Simon Tam is an internationally recognized thought leader in nonprofit communications, intellectual property law, and civil liberties. As the Director of Communications at I-MAK, he brings decades of expertise in strategic messaging, policy development, and civic engagement to the forefront of advocacy and social impact. His work has been featured in thousands of media outlets across more than 125 countries, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, BBC World News, and The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.
Beyond his communications acumen, Simon is a respected voice in intellectual property law, having published extensively on the subject in esteemed publications such as the American Bar Association Journal, the Oxford Handbook series, and the Buffalo Intellectual Property Law Journal. His legal insights have made him a sought-after keynote speaker at global conferences, including South by Southwest (SXSW), the International Trademark Association (INTA), and the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) World Congress.
Simon is perhaps best known for winning a landmark Supreme Court case in 2017, a victory that reshaped trademark law and free speech protections in the United States. His contributions to law and civil rights have earned him numerous accolades, including the Mark T. Banner Award from the American Bar Association, the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award, and the Ovation Lifetime Achievement Award. His memoir, hailed as “One of the Best Books on the Constitution of All Time” by BookAuthority, was also an Editor’s Choice by The LA Times Review and The Washington Post. Exhibits about his groundbreaking work are on display at the National Constitution Center, the First Amendment Museum, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
As a policy strategist and advocate, Simon has played a key role in passing bipartisan legislation across multiple states, focusing on systemic reform and social justice. His innovative approach to communications has elevated the impact of numerous nonprofit organizations, demonstrating the power of storytelling in shaping policy and public discourse.