About Claudia
Claudia Ray: Leading Intellectual Property Litigation Attorney in New York
Claudia Ray is a partner in Kirkland’s New York office and a respected member of the Firm’s Intellectual Property Department. She is a highly sought-after legal counsel representing a diverse range of clients across industries – including entertainment and media, financial services, technology, and consumer products – in complex litigation, arbitration, and administrative proceedings. Ms. Ray’s expertise encompasses copyright, trademark, Internet-related matters, contract and licensing agreements, and trade secret protection. She provides strategic guidance on pre-litigation matters, advising clients on IP issues arising from corporate transactions and licensing arrangements, and developing robust IP protection and brand-building strategies. Her approach centers on securing and maintaining strong trademark and copyright portfolios through diligent registration, proactive maintenance, and vigilant policing efforts.
For over two decades, Claudia Ray has been recognized as a leading authority in intellectual property law, consistently earning accolades that underscore her exceptional legal skills and commitment to client success. Chambers USA has repeatedly ranked her as one of America’s Leading Lawyers for Business from 2008 to 2022. Clients consistently praise her as “incredibly effective,” a “leading authority throughout the country and beyond,” “business-savvy and everything clients want,” and a “terrific and wonderful attorney” - a reputation solidified by her “outstanding courtroom performer” abilities. World Trademark Review magazine’s consistent recognition of Ms. Ray as a leading practitioner in trademark law since its inaugural ranking further validates her expertise. She has also been named to “IP STARS” by Managing Intellectual Property for the last seven years and honored on the publication’s 2019 list of “Top 250 Women in IP,” demonstrating her significant contributions to the field.
The Legal 500 U.S. consistently acknowledges Ms. Ray’s impressive trademark litigation work since 2010, her copyright work since 2012, her media and entertainment work from 2017-2022, and her trade secrets work from 2013-2022, solidifying her standing as a premier legal advocate.
Claudia Ray’s active involvement within the legal community extends beyond her private practice. She is a dedicated member of several professional legal bodies, actively contributing to advancements in intellectual property law. She currently chairs the New York City Bar Association’s Copyright Committee, a role she previously held as Chair of the Trademarks and Unfair Competition Committee. Furthermore, she is a key member of the International Trademark Association’s Bulletins Committee, overseeing strategic communications and advocacy for trademark owners worldwide.
Ms. Ray’s intellectual property practice encompasses a broad spectrum of legal services, including:
- Litigation – Intellectual Property: Expertly navigating complex IP disputes through litigation, arbitration, and administrative proceedings, ensuring client rights are protected and enforced.
- Trademark Law: Providing comprehensive trademark protection services, including trademark registration, monitoring, enforcement, and brand-building strategies.
- Copyright Law: Advising clients on copyright ownership, infringement issues, licensing agreements, and protection of creative works.
- Internet Issues: Offering strategic guidance on intellectual property issues arising from internet-based activities, including domain name disputes, online copyright infringement, and digital rights management.
- Contract/Licensing: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts and licensing agreements to safeguard client intellectual property assets.
- Trade Secrets: Protecting valuable trade secrets through preventative measures and litigation when necessary.
Her dedication to her clients and the advancement of intellectual property law is further evidenced by her frequent lectures and publications on related issues. Claudia Ray remains at the forefront of IP legal developments, offering her clients proactive and innovative solutions to their most challenging intellectual property concerns. She is committed to building long-term relationships with clients based on trust, strategic insight, and unparalleled legal expertise.
Awards & Recognition:
- Lawyer of the Year: Trademark Law, New York City (2025)
- Recognized: Litigation – Intellectual Property, Recognized: Trademark Law
- Practice Area: Copyright Law, Special Focus: Copyright, Special Focus: Trademark
Affiliations:
- Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2020
- City: New York, State: New York, Country: United States
Education:
- Bar Admissions: New York State Bar
