Matthew
C.
Blickensderfer
Member
Matt Blickensderfer helps clients solve their challenges in two principal areas: (1) antitrust litigation and counseling, and (2) appellate litigation. Mr. Blickensderfer is a member in the litigation department.
Antitrust Litigation and Counseling
Mr. Blickensderfer has handled a wide variety of antitrust litigation, including cases alleging price-fixing and other conspiracies, monopolization, tying, and exclusive dealing. He frequently consults with clients outside the litigation context on all aspects of state and federal antitrust law including price discrimination. His antitrust work spans many industries, including sports, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, automobile-related businesses, and payment services.
Mr. Blickensderfer most recently represented NASCAR in the successful defense of a conspiracy and monopolization case brought by Kentucky Speedway in federal district court. The lawsuit alleged that NASCAR and various racetrack operators, including NASCAR’s sister company, had conspired to exclude Kentucky Speedway and that NASCAR had illegally monopolized stock car racing. In January of 2008, the district judge granted summary judgment for the defense.
Appellate Litigation
Mr. Blickensderfer also represents clients in the appellate process. Since serving as a law clerk to the Honorable David A. Nelson, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, in 1996-1997, Mr. Blickensderfer has represented clients in a number of federal and state appellate courts. His recent work includes these successes:
Ignazio v. Clear Channel Communications, 113 Ohio St.3d 276, 865 N.E.2d 18 (Ohio 2007) – The court of appeals had held that Clear Channel’s employment arbitration agreement was unenforceable because of an objectionable provision. Mr. Blickensderfer successfully convinced the Ohio Supreme Court to accept this appeal, and then convinced the Supreme Court to reverse the court of appeals. The Supreme Court held that the unlawful provision of the arbitration agreement was severable and the remainder of the agreement enforceable.
Scovill v. WSYX/ABC, 425 F.3d 1012 (6th Cir. 2005) – In this employment discrimination lawsuit, Mr. Blickensderfer successfully urged the Sixth Circuit to reverse the district court’s severance of certain aspects of an arbitration agreement while affirming the district court’s findings that the dispute was arbitrable and the arbitration clause lawful.
Awards and Honors
Ohio Super Lawyers® Magazine (2005-2008), "Rising Star" -- Appellate practice
"Cincinnati Leading Lawyer" in antitrust practice by Cincy Magazine (2006-2008)
AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®