Attorneys

Chris Ridder

Chris Ridder

Chris has practiced intellectual property and technology law for over 20 years: at big law firms, as a fellow at Stanford Law School, and at RCJ. He represents clients on a broad range of copyright, trademark, and cyberlaw matters. Read more.

Ben Costa

Ben Costa

Having practiced in the fields of trademark and copyright law for his entire career, Ben has enhanced and protected the rights of clients both in the US and around the world. Read more.

Erica Johnstone

Erica Johnstone

Erica specializes in defending people who have been harmed online, and helping victims take down or block the publication of unlawful content. Read more.

About Us

Welcome! Ridder, Costa & Johnstone LLP is a California law firm specializing in intellectual property, internet law, and the rules of both old and new media. Our attorneys are uniquely positioned to advocate at the convergence of creative expression, law, and technology. We represent large and small businesses, non-profits, and individuals in litigation, counseling, and transactional matters.

Founded by Chris Ridder, Ben Costa, and Erica Johnstone, RCJ is dedicated to providing risk-management advice tailored to the needs of each client, and to focused and efficient representation.

Software & Internet Law, New Media Law, Data Privacy

  • Software development; open source
  • Technology transactions
  • Platform regulation; intermediary liability; online speech
  • Computer security; hacking/circumvention
  • Online contracts; terms of use
  • Data privacy (including GDPR and CCPA compliance)
  • Online service provider demands, subpoenas, and court orders

Trademark & Copyright

  • Intellectual property litigation and dispute resolution, including copyright, trademark, trade secret, and cyberlaw matters
  • Trademark registration, prosecution, oppositions; domain name disputes
  • Brand selection, clearance, and due diligence
  • Intellectual property licensing, including brands, content, and software
  • Domain expertise in areas including literary works, music, film and video, software, AI/ML, and fair use analysis

Online Harassment, Defamation, Invasion of Privacy

  • Tech-savvy representation in family and intimate partner abuse matters
  • Electronic evidence collection and preservation
  • Domestic violence and civil harassment restraining orders
  • Litigation and subpoena practice
  • Stalking, revenge porn, and threats to harm
  • Identity theft and impersonation