INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
- OVERVIEW
- EXPERIENCE
- INSIGHTS
- NEWS & EVENTS
- PROFESSIONALS
CONTACT
- Matt Braunel
- 314 552 6106 314 552 6106 direct | Email
- Alan Norman
- 314 552 6284 314 552 6284 direct | Email
- Michael Parks
- 312 580 2237 312 580 2237 direct | Email
- Tom Polcyn
- 314 552 6331 314 552 6331 direct | Email
RELATED BLOGS
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
IP Corner® – December 2024 Edition
IP Corner® – October 2024 Edition
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
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
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
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 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
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
TCLE
Advertising and Communications for Institutions of Higher Education
Intellectual Property Primer for Higher Ed Institutions
TC Rewind: 2013 - 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
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
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 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
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Counsel
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St. Louis
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Hadi represents clients in trademark, copyright, advertising and unfair competition litigation. Hadi represents clients in trademark, copyright, advertising and unfair com... |
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Associate
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Chicago
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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... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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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 ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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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,... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Matt is vice chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group. Matt is vice chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group. |
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Senior Counsel
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St. Louis
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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... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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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... |
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Senior Counsel
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St. Louis
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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,... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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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... |
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Senior Counsel
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St. Louis
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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... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Steve Garlock is a seasoned partner in the firm's IP department with a strong foundation in business litigation and product liability. Steve Garlock is a seasoned partner in the firm's IP department with a stro... |
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Partner
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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... |
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Associate
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St. Louis
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Steven is an associate in the Firm's intellectual property practice. Steven is an associate in the Firm's intellectual property practice. |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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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... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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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 ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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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... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Jeff is a litigator, former crop consultant, and agronomic crop specialist. Jeff is a litigator, former crop consultant, and agronomic crop specialist.... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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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 ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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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... |
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Partner
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New York
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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... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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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... |
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Partner
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Washington, D.C.
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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,... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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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,... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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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... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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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... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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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... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Mark's practice focuses on facilitating clients' communications, in media, marketing and business. Mark's practice focuses on facilitating clients' communications, in media, ... |
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Associate
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St. Louis
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Sylvia is an associate in the Firm's intellectual property practice. Sylvia is an associate in the Firm's intellectual property practice. |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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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... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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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... |
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Associate
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St. Louis
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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... |
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