Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property
Aronberg Goldgehn’s Intellectual Property lawyers help companies and individuals protect, build value, and profit from their creative output through patents, trademarks, trade dress, and copyrights. Our practice group advises clients seeking patent and trademark protection before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, handles many aspects of copyright law, and negotiates licensing and other intellectual property agreements. In addition, Aronberg Goldgehn's intellectual property lawyers are experienced in prosecuting and defending trademark, trade dress, patent, and copyright suits, as well as trade secret, unfair competition, gray market goods, false advertising, and right to publicity litigation. Our mission is to provide our clients with a pragmatic approach to Intellectual Property portfolio management and strategy.
Patents
Strong patents that capture and protect critical innovations are essential to building market share, and they form foundational value for growing companies. We work together with clients to develop strategies and best practices that enable our clients to identify patentable subject matter at its inception to ensure that our clients are positioned to capitalize on their intellectual output and the value inherent in their work.
Our team has extensive experience both enforcing patents and defending against accusations of infringement. Our clients benefit directly from that litigation experience, as Aronberg Goldgehn is able to work with its clients to craft patents that can be effectively and efficiently enforced while withstanding challenges in court. We assist individuals, entrepreneurs and established corporate clients in seeking and procuring patent protection in a variety of different technological areas, including industrial machinery, medical equipment, vacuum pumps, vending machines, robotics, semi-conductor chips, optics, consumer goods, toys, and tools. The group also has considerable experience with post-grant patent review processes.
Our team further guides our clients’ research and development processes to accurately identify and avoid violating legitimate rights of their competitors. We provide our clients with opinions in all patent areas, including validity, patentability, infringement and workarounds.
Trademarks, Branding & Trade Dress
We counsel clients through the life of a trademark and provide strategies for protecting their rights worldwide. From the initial stage of selecting a trademark, we conduct trademark searches to help identify the potential rights of others that may restrict or prevent the adoption and use of the trademark. We assist clients in obtaining trademark registrations, policing the registrations, and opposing and petitioning to cancel other trademarks that may be confusingly similar to our clients' trademarks. We handle domestic and international trademark clearance, registration and protection, and we forcefully defend our clients against charges of infringement and unfair competition.
Our attorneys assist clients in protecting the overall image and packaging of a product through trade dress protection. Enforceability of trade dress overlaps other areas of intellectual property law, including copyright, patent and unfair competition. We have extensive experience in helping clients in a wide variety of manufacturing, service and retail businesses identify the nuances of the law and working with them to fully protect their rights.
Copyrights
Our practice group handles many of the different aspects of copyright law, from obtaining registrations, licensing agreements to charges of infringement. We defend and enforce the copyright interests of our clients and protect their strategic business objectives as well as their position in the marketplace in this age of advanced communications technology. We also provide defense against claims of infringement, transaction work, clearances, strategic portfolio development, and management and development of best practices.
We have represented numerous creators of copyrighted works, including authors, musicians, software developers, graphic artists and designers, architects and photographers. We have also brought and defended actions for infringement of sound recordings and music compositions.
Licensing and Agreements
Our attorneys negotiate licenses and other agreements with third parties, including patent licenses, computer software licenses, technology or know-how licenses, trademark licenses, and joint venture or teaming assignments. We also negotiate cross-licensing agreements, agreements with existing licensors and transition service agreements. We examine potential claims by others that could affect the validity, enforceability or scope of a licensed patent. The experience of our intellectual property group also extends to evaluating any ongoing or potential litigation, interference, opposition, reissue or related proceedings.
Our work has included the negotiation and preparation of licensing and sale agreements involving, among others:
- Computer software copyright licensing agreements
- Author royalty agreements with publishers
- Publishing agreements
- Recording artist contracts and royalty negotiations
- Assignment and sale of patents, trademarks and copyrights
- Trademark licensing and royalty agreements
- Assignment and sale of trademarks and copyrights and recording of assignments with appropriate federal offices
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Aronberg Goldgehn's intellectual property lawyers are experienced in prosecuting and defending copyright, trademark, trade dress and patent infringement suits as well as trade secret litigation. We have litigated patent, trademark and copyright infringement suits as well as unfair competition, false advertising claims, and right to publicity actions in courts across the nation. We also are experienced in litigating contract and antitrust issues that often accompany intellectual property disputes. Among other types of claims, we have handled claims of trademark and trade dress infringement for manufacturers of toys, golf equipment, food, luxury bath fixtures and metal shelving units, and handled patent infringement cases involving industrial machinery, signal processing devices, control systems, textiles, and many others.
We regularly assist clients with DMCA takedown actions with online marketplaces such as Amazon.com and eBay.com. We have successfully resolved domain name disputes through ICANN.
Our attorneys provide intellectual property enforcement strategies that police the marketplace and protect clients against claims of infringement, misappropriation and unfair competition.
Our solutions may include obtaining an early injunction, reaching a favorable settlement or aggressively litigating the case. Our lawyers are highly skilled in handling litigation through alternative dispute resolution, such as arbitration and mediation, which results in settling many of our clients’ litigation matters out of court. We have additional experience negotiating cross-licenses and ongoing business arrangements.
Intellectual Property Law Alert - It's Business as Usual *Mostly* at the USPTO
03.25.20
Despite the disruption of the COVID-19 virus, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has not materially altered its operations. This Alert addresses its announcements.... Read More
The article is published in the March 4, 2020, edition of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.... Read More
Eight Aronberg Goldgehn Members Named Super Lawyers By Illinois Super Lawyers
01.29.20
Chris Bannon, Jay Frank, Tom Hanekamp, Julie A. Johnson, Bill Niro John C. Sciaccotta, Blooma Stark and Michael A. Zaslavsky have been selected as Illinois Super Lawyers for 2020.... Read More
Seven Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named Rising Stars By Illinois Super Lawyers
01.29.20
Staci Balbirer, Amy Gibson, Ben Haskin, David Johnson, Lindsay Lollio, Tim Nelson and Chris Niro have been named Rising Stars by Illinois Super Lawyers.... Read More
Chip De Preter has joined Aronberg Goldgehn as a Member, expanding the capabilities of the firm's growing intellectual property practice to include patent prosecution services.... Read More
On Dec. 4, 2019, John will moderate the civility panel at the Chicago Bar Association's annual all-day "Basic Skills Course for Newly Admitted Attorneys."... Read More
John C. Sciaccotta Moderating a Panel at the Chicago Bar Association's 2019 Arbitration Institute
10.18.19
On Oct. 29, 2019, John will moderate "Part Two: The Process of Arbitration: Making an Effective Presentation of the Case."... Read More
The webinar will air at 1 p.m. Central Time on Oct. 15, 2019.... Read More
On Oct. 11, Alan's panel will address the intersection of social media, the internet and the law.... Read More
The webinar will air at 1 p.m. Central Time on Oct. 8, 2019.... Read More
Alan handles the complex technology, IP and privacy/cybersecurity issues that challenge clients in the evolving technology marketplace.... Read More
"Judge: Buyer of Historic Building Didn't Inherit Trademark"
08.19.19
The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin reports on a trademark infringement lawsuit successfully handled by Aronberg Goldgehn attorneys Amy Gibson and Ben Haskin.... Read More
Aronberg Goldgehn's Women's Initiative Honors WINGS CEO Rebecca Darr With Its 2019 Inspiration Award
08.15.19
Rebecca accepted the award at the Fourth Annual Inspiration Award Reception hosted by the Aronberg Goldgehn Women's Initiative.... Read More
John Sciaccotta's Speaking Engagement Reported On in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
05.20.19
The article, "CBA Panel on Legal Bias Illuminates Inequities," appeared in the May 20 edition.... Read More
The Law360 article appeared May 7, 2019.... Read More
Aronberg Goldgehn's Women Attorneys Volunteer at Sarah's Circle
05.03.19
On April 24, 2019, a group of Aronberg Goldgehn's Women's Initiative members volunteered at Sarah's Circle in Chicago's Uptown Community, providing dinner service for their residents... Read More
The addition of this premier Intellectual Property team expands the firm's capabilities to assist clients in their patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secret matters.... Read More
The Investing in Justice Campaign raises much-needed funds for pro bono and legal aid services in the Chicago area.... Read More
Twenty-Three Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers in Illinois
03.20.19
Anderson, Bannon, Brodsky, Christman, Frank, Garmisa, Gilman, Hanekamp, Hayes, Holisky, Johnson, Lazzara, Lichtenstein, Melamed, Morris, Robertson, Schlifke, Scholl, Sciaccotta, Sodikoff, Stark, Zaban and Zaslavsky named Leading Lawyers.... Read More
Seven Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named Emerging Lawyers By Illinois Leading Lawyers
03.19.19
Staci Balbirer, Amy M. Gibson, Benjamin Haskin, David A. Johnson, Jr., Amber O. LaFevers, Lindsay P. Lollio and Timothy R. Nelson have been named Emerging Lawyers for 2019 by Illinois Leading Lawyers.... Read More
Privacy Alert - Liability Under the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act
02.20.19
A new Illinois Supreme Court ruling expands the scope of liability for companies that collect or store biometric information. The Court has now clarified that actual injury or harm is not necessary to bring a claim... Read More
No more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in Illinois are named to Rising Stars.... Read More
John Sciaccotta Elected a Trustee of the Barrington School District 220 Educational Foundation Board
10.26.18
As a Trustee, John will support the Foundation's mission to inspire students' passion for learning and career exploration, and provide enriching opportunities through private funding.... Read More
John Sciaccotta To Be Honored With Fenwick High School's 2018 Accipiter Award
04.30.18
On May 18, 2018, Aronberg Goldgehn member John Sciaccotta will receive the prestigious Accipiter Award from his alma mater, Fenwick High School.... Read More
Aronberg Goldgehn Hosting the Legal Netlink Alliance's Spring 2018 Meeting
04.30.18
On May 17, 2018, the Legal Netlink Alliance will kick off its 2018 Spring meeting with a cocktail reception in the offices of Aronberg Goldgehn.... Read More
Five Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named Emerging Lawyers By Illinois Leading Lawyers
03.30.18
Amy M. Gibson, Benjamin Haskin, Amber O. LaFevers, Lindsay P. Lollio and Timothy R. Nelson have been named Emerging Lawyers for 2018 by Illinois Leading Lawyers.... Read More
Twenty Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers By Illinois Leading Lawyers
03.30.18
Twenty-one Aronberg Goldgehn attorneys have been named Leading Lawyers for 2018 by Illinois Leading Lawyers.... Read More
Tim Nelson Discusses How the Law Impacts Technology and Private Equity in Recent Podcast
02.02.18
Aronberg Goldgehn attorney Timothy Nelson appeared on the Private Equity Technology Podcast this week to discuss how the law impacts technology and Private Equity.... Read More
Seven Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named "Rising Stars" By Illinois Super Lawyers
01.24.18
Staci L. Balbirer, Amy M. Gibson, Benjamin Haskin, David A. Johnson, Jr., Amber O. LaFevers, Lindsay P. Lollio and Timothy R. Nelson have been named "Rising Stars" by Illinois Super Lawyers.... Read More
Rowena Zimmers accepted Aronberg Goldgehn's 2017 Inspiration Award at its 2nd Annual Inspiration Award Luncheon.... Read More
Amy Gibson Named in Crain's List of The Most Influential Women Lawyers in Chicago
08.01.17
Aronberg Goldgehn Member Amy M. Gibson has been listed in Crain's Custom Media's inaugural edition of The Most Influential Women Lawyers in Chicago.... Read More
Four Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named Emerging Lawyers By Illinois Leading Lawyers
04.26.17
Amy Gibson, Julie Johnson, Tim Nelson and Amber LaFevers have been named Emerging Lawyers by Illinois Leading Lawyers, a designation awarded to less than 2 percent of Illinois attorneys.... Read More
Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named "Rising Stars" By Illinois Super Lawyers
01.23.17
Staci L. Balbirer, Amy M. Gibson, Julie A. Johnson, Amber O. LaFevers and Timothy R. Nelson have been named "Rising Stars" by Illinois Super Lawyers.... Read More
Aronberg Goldgehn Sponsoring the 18th Annual Illinois Bar Foundation Gala
09.07.16
Aronberg Goldgehn is honored to be the Northern Illinois University Fellowship Sponsor for the Illinois Bar Foundation’s 2016 Gala, where Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan will be presented with the 2016 Distinguished Award for Excellence.... Read More
John Sciaccotta Elected to Membership in the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel
08.08.16
Litigator John C. Sciaccotta has been elected a Member of the prestigious Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel.... Read More
Aronberg Goldgehn's Women's Initiative Hosts Its Inaugural Inspiration Award Luncheon
08.01.16
Ulta Beauty General Counsel Jodi Caro Honored With the 2016 Inspiration Award... Read More
Five Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named Rising Stars by Illinois Super Lawyers
01.01.16
Staci Balbirer, Amy M. Rapoport Gibson, Amber O. LaFevers, Timothy R. Nelson and Julie A. Neubauer and have been designated Rising Stars in Illinois by Super Lawyers.... Read More
Aronberg Goldgehn Appoints New Practice Group Chairs
07.29.15
Nate Lichtenstein and Amy Rapoport Gibson Will Lead the Commercial Litigation Group; Paul Gilman and Tim Nelson, Business Law & Transactions... Read More
Chicago Lawyer magazine' has published the results of its annual diversity survey of the largest law firms in Illinois, and Aronberg Goldgehn has been ranked No. 1 in one analysis of the statistics.... Read More
John Sciaccotta Joins Aronberg Goldgehn
05.04.15
John Sciaccotta has joined Aronberg Goldberg as a member. He focuses his practice on litigation, arbitration and business counseling matters with a special emphasis on complex civil trial and appellate cases brought in federal and state courts throughout the country.... Read More
Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named 2015 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Illinois
01.12.15
Christopher J. Bannon, Jay A. Frank and Blooma Stark have been selected as Illinois Super Lawyers; Amber N. LaFevers, Timothy R. Nelson and Amy M. Rapoport Gibson named ‘Rising Stars.'... Read More
Lisa Brodsky, Tim Nelson and Amy Gibson Elected New Members
01.01.15
Aronberg Goldgehn has elected Lisa J. Brodsky, Timothy R. Nelson and Amy M. Rapoport Gibson as Members of the firm, effective January 1, 2015.... Read More
Amber LaFevers, Tim Nelson and Amy Gibson Named Rising Stars By Illinois Super Lawyers
01.13.14
Amber LaFevers, Timothy R. Nelson and Amy M. Rapoport Gibson have been designated as Rising Stars by Illinois Super Lawyers.... Read More
Amy Gibson, Tim Nelson and Julie Neubauer Named Rising Stars by Illinois Super Lawyers
08.29.13
Aronberg Attorneys Amy M. Rapoport Gibson, Timothy R. Nelson and Julie A. Neubauer and have been designated Rising Stars in Illinois by Super Lawyers.... Read More
Seven Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named 2013 Illinois Super Lawyers' and Rising Stars' in Illinois
01.04.13
Aronberg Goldgehn is pleased to announce that four attorneys were selected as Illinois ‘Super Lawyers' for 2013 and four attorneys were designated as ‘Rising Stars' in Illinois by Super Lawyers magazine.... Read More
Timothy Nelson Joins Aronberg Goldgehn As An Associate
11.29.10
Timothy Nelson has joined Aronberg Goldgehn as an associate in the business law department.... Read More
