John brings together his passion for protecting
First Amendment freedom, maintaining a balanced approach to copyright law, developing sound
public policy concerning digital media and electronic commerce, and strengthening the consumer
and retail competition focus of antitrust law.
John's private sector work has involved counseling and strategic
guidance, litigation and government relations work relating to distribution of and access to copyrighted works, and
in protecting freedom of expression and civil rights in relation to the distribution of expressive
materials. He has been representing trade associations - primarily
those involved in retailing expressive materials - for over fourteen years, on antirust issues and a wide array of association
issues.
His most recent focus is on protecting freedom of competition at the
retail level from encroachment by technological and licensing restrictions intended to expand the reach of copyright law beyond
the limits set by Congress.
John is experienced in federal and nationwide litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy
on matters of electronic commerce, First Amendment rights, copyright law, unfair trade practices and antitrust law. Pro bono legislative work has included representation of illegal aliens, restoration of democracy in Haiti,
representation of Chinese nationals following the Tiananmen Square massacre, and defense of the information commons.
Prior to becoming an attorney, John was a social worker directing anti-poverty
work in Kentucky.
John received his J.D. degree magna cum laude from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law in 1987.
In addition to his B.A. in Philosophy and Religion, he holds degrees in Social Work (M.S.S.W.) and in Religious Education
(M.R.E.).
