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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

We handle the full breadth of IP issues faced by clients worldwide.

Thompson Coburn’s Intellectual Property practice group is focused on counseling businesses—including nonprofits such as universities—with respect to their intellectual property and information technology needs.

With our guidance, clients can establish, protect and enhance the value of their IP portfolios. Our client roster is diverse, ranging from start-up ventures to established industry leaders. We provide legal services relating to patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret protection, as well as Internet and new media, e-commerce, software licensing, unfair competition and false advertising. We also have experience in all aspects of the emerging technology spectrum. We litigate IP matters in courts throughout the country and before governmental agencies. Our mission is to give our intellectual property clients the highest quality, most responsive and most cost-effective legal counsel possible.

Many of our IP attorneys have advanced degrees, scientific research experience and practical business experience in advanced technology industries—backgrounds that enable them to understand and appreciate the significance of technical innovations quickly and to focus on satisfying the clients’ legal needs.

Publications

Federal Circuit Overrules Rigid Test for Design Patent Obviousness

USPTO Issues Notice of Proposed Rule Making

Correcting Patent Inventorship: The High Bar to Overcome Being Trimmed Fat

Bitcoin Miner and Lancium patent power showdown in Texas

Speeding into trouble: F1 racing takes legal action against counterfeit merch sellers

Financial institution’s mobile or digital wallet accused of infringing Liberty Peak Ventures’ patent rights

Subleasing and false advertising: How trademark law can help property managers

PACid sues major financial institution for patent infringement for user authentication technology

Preparing for the EU’s upcoming Unitary Patent regime: Four things patent owners need to know

AuthWallet sues financial transaction industry for patent infringement

Trademark Modernization Act: What we learned after one year

USPTO official filing receipts erroneously omit foreign filing licenses

Western District of Texas finally spurred to action to address Waco division patent dominance

IPR estoppel on grounds similar, but not identical, to grounds that could have been raised in an IPR

New U.S. trademark and copyright procedures

The other side of IPR estoppel: When shotgun petitions backfire

IPR Estoppel: The Federal Circuit finally speaks, and affirms the broader interpretation for estoppel

When can you sue on your new patent? That depends on your time zone.

Supreme Court Upholds, but Narrows, Assignor Estoppel

Litigation fees may be tax-deductible, confirms new Tax Court ruling

Will there be reform of Alice and Mayo in 2021?

A race between West Texas and Delaware for the patent venue of choice

UAV patent battles wage on

Delivering a false impression: Postmates faces unfair competition allegations

Controlling the airspace: Dogfight begins over defined airspace patents

Patent Office clarifies standard for indefiniteness in AIA post-grant proceedings

USPTO announces relief to restore priority or benefit rights for patent applicants

Intellectual property and other legal priorities during COVID-19

IPR estoppel: A broad interpretation prevails

Supreme Court harmonizes showing necessary for an award of profits, resolving circuit split in Romag Fasteners, Inc. v. Fossil, Inc.

Supreme Court holds that with respect to institution decisions, no review means no review

USPTO: Extensions under the CARES Act during COVID-19

Patents, trademarks and the COVID-19 stimulus bill

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s response to COVID-19

Federal Circuit holds that states are not entitled to sovereign immunity in inter partes review proceedings

Participate in standard-setting bodies? The enforceability of your patents could be affected

Supreme Court nixes USPTO’s practice of partially instituting IPR challenges

The Supreme Court upholds the constitutionality of the IPR process

Could graffiti art prevent your redevelopment project?

PTAB offers clarification on inter partes review and state sovereign immunity

Supreme Court overturns the Federal Circuit, granting more flexibility to biosimilar makers

USPTO launches new proof of use audit program

The shifting standard for IPR estoppel: Where are we now?

In new litigation, Amazon takes a stronger stance on counterfeit products

What U.S. companies need to know about their IP rights post-Brexit

Fashion industry awash in copyright lawsuits: What you can do

Court preserves GM’s copyright claims against Autel and its VP

New changes to U.S. design patent law

USPTO publishes new (and largely improved) guidance for subject matter eligibility

Final really does mean final in the Federal Circuit

The AIA: Reviewing the first year of Inter Partes Review

Federal Circuit rules objective prong of willful infringement best decided by judge

Acceptable specimens are key to strong trademark protection

America Invents Act – Patent ‘reform’ but possibly not simplification

Blog Posts

Supreme Court Avoids Discovery Rule Fight in Copyright Lawsuit

Judge Rules AI-Generated Art Is Not Copyrightable

News reporting use of insurrection photo held to be fair use

Mural copyrights: Yes, it’s a thing! Don’t end up with paint on your face

Weeding out cannabis patent infringement claims

Supreme Court excuses copyright application mistake

Photo publisher’s checklist: Seven New Year’s legal resolutions for your website

FTC warns of penalties for false endorsements

Disinformation report suggests major legal reforms

Non-practicing entities increasingly are targeting banks and financial institutions in patent litigation

TCLE

Talking About Your IP Rights

Advertising and Communications for Institutions of Higher Education

Intellectual Property Primer for Higher Ed Institutions

IP 101

TC Rewind: 2013 - Building Brand Integrity and Countering Counterfeits

Building Brand Integrity and Countering Counterfeits

News

Matt Braunel to Lead Missouri Bar IP & Biotech Committee

Matt Braunel Featured in ‘Legal Limelight’ Q&A on AI

Michael Parks Speaks to Bloomberg Law on News Outlets and AI

Ben Volk Shares Insights with Law360 on Patent Eligibility Rulings

Thompson Coburn Attorneys Recognized in Chambers USA 2024

Thompson Coburn Shuts Down Fraudulent Website for Marymount California University

Ben Volk Speaks to Law360 on Attorney AI Guidance

Michael Parks Speaks to Reuters on IPO-Bound Reddit’s Patent Dispute

Michael Parks Speaks on Key AI Trends for 2024

Ben Volk Shares Insights on Auto Brands Joining Avanci Licensing Program

Ben Volk Talks to Law360 on USPTO Guidance for AI and Patents

Nathan Fonda Contributes to Roundup of Top IP Milestones of 2023

Mike Nepple Speaks to Law360 on 2023’s Biggest Copyright Rulings

Shoko Naruo Recognized as a Rising Star by INTA

Mike Nepple Discusses Supreme Court Trademark Case with Bloomberg Law

Thompson Coburn Highlighted for Innovation Protections on WBBM NewsRadio

Mike Nepple Shares Insights on Supreme Court Case Vidal v. Elster

Tom Polcyn and Matt Braunel Discuss GenAI Concerns for Human Authors

Matt Braunel Discusses New USPTO Rule Sparking Surge in Bids for PTAB Review with Law360

Shoko Naruo Discusses the Impactful Trademark Decisions of 2023 With Law360

Michael Parks on US Supreme Court's Decision: Apple and Broadcom to Face Jury Trial Without Patent Invalidity Defense

Chambers USA Recognizes Thompson Coburn Practices for Excellence in 2023 Guide

Thompson Coburn’s Shoko Naruo Shares Insight into Taco Bell Trademark Battle with Law360

Summary judgment win for Canadian Standards Association

World Trademark Review names Tom Polcyn to 2023 WTR 1000 list

Thompson Coburn team discusses Trademark Modernization Act's new procedures aimed at rooting out unused marks in Law360 article

Tom Polcyn talks to Thomson Reuters’ ‘Technologist’ about the Metaverse

Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2022 Chambers USA

World Trademark Review names Tom Polcyn to WTR 1000 list

Thompson Coburn releases 2021 Ag Innovation Survey on the impact of COVID, future of the ag industry

Congratulations to the new Thompson Coburn partners for 2021

Thompson Coburn releases first Ag Innovation Survey on the impact of COVID, future of the ag industry

Thompson Coburn client Charles Rice wins 2020 Nobel Prize for Hepatitis C Virus discoveries

Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2020 Chambers USA

Thompson Coburn supports opening of Center for Soybean Innovation

Congratulations to the new Thompson Coburn partners for 2020

Jennifer Visintine named a 2019 Missouri Up & Coming lawyer

17 Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2019 Chambers USA

Thompson Coburn supports agricultural growth through the Center for Soybean Innovation

Jennifer Visintine recognized by International Trademark Association for pro bono work

Thompson Coburn earns 11 national top-tier rankings in U.S. News 2019 ‘Best Law Firms’ survey

Thompson Coburn supports ANGP’s innovative hybrid natural gas vehicle system

DCP wins important copyright case

Congratulations to our 14 ‘Lawyers of the Year’ for 2019

New Jersey jury awards $11 million to Thompson Coburn client in pet invention dispute

Thompson Coburn attorneys to speak at Digital Hollywood

Geoff Coll and Ed Gray join Thompson Coburn, further expanding the DC office

Thompson Coburn brief provides key underpinning for major 9th Circuit copyright ruling

Congratulations to the new Thompson Coburn partners for 2017

A stitch in time: Thompson Coburn secures trademark protection for iconic Cherry Dress

Thompson Coburn named among top 30 law firms for client service

Agribusiness professionals enjoy hands-on farm simulation at Thompson Coburn

Thompson Coburn leads Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council to $600,000 jury verdict

23 Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2016 Chambers USA

New Thompson Coburn blog In Focus covers photo copyright cases

Associates, patent agent join Thompson Coburn in Chicago, Los Angeles, St. Louis

Congratulations to our 8 ‘Lawyers of the Year’

IT news site interviews Matt Braunel on patent infringement litigation

Mark Sableman and Jennifer Visintine help educate documentary filmmakers

Steve Garlock quoted in front-page Wall Street Journal story on FURminator’s patent successes

Counsel
St. Louis

Hadi represents clients in trademark, copyright, advertising and unfair competition litigation.

Hadi represents clients in trademark, copyright, advertising and unfair com...

Hadi Al-Shathir
Associate
Chicago

Brendan helps counsel clients on a wide range of intellectual property issues, including intellectual property portfolio management, enforcement and prosecution.

Brendan helps counsel clients on a wide range of intellectual property issu...

Brendan Bement
Partner
St. Louis

Addressing the intellectual property needs of both large corporate clients and individuals, Thad works extensively on patent protection and other IP related issues for a ...

Addressing the intellectual property needs of both large corporate clients ...

Thad Blenke
Partner
St. Louis

Tony's practice encompasses a broad range of intellectual property matters, including patents, trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks and other issues involving the intern...

Tony's practice encompasses a broad range of intellectual property matters,...

Anthony Blum
Partner
St. Louis

Matt is vice chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group.

Matt is vice chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group.

Matt Braunel
Senior Counsel
St. Louis

Ed serves as a key tax advisor to companies embarking on any type of corporate restructuring, from acquisitions and dispositions to spinoffs and management changes.

Ed serves as a key tax advisor to companies embarking on any type of corpor...

Ed Buchholz
Partner
St. Louis

Katie's practice encompasses a broad spectrum of intellectual property matters, including counterfeiting, patent and other trademark litigation for a wide range of client...

Katie's practice encompasses a broad spectrum of intellectual property matt...

Katie Colvin
Senior Counsel
St. Louis

Chip's practice focuses on the representation of individuals, universities, and national and international companies in commercial transactions and counseling involving t...

Chip's practice focuses on the representation of individuals, universities,...

Chip Fendell
Partner
St. Louis

Nathan is committed to helping his clients protect some of their most valuable assets whether it be through intellectual property counseling or in litigation.

Nathan is committed to helping his clients protect some of their most valua...

Nathan Fonda
Senior Counsel
St. Louis

Dean has extensive first chair trial experience, limiting his practice to intellectual property and commercial litigation.

Dean has extensive first chair trial experience, limiting his practice to i...

Dean Franklin
Partner
St. Louis

Steve Garlock has extensive experience litigating intellectual property matters.

Steve Garlock has extensive experience litigating intellectual property mat...

Steve Garlock
Partner
Washington, D.C. |
Los Angeles

Ed advocates for his clients across the country focusing on intellectual property, trade secrets, corporate technology, licensing, patent strategy, trademark prosecution,...

Ed advocates for his clients across the country focusing on intellectual pr...

Ed Gray
Associate
St. Louis

Steven is an associate in the Firm's intellectual property practice.

Steven is an associate in the Firm's intellectual property practice.

Steven Heinrich
Partner
St. Louis

Matt’s practice is focused on the preparation and prosecution of patent applications in a variety of mechanical and electrical arts.

Matt’s practice is focused on the preparation and prosecution of patent app...

Matt Himich
Partner
St. Louis

Wil has a PhD in cellular and molecular biology and experience as research scientist working for a major biotechnology company.

Wil has a PhD in cellular and molecular biology and experience as research ...

Wil Holtz, Ph.D.
Partner
St. Louis

David strategically advises clients in a variety of intellectual property disputes including patent prosecution, IP litigation, brand protection, counterfeiting, Post-Gra...

David strategically advises clients in a variety of intellectual property d...

David Jinkins
Partner
St. Louis

Jeff is a litigator, former crop consultant, and agronomic crop specialist.

Jeff is a litigator, former crop consultant, and agronomic crop specialist....

Jeff Masson
Partner
Chicago

Clients look to Sartouk for counsel on how to advance their business goals through strategic and creative approaches to the protection and enforcement of their intellectu...

Clients look to Sartouk for counsel on how to advance their business goals ...

Sartouk Moussavi
Partner
St. Louis

Clients throughout the country, both big and small, trust Justin to protect their business interests and intellectual property rights at all stages—from the initial phase...

Clients throughout the country, both big and small, trust Justin to protect...

Justin Mulligan
Partner
New York

Shoko helps companies protect their valuable brands in markets around the world through strategic trademark counseling and enforcement.

Shoko helps companies protect their valuable brands in markets around the w...

Shoko Naruo
Partner
St. Louis

Mike focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation, including patent, media, advertising, copyright, trade secret, privacy and data breach actions.

Mike focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation, including pa...

Mike Nepple
Partner
Washington, D.C.

Jeff's practice focuses extensively on all aspects of government contracts, federal and state procurement, and administrative law and litigation.

Jeff's practice focuses extensively on all aspects of government contracts,...

Jeff Newman
Partner
St. Louis

Alan represents clients in all aspects of intellectual property litigation, with a strong emphasis on patent litigation at both the trial and appellate court levels, and ...

Alan represents clients in all aspects of intellectual property litigation,...

Alan Norman
Partner
Chicago

Michael counsels clients on patent and trademark issues and represents them in federal courts across the United States.

Michael counsels clients on patent and trademark issues and represents them...

Michael Parks
Partner
St. Louis

Tom provides strategic intellectual property counseling to some of the world's largest consumer products companies and service providers, with a focus on IP portfolio man...

Tom provides strategic intellectual property counseling to some of the worl...

Tom Polcyn
Partner
St. Louis

Steve advises clients on domestic and international patent applications and provides comprehensive counsel on licensing and technology transfer.

Steve advises clients on domestic and international patent applications and...

Steve Ritchey
Partner
St. Louis

Mark's practice focuses on facilitating clients' communications, in media, marketing and business.

Mark's practice focuses on facilitating clients' communications, in media, ...

Mark Sableman
Associate
St. Louis

Sylvia is an associate in the Firm's intellectual property practice.

Sylvia is an associate in the Firm's intellectual property practice.

Sylvia Turner
Partner
St. Louis

Jennifer is a partner in the Firm's Intellectual Property and Media Law practice groups.

Jennifer is a partner in the Firm's Intellectual Property and Media Law pra...

Jennifer Visintine
Partner
St. Louis

Ben brings a background in electrical and computer engineering to his legal practice, which primarily focuses on the preparation and prosecution of patent applications.

Ben brings a background in electrical and computer engineering to his legal...

Ben Volk, Jr.
Associate
St. Louis

Alex is a patent attorney and intellectual property litigator with experience assisting with litigation in federal courts and before administrative bodies.

Alex is a patent attorney and intellectual property litigator with experien...

Alex Weidner