Sanjay Karnik is a former Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) who represents businesses and individuals in complex civil litigation matters including intellectual property disputes, data privacy and breach cases, and class action defense. Sanjay also applies his USDOJ experience to representing clients in government investigations and litigating constitutional and election law matters. Additionally, Sanjay represents victims of financial fraud involving Ponzi Schemes and similar investment-related crimes. Sanjay works with clients across various industries, including the healthcare, construction, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) markets.
In his trademark and brand protection practice, Sanjay helps established companies and startups select and register trademarks, enforce trademark and trade dress rights, and disrupt inauthentic and counterfeit sales on e-commerce sites such as Amazon.com. Sanjay regularly litigates trademark cases in federal court and the USPTO’s Trademark and Trial Appeal Board (TTAB). Sanjay also helps his clients establish strong anti-counterfeiting measures and will work with law enforcement and retailers (such as Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit) to put an end to counterfeiting schemes.
Sanjay’s complex litigation work includes trademark infringement and false advertising claims brought under the Lanham Act, Defend Trade Secrets Act cases, and defending consumer class actions. Sanjay also represents employers in EEOC and unemployment insurance disputes. In his national class action defense practice, Sanjay represents companies in data breach and other data privacy-related claims. Additionally, Sanjay litigates cases brought under the False Claims Act, R.I.C.O., and other fraud-based statutes. For industries regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Sanjay assists clients with warning letters, inspections, recalls, and seizures. Sanjay also applies his complex litigation skills and DOJ experience when representing clients in healthcare compliance, white collar, and administrative matters.
In his government investigations practice, Sanjay helps clients navigate USDOJ and state investigations and helps his clients understand the advertising compliance requirements set forth by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Better Business Bureau – National Advertising Division (NAD). In his contracts practice, Sanjay helps brands, co-packers, distributors, and retailers secure desired terms and address contractual breaches.
Areas of Practice
Trademark and Brand Protection
Complex Civil Litigation
Class Action Defense
Government Enforcement and Investigations
Constitutional Litigation
Administrative Litigation
False Claims Act Litigation
Bar Admissions
Illinois (2009)
Washington, D.C. (2011)
Louisiana (2007)
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth, Seventh, and D.C. Circuits
U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Illinois
U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana
Education
J.D., Loyola New Orleans College of Law
B.A., American University, School of Public Affairs, Washington, D.C.
Internships:
Louisiana Dept. of Justice (Attorney General), Consumer Protection Division
U.S. Dept. of Justice, Antitrust Division (San Francisco, CA)
Sanjay Karnik is a determined trial attorney. A former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Sanjay sharpens his complex litigation skills in a variety of legal areas, including intellectual property, healthcare, business disputes, and government investigations. Winning in the courtroom begins with persuasive legal writing legal advocacy, and Sanjay excels in both.
Obtained Rule 12 dismissal, twice, of federal antitrust lawsuit brought against garbage-bin cleaning company client.
Successfully defended Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections in 2024 election litigation, creating case law confirming that election superintendents must certify election results under Georgia Election Code.
In reversal of city’s decision, successfully obtained City of Atlanta minority business certifications for female, minority plumbing business owner.
Obtained dismissal of hospital management company in Georgia medical malpractice lawsuit.
Helped obtain favorable settlement for rural Georgia physician in defamation lawsuit against major national television and cable network.
Represented Atlanta Judicial Circuit Public Defender in successful defeat of attempt to move jail inmates out of state.
Defeated frivolous E.E.O.C. claim brought against Georgia ambulance company client.
Successfully defended Georgia doctor’s office in unemployment benefits denial to employee terminated for insubordination and absences.
Obtained Rule 12 dismissal of City, County of San Francisco, CA and City Attorney in defamation and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action brought in Georgia federal court.
Successfully defended litigation brought against Illinois cannabis grower client, obtaining ruling that case must be brought to mediation first.
Obtained Illinois state court dismissal of class action brought against rural hospital alleging “online tracking” of activity on hospital’s website.
Obtained complete Rule 12 dismissal of Sherman Act Section 1 antitrust claims brought against small garbage bin cleaning business.
Represented Fulton County Public Defender and successfully prevented out-of-state transportation of jail inmates.
Helped obtain settlement for physician client in defamation lawsuit brought against NBCUniversal.
Successfully represented pasture-raised egg company in a false advertising and commercial speech case: preliminary injunction affirmed following U.S. Fourth Circuit oral argument.
Obtained complete Rule 12 dismissal of class action alleging false advertising and country of origin claims brought against well-known tomato company client.
Obtained dismissal of Italian ingredient manufacturer on basis of lack of personal jurisdiction in complex R.I.C.O. and false advertising class action.
Favorably settled arbitration matter on behalf of water bottle company against co-packer.
Obtained dismissal and Rule 11 sanctions in frivolous R.I.C.O. counterclaim lawsuit brought against another law firm and witnesses.
Helped major dietary supplement maker develop a strong anti-counterfeiting program and secure multiple favorable judgments and settlements in trademark infringement and counterfeiting cases.
USDOJ: defended numerous medical malpractice and employment lawsuits; pursued False Claims Act and environmental affirmative litigation; prosecuted gun cases; tracked down stolen money for criminal restitution.
*Every case is different, and a specific outcome is not guaranteed.
Amin Wasserman Gurnani LLP
Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chief of Financial Litigation Unit, Southern District of Georgia
Law Clerk, Hon. Edwin A. Lombard, Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal
American Health Law Association
Federal Bar Association, Chicago
American Health Law Association
Chicago Bar Association
Federal Bar Association of Chicago
Louisiana State Bar Association
South Asian Bar Association of Chicago
Consumer Class Actions, 2018 (Long Island, NY)
Challenge Coin Recognition for Legal Advocacy, Army Corps of Engineers
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