Jeff Thayer is a distinguished trial lawyer renowned for his expertise in defending auto manufacturers and dealerships in commercial and contract litigation. With a focus on cases involving consumer protection laws, such as California's Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (lemon law) and fraudulent concealment, Jeff navigates the complexities of litigation from the initial complaint through post-trial motions and appeal. His zealous advocacy at every stage of the legal process has consistently yielded favorable verdicts, settlements, and dismissals in multi-million dollar matters across state and federal courts.

Beyond his prowess in automotive litigation, Jeff is a seasoned intellectual property litigator and a registered patent attorney. His extensive experience includes litigating cases and managing patent applications in the realms of semi-conductors, software, and electronics. Jeff excels in crafting expert responses to office actions both in the United States and the European Union. Additionally, he boasts significant proficiency in intellectual property areas such as copyright, trademark, trade dress, trade secret, internet law, and entertainment law.

Jeff earned his Juris Doctor from UC Berkeley's Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall) in 2001. During his time there, he participated in Moot Court, earning the Best Brief Award for Outstanding Advocacy. His early legal career involved clerkships with the Monterey County District Attorney's Office and the Office of then-State Senator Bruce McPherson. Prior to pursuing law, Jeff obtained a B.S. in Chemical Engineering with an emphasis in bioengineering from UCLA. His pre-law background included work with The ADEPT Group, Inc., an engineering consulting firm specializing in alternative fuel applications and developing green technology for public transportation.

Outside of the legal realm, Jeff finds joy in his personal pursuits, which include traveling, hiking, running, and swimming. An avid reader of novels, science, and history, he brings a diverse range of interests to his practice. Jeff is happily married and resides in Lafayette and Pasadena, California.

Publications

Admissions

• State Bar Admissions
  • California
• United States District Courts
  • United States District Court for the Central District of California
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of California
• Other Admissions
  • United States Patent & Trademark Office

Associations

• Contra Costa County Bar Association 
• Asian American Bar Association for the Greater Bay Area (AABA)
• National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA)
• The Bar Association of San Francisco: 2024 Chair and 2023 Vice Chair of the IP/Internet Law Section
• Filipino Bar Association of Northern California: 2024 member of Professional Development Committee

Education

University of California, Berkeley School of Law

Juris Doctor, 2001

University of California, Los Angeles

Bachelor of Science, 1998