Danny Awdeh

Danny M. Awdeh is a distinguished partner at Finnegan, one of the world’s leading intellectual property law firms. Based in Washington, D.C., Danny is widely recognized as one of the top trademark litigators and counselors in the United States. His practice spans a broad spectrum of trademark, copyright, and advertising law, with a particular emphasis on litigation, strategic counseling, and global portfolio management.

Danny has served as the leader of Finnegan’s trademark, copyright, and advertising group for a twice-extended term, earning accolades such as the 2023 Trademark Prosecution Practitioner of the Year for the Americas by Managing Intellectual Property (MIP). He has also been named to the World Trademark Review’s Global Leaders list, which described him as “an unstoppable force” and “an ultra-sophisticated lawyer” with exceptional strategic vision.

His client base includes some of the world’s most iconic brands, and he routinely manages high-profile disputes involving trademark infringement, counterfeiting, unfair competition, dilution, and false advertising. Danny has secured favorable outcomes before U.S. district and appellate courts, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), and international trademark tribunals. He is also known for negotiating business-oriented solutions that align with clients’ legal and commercial goals.

Danny’s expertise extends to developing corporate protocols to combat counterfeit and grey market goods, protect brand integrity, and prevent generic misuse. He has led global brand launches, licensing deals, and other significant IP transactions. His work in China has resulted in rare and impactful judgments, including preliminary and permanent injunctions and recognition of well-known marks.

In addition to his litigation prowess, Danny is deeply involved in policy matters and is committed to improving the trademark protection landscape for all brand owners. His strategic approach and client-focused mindset make him a trusted advisor in the complex world of intellectual property law. 

Updated Dec 2025

• Defending Marriott International in an ongoing, high-stakes trademark litigation initiated by Delta Air Lines concerning Marriott’s use of the “Delta Hotels” brand. The case involves issues of trademark coexistence agreements, brand expansion rights, and consumer confusion, with extensive discovery and expert testimony on brand perception.
   
• Representing Head Sport GmbH, one of the world’s leading brands for sports equipment, in a broad range of trademark matters, including prosecution, enforcement, and litigation before the TTAB and federal courts. Representation involves strategic brand protection, licensing for new product lines such as bicycles and headphones, and successful outcomes across disputes involving portfolio expansion and trademark rights.
  
  
• Represented Maglula, Ltd. in a widely followed, one-of-a-kind district court litigation involving patent, trademark, and copyright claims over allegations that Amazon sold counterfeit Maglula products. Successfully defeated Amazon’s motions to dismiss, arbitrate, and transfer; compelled warehouse inspections and secured a spoliation finding against Amazon. The court denied summary judgment, marking one of the first rulings rejecting Amazon’s arbitration provisions and holding the platform accountable for counterfeit sales.

• Intellectual Property 

• Consumer goods and services 
• Food and beverage 
• Other

• J.D. - Emory University School of Law (2003)
• B.A., Economics, cum laude - Rhodes College (2000)
• International Business Strategy - London School of Economics, Executive Management Program (1997)

• District of Columbia Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section 
• Intellectual Property Owners Association, Co-Vice Chair, Trademark Law & Practice (International)
• World Trademark Review, Member, Elite Panel
• American Bar Association, Section on Intellectual Property Law
• American Bar Foundation, Fellow
• American Inns of Court
• American Intellectual Property Law Association
• International Trademark Association
• Wake Forest Intellectual Property Journal, Advisory Board

• District of Columbia (2006)
• Tennessee (2003) 
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit (2010)