A member of Dickinson Wright’s Washington, D.C. office, Jonathan Wachs focuses his practice on intellectual property law, outsourced legal departments, and the legal cannabis industry.
Jonathan regularly navigates state-specific regulations for cannabis industry applicants, operators and stakeholders and secures regulatory approval for cannabis license transfers and changes. He has also facilitated numerous business transactions involving the sale, purchase, and combination of integrated cannabis cultivation, processing, and dispensary businesses.
In the area of intellectual property law, Jonathan offers strategic guidance regarding how to develop, register, enforce, and transfer IP assets. With a focus on comprehensive intellectual property audits, he aids clients in understanding asset nature and value, along with strategies to prevent misappropriation or dilution. Jonathan’s experience extends to managing IP portfolios, resolving disputes, and negotiating agreements across industries such as software development, manufacturing, and food and beverages. He has secured substantial trademark and copyright infringement settlements for both national and international businesses.
In addition, Jonathan provides strategic counsel and legal support in commercial transactions and corporate governance. He enjoys a successful track record in negotiating seven and eight-figure business deals. Additionally, Jonathan organized and managed cost-effective outsourced legal departments, serving as outside general counsel for government contractors, printing firms, payment processors, an identity theft restoration company and an architecture firm.
Education & Credentials
Education
American University, Washington College of Law
J.D.University of Pennsylvania
B.A., with Departmental HonorsBar Admission
Acknowledgements
- Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent® Top Rated Lawyers
- The Best Lawyers in America®, 2023 - 2025
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Cannabis Law, Copyright Law, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Trademark Law, 2025
- Who’s Who in Cannabis, Baltimore Business Journal, 2021
- SmartCEO Center of Influence Award, 2015 – 2016
- SmartCEO’s 2010 “Legal Elite” in Baltimore and Washington
Prominent Assignments
- Served as lead regulatory counsel in effort to obtain required Maryland regulatory approval for the transfer of several licenses affected by a multi-billion-dollar business combination.
- Facilitated a series of business transactions involving the sale, purchase and combination of integrated cannabis cultivation, processing and dispensary businesses.
- Served as lead regulatory and corporate counsel in a business combination of several cannabis dispensaries.
- Drafted numerous agreements to license, sell and/or pledge intellectual property assets in industries including software development, entertainment, textiles food products and alcoholic beverages.
Professional Involvement
- The Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, Chair of DC-Maryland-Virginia Chapter
- University of Pennsylvania Alumni Interview Program, Baltimore Area Chapter Co-Chair
Community Involvement
- KIPP Baltimore, Board of Directors - a dynamic and innovative K-8 charter school program that prepares students to seek and achieve pathways to high-aspiration careers
- Operation Walk Maryland, Board of Directors - a private, not-for-profit, volunteer medical service organization that provides free surgical treatment for patients in developing countries and in the United States
- Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland Inc., Past President and Board Chair
Publications/Presentations
Jonathan regularly delivers webinars and participates on panels regarding the fundamentals of intellectual property, legal issues for startup businesses and developments in the legal cannabis industry. Recent speaking engagements include:
- University of Baltimore Cannabis Law Symposium Panelist (April 12, 2024)
- Maryland Cannabis Industry Symposium Panelist, CannaBizMD (February 24, 2024)
- State of the State Overview Panelist, Maryland Cannabis Market – MITA Unshackled (November 2023)
- Webinar, Essential Steps for Obtaining an Adult-Use Cannabis License in Maryland (July 2023)