About Emily Fawne
Emily Fawne Burns is an attorney specializing in intellectual property law, with a particular focus on trademarks. A member of the State Bar of California since December 3, 2003, she has built a distinguished career over the past two decades. Currently, Ms. Burns serves as a Visiting Professor at UC Law SF and as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Law at Santa Clara University School of Law. Her academic contributions are significant, as she has been teaching various IP-related courses at UC Law SF since 2009. Ms. Burns earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2003.
During her time at the University, she held the position of Lead Articles Editor for the San Diego Law Review, where she developed her legal writing and analytical skills. Additionally, she interned for Judge M. Margaret McKeown of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, gaining inexperience in the judicial process. This combination of academic excellence and practical experience laid a solid foundation for her future career in trademark law. Professionally, Ms. Burns has amassed over 20 years of experience in the field. From 2010, she took on the role of Senior Trademark Counsel at YouTube, where she was responsible for trademark clearance and prosecution on both domestic and international fronts.
Her responsibilities extended to managing offensive and defensive trademark disputes across various tribunals, as well as implementing anti-counterfeit measures in collaboration with customs authorities worldwide. She also oversaw numerous high-profile global rebranding projects, showcasing her expertise in navigating complex trademark issues. Before her tenure at YouTube, Ms. Burns was a member of the Litigation and Trademark practice groups at Cooley LLP. Her work there involved many trademark-related matters, further enhancing her skills and knowledge in the field. This experience provided her with a knowledge of the legal field surrounding intellectual property, which she now imparts to her students. In addition to her professional and academic roles, Ms.
Burns is actively engaged in the legal community. She has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law in both 2009 and 2023, contributing to the education and mentorship of law students. Her commitment to the field of intellectual property law is evident in her ongoing influence through teaching and professional endeavors. Based in Mountain View, California, Ms. Burns continues to shape the future of intellectual property law, ensuring that the next generation of legal professionals is well-equipped to navigate this complex area.
