Heath Hyatt
- Seattle
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Heath is a seasoned lawyer recognized for his litigation skills and case-breaking insights.
Heath Hyatt handles high-stakes commercial litigation for both plaintiffs and defendants on a wide range of issues, in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration. He has litigated breach of contract claims, trade secret misappropriation, copyright and trademark infringement, IP and employment matters, bankruptcy issues, unfair competition, and other business disputes. His experience spans all aspects of litigation, from pre-litigation dispute resolution to appeal and every stage in between. He has also worked on internal investigations and restructuring compliance programs.
In IP matters, Heath represents plaintiffs and defendants asserting or defending against misappropriation or infringement claims, with a particular emphasis on trade secret and copyright litigation. He was recently a key player in dismissing a $250 million copyright claim and argued the winning motion for summary judgment. Heath was also instrumental in securing a permanent injunction—and a $6 million attorneys’ fees award—against individuals who were caught stealing industry-changing trade secrets from a client. Heath co-authored the article, “Four Keys to Litigating a Modern Trade Secret Case” for the Litigation journal of the American Bar Association.
In the arena of business disputes, Heath has successfully represented a broad range of interests. As a recent example, he obtained summary judgment to prevent his client’s multimillion-dollar award from being discharged in bankruptcy. In another case ruling that was affirmed on appeal, he achieved dismissal of defamation and other tort claims against a prominent organization. Heath has favorably resolved and won numerous breach of contract cases for clients of all sizes.
Heath also maintains a vigorous practice protecting our democratic institutions through voting rights cases and other initiatives in states across the country. Recent examples include helping to defend Arizona’s entire elections procedure and disrupting efforts to undermine mail-in voting in Nevada. He also defended against lawsuits aimed at overturning the results of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Heath advises campaigns across the country on recounts and election day preparation, and he counsels clients on campaign finance laws in Seattle and throughout the state of Washington. Heath also played a leading role in reinstating critical health data indiscriminately purged by the federal government in response to an early 2025 executive order.
Actively committed to pro bono causes, Heath primarily focuses on upholding constitutional rights. He led a team of lawyers, in collaboration with the American Civil Liberties Union, in successfully invalidating an arbitrary and discriminatory federal immigration policy. Heath managed and then argued the winning motion for summary judgment. He assists clients with immigration benefit applications, as well. He also helped in securing a preliminary injunction to prevent indiscriminate and excessive force against peaceful protesters.
Areas of focus
Education & Credentials
Education
- Harvard Law School, J.D., magna cum laude, Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review, 2018
- Claremont McKenna College, B.A., Government, cum laude, 2012
Bar and Court Admissions
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Washington
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
Related Employment
- Perkins Coie, Summer Associate, 2017
- U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Virginia, Civil Division, Legal Intern, 2016
- Office of U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, Deputy Executive Assistant and "Bodyman," 2013-2015
Professional Recognition
Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation Law, 2023-2026
Professional Experience
Trade Secrets
Intellectual Ventures
Counsel for Intellectual Ventures in a successful trade secret dispute against former employees working in IV’s Advanced Physics Laboratory. After a three-week arbitration, the arbitrator ruled in IV's favor on the misappropriation of trade secrets and breaches of contract and awarded IV injunctive relief and $6.7 million in attorneys’ fees.
Business Torts
Smith v. Gen Con
Washington Superior Court (King County)
Counsel representing defendant in defamation case. All claims dismissed at motion to dismiss stage, and later re-dismissed a second time. Currently pending on appeal.
Copyright and Trademark
Upper Deck v. Ravensburger North America
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
Complete summary judgment victory for Ravensburger dismissing a claim $250 million in damages alleging various claims of misappropriation and copyright infringement relating to the Disney Lorcana trading card game. Heath argued the successful summary judgment motion dismissing Ravensburger from the case.
Moi v. Chihuly
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
Complete summary judgment victory, holding that Chihuly was sole author and copyright owner of certain paintings and awarding attorneys’ fees of $1.6 million. Affirmed on appeal.
Real Estate
Warhorse Golden Gate LLC v. WeWork Companies Inc. and WeWork 25 Taylor LLC
New York Supreme Court (New York City)
Counsel representing tenant and guarantor in dispute against landlord concerning lease exit, and alleged breaches of guaranty.
Pro Bono Cases
Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County et al. v. City of Seattle
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
Counsel representing BLM and a group of individuals challenging the City of Seattle’s use of force against demonstrators protesting police violence. Successfully obtained a temporary restraining order restricting the use of force, which was later converted to a preliminary injunction. The case received widespread coverage in the Seattle Times and Law360.
Wagafe, et al. v. Trump, et al.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
Represent plaintiffs in class action challenging the legality of several executive orders issued by the president of the United States, and a secretive government program targeting Muslims applying for immigration benefits. District court has certified two nationwide classes.
