In this episode i speak with lawyer, Luke Zimmerman, who has a specialised practice dealing in cannabis and intellectual property (Trademark, Copyright etc)
As we discover whilst in conversation, this will be the first of many conversations to come.
We cover why IP is important in the sector, what it means to trademark in various jurisdictions and especially in the US where cannabis might be legal within a specific state but as it isn’t yet federally.
What does this actually mean for companies trying to secure trademarks and protect their products and brands.
Luke Zimmerman
The Law Office of Luke S Zimmerman APC counsels clients on protecting their intellectual property, forming new businesses, and maintaining compliance for medical cannabis.
Here at the Law Office of Luke S Zimmerman APC we believe in addressing our client’s issues by listening to their concerns, then evaluating the best manner to address the problem, and lastly offering a reasonable resolution that can be implemented with as much ease as possible.
Whether it be forming a new business, registering a trademark, or navigating the confusing issues when developing a cannabis brand, the Law Office of Luke S Zimmerman APC provides open communication to assist a client in addressing their concerns. Our philosophy is that each client’s problem are unique, and thus, the resolution being sought should be tailored to their specific needs. The attention to each client’s concern is facilitated by intentionally keeping a manageable case load, that allows for the attention that each client deserves. The ideology of the Law Office of Luke S Zimmerman APC is that providing quality work is preferable to representing a lot of clients.
Luke obtained his undergraduate degree in philosophy from the University of Oregon at Eugene and then graduated from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, in San Diego California, as a member of the Pro Bono Honors Society. His interest in international trade and investment law led him to the Netherlands where he obtained a Masters of Law from the University of Amsterdam. The focus of his master thesis was the effect of bi-lateral trade agreements on the harmonization of intellectual property standards, provided through the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights(TRIPS). His experiences living in Amsterdam and observations of the paradigm shift surrounding cannabis lead Luke to believe that the end of cannabis prohibition would be the future of The United States.
Based on this idea, Luke formed The Law Office of Luke S. Zimmerman APC, where he assists entrepreneurs in the emerging cannabis industry and helps them protect their intellectual property. A core mission of the Law Office of Luke S. Zimmerman is drug policy reform, which is why Luke volunteers on the Clemency Project 2014. Luke currently splits his time working with clients in California, as well as nationally on trademark issues.
Luke is also certified by Oaksterdam University, in both, beginner and advanced courses and has received advanced training and certification in mediation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and cross cultural competencies.
The Law Office of Luke S Zimmerman APC is featured in the 3rd edition of the Arcview market report “The State of Legal Marijuana Markets” in the branding in the cannabis industry section. Luke Zimmerman is a member of the National Cannabis Bar Association (NCBA).
