Intellectual Property

Recognized among the nation’s top law firms, we provide strategic IP counsel backed by strong industry rankings and a deeply technical bench of talent that few can match:

• National Tier 1 and Tier 2 rankings in patent law, trademark law, copyright law, IP litigation, and patent litigation by Best Law Firms
• National trademark rankings in World Trademark Review 1000 and Managing Intellectual Property: IP Stars
• Top patent law firm in Juristat Top 100
• “Best of the Best Law Firms” in IP litigation by BTI Consulting Group
• Attorneys recognized as leading IP strategists in IAM Strategy 300
• 125+ dedicated IP attorneys, including former in-house counsel for global brands and generic companies across a myriad of industries;
• 78 percent of our team has deep backgrounds in biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics, molecular biology, engineering, and other highly technical fields; and
• 24 percent of the team possesses an advanced technical degree.

 

“Barnes & Thornburg has a great bench of patent attorneys who are aligned with the business objectives at our company. They are technically savvy patent attorneys and are always strong in their strategy as well as how that aligns with our business objectives. I sleep well knowing that when instructions are provided, they will be carried through accurately and timely.”
– Client comment in Best Lawyers

End-to-end IP strategy

We help monitor, protect, and defend our clients’ IP across cutting-edge markets and industries, relying on extensive experience and technical knowledge. Our capabilities include all aspects of IP practice, including such rapidly evolving areas as:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and related issues
• Life sciences
• Data security and privacy challenges, protections, and regulations
• Advertising and marketing regulation
• Patent, trademark, and copyright litigation in federal courts
• Brand protection and disputes before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB)
• Post-grant proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
• Internet domain names and UDRP
• IP counseling, prosecution, and portfolio management
• Licensing and joint ventures
• Trade secret and trade dress issues

 

“Barnes & Thornburg is the absolute best. They are our go-to for all things intellectual property. They are a true partner and feel like an extension of our in-house legal department — something that is very hard to find in outside counsel.”
– Client comment in Best Lawyers

Partners in your success

We go beyond legal protection — we help you leverage your IP for growth and market advantage. Our team has worked alongside many of our clients for decades, managing portfolios that evolve with their business and industry landscapes. Whether securing patents, structuring licensing deals, or resolving disputes, we help ensure your IP remains a powerful driver of innovation and value.

Some of our representative matters include:

• For over 30 years, we have provided patent prosecution, freedom-to-operate, and due diligence services to a major healthcare company. Our work supports technology development in medical devices and software-related innovations having applicability across all aspects of patient care.
• We advise an industry-leading company on patent matters related to gas turbine engines and advanced propulsion technologies. Our services include portfolio management, design support, and strategic patent opinions.
• We successfully defended a client in high-stakes patent inventorship and trade secret litigation, achieving favorable outcomes at both trial and appellate levels. This result highlights our ability to protect valuable intellectual property in complex disputes.
• We manage the trademark portfolio for a prominent collegiate athletics organization, overseeing a significant portfolio in the US and Canada. Our services include trademark prosecution, enforcement, and litigation.
• We serve as counsel for international patent prosecution for a leading consumer products company across their lines of food and beverage brands, securing patents globally over the past two years.
• We have partnered with a global packaging leader for decades, supporting their in-house team with patent and trademark prosecution, IP enforcement, and litigation. Our ongoing collaboration helps protect and grow their innovative portfolio.
• We lead trademark enforcement and litigation for a major global fast-food company, protecting their brand across the United States. Our strategic approach includes proactive monitoring and complex dispute resolution.
• We provide comprehensive IP services to a leading American retailer, from patent prosecution to brand protection and litigation. Our support covers licensing, right of publicity, and IP management nationwide.

"Barnes & Thornburg is a top firm for intellectual property and trademark law. They are knowledgeable, experienced, and responsive. Barnes & Thornburg's ability to support global trademark matters is outstanding. Excellent lawyers and paralegals who can quickly assess the matter and provide advice and solutions.” 
– Client comment in Best Lawyers