About us
At Sneaker & Streetwear Legal Services™, we put our clients’ goals at the forefront, delivering an experience that’s like being a first-round draft pick—focused, tailored, and high-impact. Our mission? To craft creative, bespoke solutions that empower every client to reach their full potential. Whether you’re a brand on the rise or an artist breaking new ground, we’re here to guide you with legal expertise as unique as your vision.
Founded in 2014 as Kurtz Law Firm, we began our journey as a boutique firm dedicated to athletes, entrepreneurs, artists, creatives, and small businesses. Our passion for these industries led us to a natural evolution, and by 2017, we became known as THE Sneaker Law Firm—the go-to legal resource for innovators in the sneaker and fashion worlds. This shift inspired the creation of Sneaker & Streetwear Legal Services™, or as many of our clients affectionately call us, “Sneaker Legal”. Today, we stand as industry leaders, pioneers in providing legal and business services that are tailor-made for sneaker culture and streetwear communities.
Our mission, over a decade in the making, is simple: We’re here to safeguard your creativity, ensuring that your ideas are protected while you focus on building something extraordinary. We provide more than just legal solutions; we provide peace of mind. By focusing on strategic brand protection, we help you stay ahead of the curve and in control of your future.
We know the traditional legal model—many of us came from that world. While it works for some, we found that it stifled creativity and individuality. That’s why Sneaker Legal is different. We’ve created a place where clients and lawyers alike can show up as their most authentic selves, where cultural authenticity isn’t just encouraged, it’s celebrated. We’re not just here to represent you—we’re here to understand you.
At Sneaker Legal, we believe that the greatest brands are built when people embrace who they are. By merging creative instincts with sharp legal strategies, we create a space where innovators thrive. Our human-centered approach means we go beyond the surface to deeply understand your goals and help you achieve greatness—because we’ve been there, and we get it.
Our firm is built for originality. We’re your champions, supporting the creative thinkers and groundbreakers who drive industries forward. We don’t just protect brands; we nurture them. We bring together like-minded people and businesses, helping them navigate emerging technologies, and unlock value others might overlook.
When you work with us, you’re partnering with a team that truly values creativity. We don’t just see your work as a business transaction—it’s art. It’s culture. It’s the spark that marks history and shifts paradigms. We’re here to help you make that mark and keep moving forward, one innovative step at a time.
Meet the Team
ZAKARI KURTZ
Founder/ Principal Attorney
Zakari “Zak” Kurtz is the founder of Sneaker Law Firm PLLC, doing business as Sneaker & Streetwear Legal Services, a boutique law firm built at the intersection of intellectual property, business, and culture. Licensed to practice at the state and federal levels, Zak advises clients on complex business and legal matters with a particular focus on trademark, brand protection, and commercialization strategies in the United States and internationally.
Zak represents creators and companies across the sneaker, fashion, sports, media, entertainment, food, and technology industries, ranging from emerging brands and independent artists to established corporations and institutional clients. His practice spans the full lifecycle of brand protection, including trademark clearance and prosecution, Office Action responses before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, enforcement strategy, licensing, and risk management, paired with practical business counseling tailored to how brands actually operate in the real world.
Known for his strategic and solutions-oriented approach, Zak helps clients identify, protect, and leverage their most valuable intellectual property while remaining compliant with evolving legal and commercial obligations. Clients consistently value his ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance and to navigate high-stakes issues with both creativity and precision.
Zak has successfully argued matters before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and in district courts across the country, securing favorable outcomes through both litigation and negotiated resolutions. In addition, he regularly advises global companies on rebranding initiatives, authentication standards and compliance policies, and sneaker and streetwear collaborations, licensing, and commercialization structures.
Zak earned his Bachelor of Arts from Roanoke College in 2007, where he played four years of varsity soccer and served as Co-Captain during his senior season. His soccer career included NCAA tournament play and development team play and international competition in Brazil, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Israel, and Germany. Prior to law school, he earned a Paralegal Certificate from Boston University and classes in sports business management at Columbia University. He received his Juris Doctor, with honors, from Michigan State University College of Law in 2012. Zak was named to the Sports Launch Thirty Under 30 list in both 2011 and 2012. He has served on the Sports Lawyers Association Outreach Committee from 2014- 2021.
Areas of Focus
- Sneakers & Streetwear
- Trademark & Brand Protection
- Authentication & Anti-Counterfeiting Strategy
- Licensing & Collaborations
- Consumer Goods, Collectibles & Retail
- Sports, Media & Entertainment
- Technology, Digital Art and Properties
- Business & IP Strategy for Creators
Bar & Court Admissions
- State Bar of New York
- Virginia State Bar (Corporate Counsel 2018-2023)
- U.S. District Court for the Southern Districts of New York
EXPERIENCE – Representative Cases
- Nike, Inc. v. Kool Kiy et al. (S.D.N.Y.)
Obtained a negotiated settlement resolving trademark infringement and dilution claims relating to the design and commercialization of the “Air Kiy” sneaker. - Nike, Inc. v. The Shoe Surgeon (S.D.N.Y.)
Represented client in trademark and design-related litigation involving customized footwear and brand enforcement issues. - Goyard v. The Shoe Surgeon (C.D. Cal.)
Advised on trademark and trade dress claims involving luxury branding and unauthorized use in customized products. - Confidential Designer Matter (Virginia)
Copyright infringement litigation that secured a favorable settlement prior to trial. - Nike, Inc. v. GOT EM KICKS, LLC (TTAB)
Representing a small business in trademark registration and infringement proceedings involving allegations of prior use asserted by Nike with respect to the GOT EM KICKS mark.
James Platt
Transitioning from Wall Street, Silicon Valley and East Oakland, James, aka ‘JT,’ aka ‘The Sneaker Savant,’ seamlessly blends his business and technology background with a passion for sneaker collecting.
With over 20 years in Business and Technology, James has been at the forefront of innovation, starting from Financial Analysis to Software Engineering and Education. His journey into sneaker collecting began in 1997 with the Playoff Jordan XII’s.
‘The Sneaker Savant’ has spent recent years designing and patenting technologies for sneaker authenticity and education. His goal is to legitimize the collectible sneaker space through innovation and expertise.
STEPHON A. BURTON
Stephon Burton, aka Your Favorite Creator’s Favorite Lawyer, is a Washington, DC-based attorney licensed in DC and Pennsylvania, who helps creatives, entrepreneurs, and small business owners protect what they’ve built and take their brands to the next level. At the Sneaker Law Firm, d/b/a Sneaker & Streetwear Legal Services, Stephon advises clients nationwide on Name, Image, and Likeness matters, brand protection, contracts, business formation, and intellectual property enforcement. Known for his collaborative and grounded approach, he makes complex legal issues easy to understand and helps clients move confidently through every stage of their business.
A graduate of Duquesne University School of Law, Stephon also volunteers with the DC Bar Pro Bono Center’s Nonprofit and Small Business Legal Clinic, where he helps local business owners navigate key decisions at all stages, from launch to succession planning. Stephon is passionate about making the law accessible, especially in the creative and cultural spaces driving today’s economy. Outside of work, Stephon enjoys golf, tennis, and spending time with his friends and family.
TARA RICHOLSON
Tara brings over a decade of expertise in patents and trademarks to her role at Sneaker Legal. She has a comprehensive understanding of the Intellectual Property (IP) lifecycle, including patent prosecution, trademark clearance, registration, and maintenance, both domestically and internationally.
With a background in customer service and a knack for problem-solving, Tara found her passion in the world of IP, where her keen attention to detail, investigative mindset, and creativity play a vital role in branding protection. She is dedicated to helping clients safeguard their ideas and innovations.
Beyond her work at Sneaker Legal, Tara enjoys skateboarding with her family and serves as President of the Sauk Prairie Eagle Skatepark at Culver Community Park. She is actively fundraising and developing the park’s second phase to promote sports and recreation in the community. A devoted sneaker collector, Tara shared her enthusiasm for creativity and design in a PBS Wisconsin interview, showcasing her passion for sneaker culture.
Get Started With a Free Consultation
Ready to take the next step? Book an appointment with us today and let our expert team guide you through the process with care and professionalism. Your peace of mind is just a click away.