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Kristen K. Downer

Counsel
Counsel
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VCard

Areas of Focus

Overview

Kristen Knecht Downer is a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience in Trademark and Brand Protection. Kristen has over a decade of global experience and is recognized for her strategic legal counsel, innovative trademark strategies, and exceptional leadership in managing complex IP challenges across diverse geographies. Kristen partners with business leaders to provide practical solutions, support informed decision-making, and build stronger brand strategies.

Prior to joining Crowell, Kristen was inhouse at Nike, Inc., serving as Director and Assistant General Counsel for Trademark & IP Asia Pacific and Latin America.  Kristen was also the principal trademark and copyright attorney for Greater China and spent four years serving as the principal trademark and copyright attorney for North America. Kristen has extensive experience developing global product naming strategies and navigating risks in high-visibility product launches and events. Kristen has created and implemented innovative global trademark protection and enforcement strategies through the strategic filing of thousands of applications worldwide. She has obtained famous mark status for key trademarks in critical countries and built collaborative processes with cross-functional teammates around the globe to enhance enforcement impact. Before Nike, Kristen was an associate at an intellectual property law firm in Chicago.

Career & Education

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    • University of Michigan, A.B., with distinction, honors in English Literature, 2001
    • University of Michigan Law School, J.D., executive editor, Michigan Journal of Race & Law, 2004
    • University of Michigan, A.B., with distinction, honors in English Literature, 2001
    • University of Michigan Law School, J.D., executive editor, Michigan Journal of Race & Law, 2004

    • Illinois
    • Oregon
    • Illinois
    • Oregon

    • International Intellectual Property Association (INTA): Non-Traditional Marks Committee, U.S. Sub-Committee Chair (2022-2023)
    • Nike Office of the General Counsel Fellowship Program: Director (2022-2024)
    • Women of Nike Office of the General Counsel & Friends: Co-Founder and Executive Co-Chair (2021-2024)
    • Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Portland, Oregon: Board of Directors (2023-Present)
    • World Trademark Review (WTR) 300: The World's Leading Corporate Trademark Professionals (2020-2024)

    • Managing Intellectual Property: Corporate IP Star (2015, 2016, 2018-2023)

    • International Intellectual Property Association (INTA): Non-Traditional Marks Committee, U.S. Sub-Committee Chair (2022-2023)
    • Nike Office of the General Counsel Fellowship Program: Director (2022-2024)
    • Women of Nike Office of the General Counsel & Friends: Co-Founder and Executive Co-Chair (2021-2024)
    • Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Portland, Oregon: Board of Directors (2023-Present)
    • World Trademark Review (WTR) 300: The World's Leading Corporate Trademark Professionals (2020-2024)

    • Managing Intellectual Property: Corporate IP Star (2015, 2016, 2018-2023)

Kristen's Insights

Firm News | 3 min read | 02.03.25

World Trademark Review Ranks Crowell & Moring in WTR 1000 2025 Guide

Chicago – February 3, 2025: World Trademark Review again recognized Crowell & Moring as a top trademark firm in its 2025 guide. Crowell received the highest ranking—gold—in the Belgium national ranking, and in Illinois for enforcement and litigation, and prosecution and strategy. The firm also achieved “Recommended” status in the International category and silver in the U.S. National category, and earned recognition as a top firm in California.

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Practices

Kristen's Insights

Firm News | 3 min read | 02.03.25

World Trademark Review Ranks Crowell & Moring in WTR 1000 2025 Guide

Chicago – February 3, 2025: World Trademark Review again recognized Crowell & Moring as a top trademark firm in its 2025 guide. Crowell received the highest ranking—gold—in the Belgium national ranking, and in Illinois for enforcement and litigation, and prosecution and strategy. The firm also achieved “Recommended” status in the International category and silver in the U.S. National category, and earned recognition as a top firm in California.

View All Insights