Service Areas
- Business
- Employment + Labor
- Litigation + Trial
- Business Torts
- Commercial Transactions Litigation
- Employment + Labor
- Intellectual Property Litigation
- Litigation + Trial Practice Overview
- Governments + Nonprofits
- Employment + Labor
Education
- University of Notre Dame Law School, J.D.
- Albion College, B.A.
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
- Michigan
Court Admissions
U.S. Court of Appeals
- Seventh Circuit
- Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Courts
- Northern District of Illinois
- Eastern District of Michigan
Kathleen E. Koppenhoefer's practice focuses on the representation of corporations and individuals in all areas of complex commercial and intellectual property disputes. Kathleen also has a strong background defending employers in discrimination lawsuits, the enforcement and defense of non-compete agreements, and cases involving trade secrets disputes.
"Essentially, being an effective attorney means being a professional 'needle in a haystack' finder. My goal is to think of creative solutions to intricate or seemingly insurmountable problems. I find the needle in the haystack for my clients."
Kathleen E. Koppenhoefer
Representative Matters
- Commercial Lender Copyright Defense
Successfully obtained summary judgment and attorneys' fees in action under the Copyright Act seeking millions of dollars in statutory damages against a commercial lender in a dispute over licensing of computer software used to collect debts owed to lender. The action is currently on appeal in the Seventh Circuit.
- Commercial Lender Criminal Forefiture Appeal
Appeal of issues stemming from Michigan's Recording Act and impact in criminal forfeiture. Assisted in the defense of a commercial lender in a matter involving the government's attempt to use criminal forfeiture proceedings to take property in which the lender had a recorded interest. The Seventh Circuit reversed the ruling of the District Court, finding that the lender's recorded interest was superior to the lis pendens filed by the government.
- National Cookware Manufacturer Design Patent Litigation
Successfully defended a nationally known cookware manufacturer in a case involving alleged design patent infringement. The plaintiff, another well-known maker of cookware, attempted to obtain a permanent injunction against our client to prevent it from selling competing cookware--in addition to seeking millions in damages. The jury found for our client across the board.
- School District Reverse Gender Discrimination
Defended a school district against claims of reverse gender and age discrimination made by a disgruntled former bus driver. After successfully obtaining summary judgment against the plaintiff, the plaintiff appealed to the Seventh Circuit, which affirmed summary judgment.
Professional Activities
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Chicago Bar Association
- State Bar of Michigan
Honors + Awards
- Albion College, B.A., magna cum laude
- Illinois Super Lawyers, Business Litigation, Rising Star 2009-2012
Publications
"Uncontrollable Deviant Behavior: How Can Care-Giving Employers Manage the Risk of Their Employees Being Sexually Harassed by Residents in Their Care?," Health Lawyers News, May 2007
"2005 Update on Workplace Privacy Law," Employee Rights and Responsibilities Committee of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the American Bar Association (Contributor)
"2004 Update on Workplace Privacy Law," Employee Rights and Responsibilities Committee of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the American Bar Association (Contributor)
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