Kristina Martinez

KRISTINA (KRIS) MARTINEZ focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation, with a strong emphasis on intellectual property, advertising, and trademark matters. She is also a member of the firm’s Artificial Intelligence working group. She provides strategic guidance to clients navigating the evolving landscape of entertainment, technology, and digital innovation, including issues related to artificial intelligence and digital assets. Her clientele spans a wide spectrum, from major corporations and industry leaders to creative professionals and sports organizations, often involving high-stakes cases and significant financial interests. Kris’ experience covers the full spectrum of litigation, including class actions, multi-district proceedings, and complex commercial conflicts across sectors such as media, consumer goods, real estate, finance, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. Renowned for her effective advocacy, Kris has a wealth of experience guiding clients from early case assessment through trial and beyond. Kris was ranked by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Litigation — Intellectual Property (2026).

Kris completed a fellowship in partnership with the Orange County Superior Court, which involved developing an artificial intelligence platform to assist victims of domestic violence. Kris is an Intellectual Property Law Institute Scholar who, prior to joining Sidley, externed for the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. She also served as business development manager for the UC Irvine Law Review, co-founded UCI Women in Tech Law, and represented clients as a student attorney for the Intellectual Property, Arts, and Technology Clinic.

Kris is a State of California Professional Engineer and prior to law school spent 13 years as project manager and engineer for one of the world’s largest and most respected engineering companies. Kris led and oversaw high-profile, first-of-a-kind projects in Chile, Peru, Canada, and the U.S. She is also certified in Six Sigma Black Belt statistical analysis and worked with governments and international clients to integrate cutting-edge technologies into existing procedures for maximum productivity and safety.

Kris has assisted with the representation of:

• Golo, LLC, regarding class action claims related to alleged violations of the Unfair Competition Law, False Advertising Law, and Consumer Legal Remedies Act.
• Briogeo in its acquisition by Wella Company, a beauty company with a portfolio comprised of brands including Wella Professionals, O·P·I, ghd, Nioxin, Sebastian Professional, and Clairol.

• Board Chair, Waldorf School of Orange County Board of Trustees
• Member, Howard T. Markey Intellectual Property Inn of Court
• Former Board Member, Cámara Chilena de la Construcción
• Former Pro bono and Community Outreach Committee, Hispanic National Bar Association