Dalton’s varied project history within the intellectual property space allows him to assist clients at any stage of their goals. Both startups and century-old corporate powerhouses can rely on Dalton to stay current on fast-developing technological trends for their important legal decisions.
Dalton concentrates his law practice on intellectual property litigation, including trademark, copyright, trade secret, antitrust, and unfair competition matters.At Crowell, he has represented plaintiffs and defendants with diverse federal litigation needs, ranging from prompt cease and desist coordination, complex software discovery disputes, multi-party depositions, and successful preliminary injunction motions and settlement conferences. Dalton’s counseling practice includes prosecuting trademarks, registering copyrights, enforcing global trademark portfolios, and counseling clients on intellectual property due diligence transactions. He also maintains a varied pro bono docket, including representing tenants in leasing disputes, enforcing international nonprofit trademark rights, and assisting independent musicians with registering their copyrights.
Within the firm, Dalton co-leads the Metaverse specialty group, advising internal teams and clients on new intellectual property developments within virtual reality branding. He is active in the new media industry, including the Esports bar associations.
Previously, Dalton externed for the Honorable Joan H. Lefkow at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. His intellectual property experience comes from a broad background in the media, tech, and entertainment industries. This experience includes copyright and royalty management at a leading global music publishing label, brand development, consumer survey research, contract administration, app development, and computer support. Outside work, Dalton is active in the Chicago arts community, serving on the associate boards of local theaters.
Recognition
- CALI Awards for Highest Grade in: Advanced Legal Research; Traditional Knowledge & Folklore in Intellectual Property
- University of Illinois College of Law: Pro Bono Notation
Affiliations
Professional Activities and Memberships
- Chicago Bar Association, Member
- Esports Bar Association, Member
- Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago, Member
- Lawyers for the Creative Arts, Associate Board Member
- Public Interest Law Initiative, Member
Speeches & Presentations
Publications
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"Restrictive Covenants in the Seventh Circuit," Crowell & Moring’s Trade Secrets Trends
(May 10, 2022).
Authors: Dalton Hughes and Astor Heaven.
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"Getting the Deal Through: Advertising & Marketing 2022 (covering FTC Green Guides and environmental benefit marketing claims)" Lexology
(April 2022).
Consulting Editors: Roy Abernathy, Raija Horstman, Dalton Hughes, Emily Kappers, and Amy Pauli.
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"Cemetery Company’s Trade Secret Claims Survive Motion to Dismiss by Reasonable Interference of Misappropriation after CEO Fed Competitor Information," Crowell & Moring’s Trade Secrets Trends
(December 21, 2021).
Authors: Vincent J. Galluzzo, Laura Schwartz and Dalton Hughes.
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"Seventh Circuit Affirms Trade Secret Protection of Patented Spinal Implant Device," Crowell & Moring’s Trade Secrets Trends
(October 5, 2021).
Authors: Dalton Hughes and Brad Lane.
Client Alerts & Newsletters
Press Coverage