AI LLC v. Mighty Computing, Inc. et al. 5:23-cv-05181-BLF (N.D. Cal. 2023)
- Represented Defendants and Counterclaimants in trademark dispute. Secured favorable settlement during discovery stage.
- Amarte USA Holdings, Inc. v. The Honest Company, Inc. 5:23-cv-03927-PCP (N.D. Cal. 2023)
- Secured favorable settlement and rebrand of cosmetic products bearing client’s EYECONIC trademark.
- Amarte USA Holdings, Inc. v. Kendo, Marc Jacobs, Sephora, Neiman Marcus 3:22cv8958 (N.D. Cal. 2022)
- Representing Plaintiff in ongoing dispute over use of the EYECONIC trademark for cosmetics; currently pending before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Classic Media, LLC v. Underdog Sports, LLC (Trademark Tr. & App. Bd. 2022)
- Secured favorable settlement during opposition discovery stage.
Associations and Memberships
- Korean American Bar Association of San Diego (past President)
- International Trademark Association
- Pan Asian Lawyers of San Diego
- San Diego County Bar Association
