Biography
Judge Chapman has handled numerous intellectual property cases, having worked closely with parties from around the world involved in high-stakes litigation. Known for her preparation, adaptability and neutrality, clients value that Judge Chapman approaches matters with a straightforward demeanor that quickly steers the parties involved towards resolution of their disputes.
Prior to becoming a neutral at JAMS, Judge Chapman enjoyed a long and well-respected career as a federal magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (greater Los Angeles area) and on recall for the District Court for the Northern District of California (San Francisco and San Jose). She has conducted hundreds of settlement conferences and managed discovery and related proceedings in a countless number of intellectual property cases, including copyright, trademark, patent, trade dress and trade secret matters.
Representative Matters
- Copyright
- Breach of contract and IP claims against major Internet messaging application involving use of photographs
- Professional photographer’s copyright infringement action against entertainment promoter and merchandiser
- Copyright and trade dress infringement action involving jewelry designs
- Copyright infringement action for use of protected phrase in products’ names
- Adult entertainment company’s copyright infringement action involving Internet sales
- Recognized artist’s copyright infringement action against Internet merchandiser
- Popular musical band’s copyright infringement action regarding use of song in television commercial
- Copyright and contributory copyright infringement action against licensee involving sale and distribution of films, videotapes and digital video files
- Owner of gaming materials’ action for copyright and trademark infringement
- Entertainment company’s copyright infringement action involving use of protected phrase in advertisements for television series
- Musical composers’ action for illegally incorporating portions of copyrighted compositions and sound recordings into musical album
- Author’s copyright infringement action against Internet service provider and others involving copying and electronic distribution of protected works
- Action against publishing company for copyright infringement and failure to pay royalties to family of deceased author
- News photographer’s copyright infringement action against local media outlet
- Game show creator’s copyright infringement action regarding use of protected game show elements
- Sports photographer’s action against publisher for copyright and trade dress infringement
- Actions for copyright infringement and theft of trade secrets brought by textile companies involving protected graphic artwork designs
- Software company’s action for copyright and trademark infringement against counterfeiters
- Patent
- License holder’s patent infringement action involving global positioning systems
- Patent infringement actions involving automobile accessory industry
- Action for patent infringement by lighting fixture patent holder and counterclaim for fraud on PTO
- Consolidated patent infringement actions by holder of multiple patents related to mechanized window coverings
- Luggage manufacturer’s action for patent infringement, trade dress infringement and unfair competition involving wheel designs
- Holder of patent for processing event photographs brought action for infringement
- Action for patent infringement brought by holder of patent involving multi-purpose lighters
- Trademark
- Chinese company's action against American company for infringing use of name and logo
- Financial institution’s trademark infringement action involving use of logo
- Company producing infants’ products brought trademark infringement action against competitor
- Manufacturer of hair care products’ action for trademark infringement, false designation of origin, trademark dilution and deceptive trade practices against competitor
- Trademark and trade dress infringement actions involving athletic shoes, bathrobes and other consumer products
- Breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secrets actions
- Action by clothing manufacturer involving use of protected name on professional athletic merchandise
- Several matters regarding designs on household products
- National tobacco company’s action for trademark infringement and counterfeiting of cigarettes
- Local utility’s trademark infringement action against Internet bill paying service involving use of logo
- Owner of private gym’s trademark infringement action against competitor
- Entertainment company’s cross-actions for trademark infringement and attendant merchandising rights involving theatrical film and potential television series
- Theft of Trade Secrets/Trade Dress/False Designation of Origin
- Retail beverage chain's theft of trade secrets and trade dress action against competitor
- Dispute between business partners re theft of trade secrets and breach of fiduciary duty
- False designation of origin and other claims against major Korean corporation
Completed Virtual ADR training conducted by the JAMS Institute, the training arm of JAMS.
- Memberships & Professional Activities
- Member, arbitration panel of Japan Commercial Arbitration Association
- Member, arbitration panel of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
- Member, arbitration panel of United States Center for SafeSport
- Member, International Association of Women Judges, 2006-present
- Board of Directors, Federal Magistrate Judges Association, 2008-2010
- Advisory Group of Magistrate Judges, Administrative Office of United States Courts, 2000-2006
- Board Member, Federal Bar Association (Los Angeles Chapter), 2002-2005
- Executive Committee & Board of Directors, Boalt Hall School of Law Alumni Association, 1993-1997
- ADR Profiles
- "Digging Deeply," ADR Profile, Daily Journal, August 26, 2016
- Judge, United Nations Appeals Tribunal, 2012-2017
- United States Magistrate Judge, United States District Court, Central District of California, 1995-2012
- Administrative Law Judge, Office of Administrative Hearings, State of California, 1977-1995
- Labor Arbitrator Certificate, Institute of Industrial Relations, University of California at Los Angeles,1979
- Lecturer, School of Law, University of California at Los Angeles, 1972-1973
- Public Interest Lawyer, 1967-1972, 1973-1977
- J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall)
- B.A. cum laude, University of Michigan
Counsel Comments
- "You did a terrific job bringing peace to our valley."
- Litigation Partner - “[Judge Chapman is] an EXCELLENT mediator…. [She works] extremely hard, [is] wise, tough when it's called for, super smart and knowledgeable and [has] some fun in [her] too! [She did a] great job in accomplishing what we thought would never happen this week!”
– Principal at Business Litigation Firm - "[Judge Chapman] really grabbed the parties' attention, and we walked out with a term sheet that day, which was unexpected and I think quite an achievement for the mediator.... She knows how to identify those aspects of your case that you need to evaluate most closely, that offer you the most unpredictability. And that's what makes people move."
– Litigation Partner - "I think [Judge Chapman] must have worked some magic behind the scenes so to speak. I can't fully explain how she did it; I just know she got it done.... I don't believe in luck or coincidence, but I do believe in experience."
– Intellectual Property Litigation Partner - "It wasn't your typical mediation where you're fighting over money all day; it was ... more complex. [Judge Chapman] was tireless and just worked really hard to get us to a point where we could both walk away."
– Litigation Associate - "[Judge Chapman] tends to have a little more weight than your typical mediator. She adds value. ... She just kind of gives you the information she needs to give you so you can make a good decision."
– Principal in Business Law Firm - [Judge Chapman] resolved both of [my cases] very shortly after the mediation. The follow-up is, at least in my mind, one of her strengths."
– Principal in Small Firm -
“We appreciate [Judge Chapman’s] diligence, thoughtful opinions, well-reasoned decisions and tireless work. We would highly recommend [her] as an arbitrator in future matters.”– Litigation Partner
News
Events
Practice Areas
- Arbitration
- Business/Commercial
- Civil Rights
- Class Action/Mass Tort
- Employment
- Entertainment and Sports
- Federal Judge
- Health Care
- Intellectual Property
- International & Cross-Border
- Product Liability
- Special Master/Discovery Referee
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This page is for general information purposes. JAMS makes no representations or warranties regarding its accuracy or completeness. Interested persons should conduct their own research regarding information on this website before deciding to use JAMS, including investigation and research of JAMS neutrals. See More