Christopher Varas joined Keats McFarland & Wilson in 2008. Chris’ practice focuses on intellectual property and technology litigation, including issues related to online commerce and the protection and management of copyright and trademark portfolios.  He is a 2002 graduate with honors of Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago, Illinois.  Prior to joining Keats McFarland & Wilson, Chris practiced in Seattle, Washington with Preston Gates & Ellis, where his practice focused primarily on issues of cybersquatting, phishing, and unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material.

Chris has developed and managed global intellectual property enforcement programs, and also has significant experience prosecuting and defending complex individual cases.  He has represented some of the world’s largest technology companies in a wide variety of matters.  He has also litigated against state and city governments on behalf of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Chris holds a Master of Laws degree in law and technology from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.  He has published articles dealing with a variety of subjects, including the protection of trademark rights in Internet domain names, the use of trademarks in graphical virtual worlds, and the development and execution of intellectual property enforcement programs.