Alison Watkins

Alison advises clients on rapidly increasing consumer privacy laws, with a focus on Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act and new U.S. state consumer privacy laws. Alison works with clients across a range of industries and technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and third-party platforms.

Valued by her clients for her quick grasp of their technology and business priorities, Alison regularly counsels clients at all stages leading to product launch. She drafts privacy notices, online terms and policies, and other consumer-facing disclosures. Additionally, Alison helps clients develop and mature privacy programs to comply with negotiated FTC consent orders and consumer privacy laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act and General Data Protection Regulation.

Prior to joining Perkins Coie, Alison litigated patent cases on behalf of clients in many technologies and industries, including software, semiconductors, wireless networking, mobile communications, and recombinant DNA technology. Her experience includes matters involving trade secret, breach of contract, unfair competition, and other commercial dispute litigations. She played a leading role in litigation in courts throughout the United States, as well as before the U.S. International Trade Commission and in private arbitration. She has substantial experience in all aspects of litigation, from pre-suit diligence through appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. 

Alison maintains an active pro bono practice as part of her service on the board of directors for the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County.