Christopher R. McElwain

Christopher R. McElwain is the principal attorney at Knowmad Law in Pacific Grove, California, where he advises creative professionals, business owners, start-ups, and small businesses. Chris focuses on trademarks, patents, copyrights, trade secrets, plant variety protection, domain names, licensing, contracts, and IP and contract disputes. Clients work directly with Chris when filing trademark applications, drafting agreements, addressing infringement issues, and protecting business assets.

Chris earned his J.D. from the University of Southern California, Gould School of Law, where he was a member of the Southern California Law Review. He also received a B.A. from Whitman College, magna cum laude. His academic training supports his ability to analyze creative and technology-driven legal issues, draft clear agreements, and guide clients through trademark, copyright, patent, and business matters with practical judgment.

Before founding Knowmad Law, Chris led the trademark and transactional practice at LaRiviere, Grubman P.C., and headed the litigation practice at Saper Law Offices in Chicago. His experience includes intellectual property enforcement, contract counseling, licensing, cease-and-desist letters, domain name disputes, DMCA compliance, subpoena defense, and USPTO proceedings. This background helps clients evaluate risk, protect their work, and respond to disputes before they disrupt business goals.

Christopher R. McElwain is also a registered patent attorney with admissions in California, Illinois, several federal district courts, and the USPTO. He has written and presented on intellectual property, trademark law, copyright, domain names, cannabis branding, fitness industry IP, and online reputation issues. His awards include the ASCAP Nathan Burkan Memorial Award, the INTA Ladas Memorial Award, and Super Lawyers Rising Stars recognition in 2018.

Law Office Affiliations

• Principal Attorney, Knowmad Law
• Member, Monterey County Bar Association
• Member, National Cannabis Bar Association
• Member, Monterey County Cannabis Industry Association

• Member, Santa Cruz County Bar Association

Licensed State

• California
• Illinois

EducationThe

• University of Southern California, Gould School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Whitman College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges