Kilpatrick partner named US intellectual property enforcement coordinator

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Kilpatrick partner named US intellectual property enforcement coordinator

Danny Marti, partner at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, has been nominated by President Barack Obama to become the next US intellectual property enforcement coordinator

danny20marti200.jpg

The position –dubbed the White House’s “piracy czar” for its emphasis on tackling copyright infringement—is housed at the White House’s Office of Management and Budget. According to the coordinator’s office website, the role is dedicated more broadly to the protection of intellectual property in America.

Marti, who has previously served as the chair of Kilpatrick’s diversity council and co-chair of its intellectual asset acquisitions and transactions team, takes the role that Victoria Espinel left in August 2013. He will require Senate confirmation before assuming the role.

Marti’s nomination was greeted across the entertainment spectrum. Positive statements were issued from such institutions as the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), the Recording Industry Association of America, the Entertainment Software Association, and NBCUniversal, among others.

“Danny’s impressive record of commitment to enforcing IP rights in the Internet age makes him a particularly strong choice,” said MPAA CEO and former Senator Chris Dodd. “We urge the Senate to confirm him without delay for this important job.”

David Hirschman, president and CEO, Global Intellectual Property Center, also commented: "We are pleased to see the administration moving forward with filling this critical role and the Chamber is anxious to build on the successes and momentum already established by the White House Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator. As Congress recognized when it created this position in 2008 with strong bipartisan support, American consumers, workers and job creators, benefit from this critical effort to protect our creative and innovative industries.‎"




more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

News of Health Hoglund joining Sisvel and the Delhi High Court staying a $2.2 million decree in favour of Philips were also among the top talking points
The firm is continuing its aggressive IP hiring streak with the addition of partner Matthew Rizzolo
Pantech counsel Shogo Matsunaga speaks exclusively to Managing IP about how his team proved Google’s unwillingness, and ultimately secured a landmark SEP settlement
New partners, including the firm’s first female head of a department, are eyeing a deeper focus on client understanding
Chunguang Hu of China PAT explains why his ‘insider’ experience as a patent examiner benefits clients and why he wants to debunk the myth that IP has limited value in China
Essenese Obhan shares his expansion plans and vision of creating a ‘one-stop shop’ for clients after Indian firms Obhan & Associates and Mason & Associates joined forces
From AI and the UPC to troublesome trademarks in China, experts name the IP trends likely to dominate 2026
Colm Murphy says he is keen to help clients navigate cross-border IP challenges in Europe
With 2025 behind us, US practitioners sit down with Managing IP to discuss the major IP moments from the year and what to expect in 2026
Large-scale transatlantic mergers will give US entities a strong foothold at the UPC, and could spark further fragmentation of European patent practices
Gift this article