David Ervin is a partner in the firm's Washington, D.C. office, co-chair of the Advertising & Media Group, and a member of the Intellectual Property Group. He focuses on the intersection of advertising and intellectual property law.
His practice focuses on the relationship between advertising and intellectual property law, primarily for consumer brands making significant investments in media and content creation and licensing. Specifically, David helps clients manage and protect their brands and intellectual property rights in connection with their advertising, media, sponsorship, licensing, sports marketing, e-commerce, loyalty program, and joint promotion activities. He routinely handles the negotiation and drafting of marketing, sponsorship, endorsement, and promotion agreements for advertisers and agencies with entertainment properties, broadcasters, publishers, athletes, models, celebrities, and professional sports leagues and teams (including the NFL, NASCAR, IndyCar, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA, and PBR). His clients include companies in the automotive, hospitality, wireless, retail, fashion, food & beverage, software, internet service providers (ISP), and financial services industries, as well as professional athletes, musicians, and sports leagues.
David assists clients with advertising production and media placement matters that involve music and content clearance, rights of publicity, SAG/AFTRA, claim substantiation, media barter, product placement, and new media issues. He also provides counsel on current industry topics, including social media, gift cards and payment devices, branded content, native advertising, IoT and geolocation, fair use, and blogging.
His litigation practice is focused on intellectual property, consumer protection and advertising matters, with recent cases involving copyright infringement, counterfeit and gray market goods, and unfair competition. Additionally, David regularly counsels and advises clients in trademark clearance and prosecution matters, structuring content, and IP licensing programs, including negotiating and drafting licensing agreements, establishing royalty structures, and ensuring compliance with e-commerce laws and regulations.
Prior to private practice, David served as a law clerk for the Honorable Leonie M. Brinkema in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and for the Office of the General Counsel at the General Accountability Office in Washington, D.C. He earned his B.A. from The American University, cum laude with University Honors, and his J.D. from The American University, Washington College of Law, cum laude. He is a member of the District of Columbia and Virginia bars, as well as many federal, district, and appellate courts.
David is recommended by US Legal 500 2012-2014 for his work in the Marketing & Advertising area, and clients report that he does "an excellent job of balancing the legal risk and the business exigencies" concerning new media campaigns. He is also listed as a leading lawyer in both The International Who's Who of Sports & Entertainment Lawyers 2013 and 2014 and The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers 2014.
Affiliations
Admitted to practice: District of Columbia, Virginia
Highlights, News & Knowledge
Speeches & Presentations
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"The Shared Economy: Disruption Continues," 2017 ANA/BAA Marketing Law Conference, Chicago, IL
(November 13, 2017).
Moderator: David Ervin.
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"It's Mine, Not Yours: Protecting Media Rights," The Racing Attorney Conference, Indianapolis, IN
(April 19, 2017).
Panelist: David Ervin.
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"Disruptive Innovations in the Shared Economy,” 2016 ANA/BAA Marketing Law Conference, Chicago, IL
(November 9, 2016).
Moderator: David Ervin.
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"Helping Sales and Marketing Avoid an Anti-defamation, Infringement or Unfair Competition Claims from Competitors," ACC - In-House Counsel Conference, Anaheim, CA
(January 27, 2016).
Presenters: David Ervin, Steven D. Allison and Chahira Solh.
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"Music Promotions, Concert Tour Sponsorships & Live Events: Securing Content Rights & Managing Risks," Brand Activation Association's 37th Marketing Law Conference, Chicago, IL
(November 9, 2015).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"What's in a Name? Is An Ad by Any Other Name Still an Ad?: Distinguishing Between Native Advertisement and Editorial Content," ACI's 4th Annual Summit on Digital Advertising Compliance: Social Media, Sweepstakes & Promotions, New York, NY
(October 20, 2015).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"New Rules of Digital Marketing - Avoiding the Legal & Regulatory Pitfalls," Women's Wear Daily and Crowell & Moring, New York, NY
(September 16, 2015).
Presenters: Cheryl A. Falvey, David Ervin, and Lauren Chesterman (Ralph Lauren Corporation).
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"Gift Cards and Loyalty Programs: A Gift or Liability?" Crowell & Moring Webinar
(April 29, 2015).
Moderator: Walter Nagel; Panelist: David Ervin.
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"Risk and Reward: What You Should Know About Regulatory and Litigation Risk Affecting Your Company’s Marketing Strategies in 2015," Association of Corporate Counsel, Southern California
(January 21, 2015).
Presenters: Steven D. Allison, David Ervin, and Van-Dzung Vu Nguyen.
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"Key Issues in Advertising and Marketing in the Healthcare Industry," Crowell & Moring's Healthcare Ounce Of Prevention Seminar (HOOPS), Washington, D.C.
(October 27-28, 2014).
Presenters: Christopher A. Cole and David Ervin.
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"Advertising Practices: Social Media, Endorsements & Overstock," 2014 Retail Law Conference, Charlotte, NC
(October 15-17, 2014).
Presenters: Cheryl A. Falvey, Christopher A. Cole, and David Ervin.
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"SCANDALS, SCANDALS, SCANDALS: Morals Clauses in Celebrity Endorsement Agreements," American Bar Association – Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries, Marina del Rey, CA
(October 9-11, 2014).
Speaker: David Ervin.
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"Launching Successful Native Advertisement Campaigns and Utilizing the Power of Bloggers and Other Influencers in Compliance with FTC Guidelines," American Conference Institute’s Third Annual Digital Advertising Compliance: Sweepstakes, Promotions & Social Media Summit, New York, New York
(September 9, 2014).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"Follow that Man!: Adopting Legal Strategies and Initiating Location-Based Technologies to Provide Meaningful Targeting Advertisements to Consumers Online and In Store," American Conference Institute’s Third Annual Digital Advertising Compliance: Sweepstakes, Promotions & Social Media Summit, New York, NY
(September 9, 2014).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"Motorsports Goes Hollywood’: SAG-AFTRA and Guild Issues," The Racing Attorney Conference 2014, Charlotte, North Carolina
(April 9, 2014).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"Going Native? Native Advertising and Product Placement," Media Law Resource Center, California Chapter
(December 18, 2013).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"Social Media and Digital Content in Motorsports," The Racing Attorney Conference 2013, Indianapolis, Indianapolis
(April 10, 2013).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"Pinterest & Intellectual Property: Reduce Risk & Protect Your Clients," National Constitution Center Webinar
(November 1, 2012).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"Legal Issues Regarding Social Media in Motorsports," The Racing Attorney Conference (TRAC), Charlotte, North Carolina
(April 11, 2012).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"Digital Strategies for Associations," Bisnow Panel, Washington, D.C.
(October 20, 2010).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"Sponsorship Mock Negotiation Panel," The Racing Attorney Conference 2010, Charlotte, North Carolina
(April 21, 2010).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"Closing the Deal: Interactive Negotiation Session, Sports Event Marketing Experience," Washington, D.C
(March 27, 2009).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"It’s an Homage, It’s Political Commentary, It’s…It’s…NOT NECESSARILY FAIR USE-How to Recognize Where the Line MUST Be Drawn Before Content Goes Too Far," American Conference Institute’s User-Generated Content and Social Networking Conference
(July 2008).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"Live Sporting Events: Strategic Approaches for Maintaining Control Over the Brand," American Conference Institute’s 2nd Advanced Legal & Business Forum on Sports Marketing & Advertising Law
(September 2007).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"Complex IP Licensing," Law Seminars International Conference, McLean, Virginia
(October 17-18, 2006).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"Protecting Intellectual Property Rights for Athletes, Leagues and Brands," ACI Sports Law Leadership Summit, New York, New York
(September 27-28, 2006).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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"The Intersection of Advertising Law and Intellectual Property Law," Advanced Advertising Law: The Strategic Guide for Corporate Counsel Workshop, Marcus Evans, Chicago, Illinois
(March 8, 2006).
Presenter: David Ervin.
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Corporate Counsel’s Guide to IP in Advertising & Marketing Conference, American Conference Institute, New York, New York
(February 28, 2006).
Presenter: David Ervin.
Publications
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"Tokyo Olympics Move May Spark Wave Of Contract Litigation," Law360
(March 30, 2020).
Authors: Christopher A. Cole, David Ervin, and Holly A. Melton.
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"Stalking Social Media: The Rise in Counterfeit Products and Intellectual Property Concerns," FashionUnited
(October 4, 2019).
Authors: David Ervin and Siri Rao.
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"Native Advertising: Key Issues and Considerations," Practical Law Journal
(May/June 2017).
Author: David Ervin.
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"Native Advertising," Practical Law
(July 2016).
Author: David Ervin.
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"Regulatory Forecast 2016: What Corporate Counsel Need to Know for the Coming Year," a Crowell & Moring LLP publication
(January 2016).
Contributor.
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"Consumer Products & Advertising — Increasing Focus on Health Claims for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products," Crowell & Moring's Regulatory Forecast 2016
(January 2016).
Contributors: David Ervin and Peter B. Miller.
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"Make a Deal Like Mike – Michael Jordan Settles Two Right of Publicity Lawsuits," Crowell & Moring's Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
(November 24, 2015).
Authors: David Ervin and Danielle Rowan.
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"False-and-Misleading-Gram – FDA Issues Warning Letter Based on Kim Kardashian's Instagram Selfie," Crowell & Moring's Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
(August 18, 2015).
Authors: David Ervin and Danielle Rowan.
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"Avoiding Compliance Red Cards After FIFA Scandal," Law360
(July 2, 2015).
Authors: David Ervin, Jeff Severson, and Christopher A. Cole.
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"Sponsorship Arrangements in the US," Practical Law Company
(February 2015).
Author: David Ervin.
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"Food and Consumer Health Product Claims Substantiation: A Comprehensive Guide," Food and Drug Law Institute Resources
(December 2013).
Contributing Author: David Ervin.
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"Best Practices for E-Mail Marketing," Practical Law Company
(February 2013).
Co-Authors: David Ervin and Christopher Loeffler.
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"E-mail Marketing: CAN-SPAM Act Compliance," Practical Law The Journal
(April 2011).
Co-Authors: David Ervin and Christopher Loeffler.
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"E-mail Marketing: CAN-SPAM Act Compliance," Practical Law
(December 2010).
Co-Authors: David Ervin and Christopher Loeffler.
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"Social Networking: Private Data on Public Networks," Data Protection Law & Policy
(September 2010).
Co-Authors: David Ervin and Christopher Loeffler.
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"Social Networking: Private Data on Public Networks," E-Commerce Law and Policy
(September 2010).
Co-Authors: David Ervin and Christopher Loeffler.
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"Facebook Issues New Guidelines for Running Promotions on Its Platform," Metropolitan Corporate Counsel
(January 2010).
Author: David Ervin.
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"Consumer-Generated Content is Hot," Entertainment Law & Finance
(May 2007).
Co-Authors: David Ervin and Gonzalo Mon.
Client Alerts & Newsletters
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"'Imagine' This: John Lennon Would Have Received Post-Mortem Right to Publicity in New York,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(December 17, 2020).
Contacts: David Ervin, Preetha Chakrabarti, Suzanne Trivette
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"Supreme Court Finds that "Generic.com" Terms Can Be Trademarks,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(July 6, 2020).
Contacts: David Ervin, Deirdre Long Absolonne, Michelle Chipetine, Suzanne Trivette
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"Raising the Stakes for Trademark Damages: Romag Fasteners, Inc. v. Fossil, Inc.,"
IP Insights
(April 29, 2020).
Contacts: David Ervin, Anne Elise Herold Li, Ilana Lubin, Siri Rao, Suzanne Trivette
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"Coloring in the Lines – Protecting Colorful Product Packaging Just Became Easier,"
IP Insights
(April 14, 2020).
Contacts: Anne Elise Herold Li, James K. Stronski, David Ervin, Michelle Chipetine
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"2020 Tokyo Olympics Postponed Due to COVID-19: What Can Advertisers and Other Affected Parties Do?,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(March 25, 2020).
Contacts: Christopher A. Cole, David Ervin, Holly A. Melton
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"NCAA Vote Opens Door to Potential Endorsements in College Athletics,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(November 7, 2019).
Contact: David Ervin
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"Is This the "3ve" of the Digital Ad Fraud Age?,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(December 20, 2018).
Contacts: Lauren Aronson, David Ervin
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"Recent Happenings in Advertising & Product Risk Management – February 2018,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(February 26, 2018).
Contacts: Christopher A. Cole, Cheryl A. Falvey, John Fuson, David Ervin, Lauren Aronson, Carolyn W. Wagner, Matthew Cohen, Helen Osun
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"Recent Happenings in Advertising & Product Risk Management – December 2017,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(December 20, 2017).
Contacts: Christopher A. Cole, Cheryl A. Falvey, John Fuson, David Ervin, Lauren Aronson, Carolyn W. Wagner, Matthew Cohen, Rebecca Baden Chaney, Chalana N. Damron, Robbie Rogart, Rukiya Mohamed, Kate M. Watkins
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"Recent Happenings in Advertising & Product Risk Management – October 2017,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(October 3, 2017).
Contacts: Christopher A. Cole, Cheryl A. Falvey, John Fuson, David Ervin, Lauren Aronson, Carolyn W. Wagner, Matthew Cohen, Preetha Chakrabarti
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"Recent Happenings in Advertising & Product Risk Management – July 2017,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(July 25, 2017).
Contacts: Christopher A. Cole, Cheryl A. Falvey, John Fuson, David Ervin, Lauren Aronson, Carolyn W. Wagner, Matthew Cohen
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"The Administrative State Will Not Deconstruct Itself,"
(June 29, 2017).
Contacts: David Ervin, Thomas A. Lorenzen, Elizabeth B. Dawson
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"Recent Happenings in Advertising & Product Risk Management – May 2017,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(May 17, 2017).
Contacts: Christopher A. Cole, Cheryl A. Falvey, John Fuson, David Ervin, Lauren Aronson, Carolyn W. Wagner, Matthew Cohen
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"Recent Happenings in Advertising & Product Risk Management – March 2017,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(March 27, 2017).
Contacts: Christopher A. Cole, Cheryl A. Falvey, John Fuson, David Ervin, Lauren Aronson, Carolyn W. Wagner, Matthew Cohen
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"Trade Dress Protection for the Layout of a Medical Report? Maybe!,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(April 8, 2016).
Contacts: David Ervin, Anne Elise Herold Li, Preetha Chakrabarti
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"Spurned St. Louis Rams Fans Sue L.A.-Bound Team for Deceptive Marketing,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(January 29, 2016).
Contact: David Ervin
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"Sluggers Hit News Network with Defamation Suit Over Reports of Performance-Enhancing Drugs,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(January 29, 2016).
Contact: David Ervin
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"Avoiding Compliance Red Cards After the FIFA Scandal: Anti-Corruption Considerations for Sponsors and Sports Marketing Companies,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(June 8, 2015).
Contacts: David Ervin, Christopher A. Cole, Glen G. McGorty, Stephen M. Byers, Jeff Severson
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"Is Copyright Law Even Blurrier After the "Blurred Lines" Ruling?,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(March 20, 2015).
Contact: David Ervin
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"The D.C. Circuit's POM Wonderful Decision: New Precedent for Advertisers Making Disease and Health Claims,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(February 19, 2015).
Contacts: Christopher A. Cole, David Ervin
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"In a Bellwether FTC Settlement, Advertiser Agrees to Pay Consumer Redress for Product Claims Made During Talk Shows,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(February 2, 2015).
Contacts: Christopher A. Cole, David Ervin
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"FTC's Enforcement of Promotional Tweeting Has Teeth,"
Advertising & State AG Alert
(December 19, 2014).
Contacts: David Ervin, Carolyn W. Wagner
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