With nearly 30 years of experience working with clients that include household brands and, in particular, mid-market businesses, John is able to remain calm and focused when encountering challenging environments. He helps clients to reduce stress in service of negotiating their desired resolution.
Because copyright and trademark litigation is frequently used as a competitive tool, John works to ensure efficiency and preserve client resources throughout the litigation process, including eliminating the potential for litigation in the first place. John focuses in trademark damages matters and trademark surveys. He has handled many inter partes proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
John also advises clients on a variety of brand development and management initiatives. He brings a straightforward, business-centric approach to counseling clients on such matters as IP licensing and transfers, noncompete agreements, restrictive covenants and confidentiality agreements. He also prosecutes trademark and copyright applications, searches and clears trademarks, and assists with the management of worldwide trademark portfolios and IP audits.
John is committed to remaining current on all legal developments in trademark and copyright law to help his clients when arguing cases with opposing counsel or in court. John is the co-author of Trademark Litigation Practice, published by Bloomberg BNA, which is a guide to the substantive, procedural and strategic issues in litigating trademark and other Lanham Act cases.
Often, the value of a trademark or copyright claim is realized in prosecuting and defending the injunction. An outstanding writer who presents cogent arguments that are both organized and thoughtful, John has wide-ranging experience in this important area of his practice. He is also a dedicated listener who is valued for his judgment and effectual client service.
Professional and Community Involvement
Member, International Trademark Association (INTA)
Member, Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago Litigation Committee
Member, American Bar Association
Member, Illinois State Bar Association
Member, Chicago Bar Association
Board member, Recover Community of Step Ahead
Honors
The Best Lawyers in America, 2024
World Trademark Review 1000, 2022-2024