John McKasson

John represents service businesses, foreign and domestic manufacturers, distributors and importers, as well as container leasing companies. He is corporate counsel for numerous mid-sized and large corporations. He drafts their agreements and handles their general corporate needs and litigation disputes.

John obtained his undergraduate degree in Business Finance in 1985. John graduated Magna cum Laude from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1988, where he was awarded the American Jurisprudence Award 6 times and a full Merit Scholarship for being ranked #2 in his class.

He was recruited directly out of law school by one of California’s top-5 rated law firms where he spent a few years, and then he joined a well known firm of trial lawyers where he learned the ropes before forming his own law firm in 1996.

With 20+ years of practice, John focuses on business, IP and employment litigation in both federal and state courts, and has obtained several multimillion-dollar verdicts. Here are some of his victories, with highlights on the types of cases he has handled:

Representative Trials

California Veterinary Board v. Clark
Successful defense in a 4-day Administrative trial, in which the Vet Board unsuccessfully argued the client was engaged in unlicensed activity and sought an injunction to prevent the company from doing further business in California.

California Veterinary Board v. Aldrin
Another successfully defense verdict in 3-day Administrative trial alleging unlicensed activity and seeking an injunction to shut down the corporate defendant.

L’anza v. Quality King – Federal Court – Copyright Infringement
Prevailed as plaintiff's counsel in Federal Court in LA under copyright laws, to prevent "gray market importation" of client’s hair care products from Europe back into the US market. (The case ultimately ended up before the U.S. Supreme Court and was argued by special Supreme Court appellate counsel); opinion at 523 U.S. 135 (1998)

L’anza v. Quality King – State Court Interference Action Prevailed again as plaintiff's trial counsel in 4-week State Court action, in interference with a contract and unfair competitiondispute, resulting in a nearly $5 million judgment in favor of the client. National Union v. United States

Prevailed as plaintiffs' counsel in a Federal Court trial for Negligence in constructing the Redondo Beach break water. Clients were awarded 2.4 million in damages.

San v. Wan
Defense of employment case in 5-week jury trial before State Court. Defeated claims that company employees were liable for an alleged assault by a company manger. Also, successfully obtained insurance coverage on defense costs for all defendants.

Representative Wins on Summary Judgment - Saving the cost of a trial

Icon v. APC
Successful defense of trademark case before Federal Court in LA. Claims for trademark dilution and unfair competition seeking millions of dollars in damages. Able to resolve the case before after summary judgment was granted on the dilution claims.

Nuno v. Carreon
Injury and indemnity case dismissed against client in response to Motion for Summary Judgment.

Scott v. All Cartage Transportation
Motion for summary judgment granted for client in injury/transportation case.

Curiel v. Sequoyah
Summary judgment granted in favor of client on complaint and a cross complaint for breach of contract and indemnity. Client also recovered its attorney's fees and costs.

Safeco v. Gators Sports Optics
Another insurance coverage dispute in Federal Court arising out of intellectual property claims. Summary judgment granted for client.

Safeco v. APT
Insurance coverage litigation in Federal Court arising out of intellectual property dispute. Obtained summary judgment in favor of client before trial.

johnm@mckassonklein.com
Dir. Line 949.724.0208