Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property
Constantine (Dino) Koutsoubas
Timothy R. Nelson
Chris W. Niro
William L. Niro
Lishuang (Lisa) Peng
John C. Sciaccotta
David K. Staub
Aronberg Goldgehn’s Intellectual Property Group helps businesses protect valuable brands, technology, creative works, and commercial relationships - and defend them when disputes arise.
Our practice combines sophisticated intellectual property litigation with practical portfolio management, trademark and copyright prosecution, licensing, transactional counseling, and business-focused IP strategy. We work with established companies, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, distributors, investors, and growing businesses across a wide range of industries.
We also have significant experience representing international businesses entering or selling into the United States. Through longstanding relationships in China and Hong Kong, our attorneys regularly advise manufacturers, brand owners, distributors, and online sellers facing U.S. intellectual property disputes, including trademark, patent, copyright, trade dress, unfair competition, and online marketplace claims.
Our approach is pragmatic. Intellectual property does not exist in isolation from the business it supports. We work with clients to understand their commercial objectives, evaluate risk, develop cost-effective protection strategies, resolve disputes efficiently when possible, and litigate aggressively when necessary.
Intellectual Property Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Litigation is a core component of our intellectual property practice.Our attorneys prosecute and defend intellectual property disputes in federal courts throughout the United States involving:
• Trademark and trade dress infringement
• Patent infringement
• Copyright infringement
• Trade secret misappropriation
• Unfair competition
• False advertising
• Gray market and unauthorized goods
• Rights of publicity
• Licensing and ownership disputes
• Domain names and cybersquatting
• Online marketplace disputes
We represent both plaintiffs seeking to protect valuable intellectual property and defendants facing infringement claims. Our defense practice includes representing manufacturers, distributors, retailers, brand owners, and online sellers accused of violating U.S. intellectual property rights.
We have particular experience representing companies based in China and elsewhere in Asia whose products are manufactured abroad and sold into the United States through distributors, retailers, Amazon and other online marketplaces. Our attorneys understand the practical challenges international companies face when navigating U.S. litigation, emergency injunction proceedings, marketplace restrictions, asset restraints, and expedited intellectual property claims.
We develop litigation strategies around the business objective, not simply the lawsuit. Depending on the matter, that may mean seeking or defeating preliminary injunctive relief, negotiating a business resolution, challenging the asserted intellectual property rights, pursuing alternative dispute resolution, or taking the case through trial and appeal.
Trademarks, Brands and Trade Dress
A strong brand can become one of a company’s most valuable assets. We help clients develop, protect, manage, license, and enforce trademark portfolios in the United States and internationally.Our trademark practice includes:
• Trademark clearance and availability analysis
• U.S. trademark applications and prosecution
• International trademark strategy and coordination
• Portfolio management and maintenance
• Trademark licensing
• Brand enforcement
• Opposition and cancellation proceedings
• Domain name disputes
• Trademark and trade dress litigation
• Online marketplace enforcement and defense
We advise clients from the initial selection of a name or brand through registration, commercialization, licensing, enforcement, and portfolio expansion. Our attorneys also counsel businesses concerning trade dress: the distinctive appearance, packaging, design, or presentation of products and services. Because trade dress protection often overlaps with trademark, copyright, patent, and unfair competition law, we approach these issues as part of a broader brand-protection strategy rather than as isolated legal rights.
IP Transactions, Licensing and Commercial Strategy
Intellectual property increasingly sits at the center of commercial transactions. Our attorneys negotiate and prepare agreements involving technology, brands, software, content, confidential information, and other intellectual property assets. We also work closely with Aronberg Goldgehn’s corporate attorneys in transactions where intellectual property is a significant component of enterprise value.Our work includes:
• Trademark, copyright, patent, and technology licenses
• Software and technology agreements
• Intellectual property assignments and acquisitions
• Brand licensing and royalty arrangements
• Joint ventures and strategic collaborations
• Confidentiality and trade secret agreements
• Intellectual property provisions in corporate transactions
• IP due diligence in mergers and acquisitions
• Transition and separation agreements
• Coexistence and consent agreements
• Commercialization and distribution arrangements
We also counsel clients on ownership and commercialization issues involving emerging technology and artificial intelligence, including contractual allocation of intellectual property rights, confidential information, vendor relationships, and internal use of AI tools.
Our objective is not simply to document a transaction. We work with clients to identify the intellectual property that creates value, determine who owns it, protect the rights necessary to operate the business, and allocate risk appropriately.
Copyright and Creative Content
We advise businesses and creators concerning the ownership, registration, licensing, use, and enforcement of copyrighted works.Our copyright practice includes:
• Copyright registration
• Licensing and assignment agreements
• Ownership and authorship disputes
• Software and digital content issues
• Website and marketing content
• Photography, graphics, music, and written works
• DMCA takedown matters
• Copyright infringement litigation and defense
Our clients have included software developers, designers, photographers, authors, musicians, architects, manufacturers, marketing businesses, and companies whose websites, advertising, software, or content create recurring copyright issues.
We also regularly defend businesses accused of unauthorized use of photographs, website content, software, music, and other copyrighted materials.
Patent Litigation and Strategic Counseling
Our patent practice is focused primarily on litigation, dispute resolution, risk analysis, and strategic counseling rather than high-volume patent prosecution. We represent patent owners and accused infringers in disputes involving products and technologies across a variety of industries, including industrial equipment, robotics, manufacturing systems, medical technology, electronics, consumer products, tools, and mechanical devices.Our attorneys advise clients concerning:
• Patent infringement and enforcement
• Defense against infringement claims
• Patent validity and enforceability
• Freedom-to-operate and infringement risk
• Design-around strategies
• Licensing and settlement
• Post-grant proceedings
• Patent issues arising in commercial transactions
Because our patent attorneys approach these questions from a litigation perspective, our analysis focuses not merely on what a patent says, but how the claims are likely to be interpreted, challenged, defended, and applied in an actual commercial dispute.
Where patent prosecution is appropriate, we handle matters selectively and work with clients to develop prosecution strategies consistent with their broader business and enforcement objectives.
Cross-Border IP and U.S. Market Defense
Companies selling products in the United States increasingly face intellectual property risk regardless of where they are headquartered or where their products are manufactured.Aronberg Goldgehn has developed substantial experience assisting international manufacturers, exporters, distributors, and sellers confronted with U.S. intellectual property claims. Our attorneys maintain relationships with businesses and professional advisers in China and Hong Kong and understand the communication, business, and logistical issues that frequently arise when an overseas company becomes involved in U.S. litigation.
We assist international clients with:
• U.S. trademark and brand protection
• Patent, trademark, and copyright defense
• Schedule A and other multi-defendant intellectual property litigation
• Temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunction proceedings
• Amazon and other marketplace disputes
• Licensing and settlement negotiations
• U.S. distribution and commercialization agreements
• Intellectual property due diligence
• Risk assessment before entering the U.S. market
For companies manufacturing abroad and selling into the United States, our goal is straightforward: provide experienced U.S. counsel who understands both the legal dispute and the commercial realities of doing business across borders.
Practical Intellectual Property Strategy
Effective intellectual property counseling requires more than obtaining registrations or litigating disputes. We help clients decide where intellectual property investment creates value, where risk can reasonably be accepted, and where enforcement or defense is necessary. That may involve building and managing a trademark portfolio, restructuring ownership of intellectual property, negotiating a license, evaluating a competitor’s patent, resolving a dispute before litigation, or protecting a company entering a new market.Our attorneys work closely with Aronberg Goldgehn’s corporate, litigation, employment, and other practice groups so that intellectual property strategy is integrated with the client’s broader business objectives.
The result is an IP practice focused not merely on protecting legal rights, but on helping clients use those rights to protect and grow their businesses.
Aronberg Goldgehn Welcomes Associate Lisa Peng
09.14.26
Lisa Peng joins the firm as an Associate, bringing a thorough approach to intellectual property, business and appellate litigation, and business law objectives.... Read More
Aronberg Goldgehn Welcomes Member Constantine (Dino) Koutsoubas
01.12.26
Dino Koutsoubas brings extensive experience to Aronberg Goldgehn's intellectual property practice.... Read More
Aronberg Goldgehn Welcomes Associate Karolina D. Jozwiak
03.11.25
Karolina D. Jozwiak joins Aronberg Goldgehn's Business Litigation and Intellectual Property practice groups.... Read More
Alan Wernick to Co-Present "IP Protection for Mobile Apps"
04.03.24
IP Protection for Mobile Apps will be the topic for a 90-minute webinar featuring Aronberg Goldgehn attorney Alan Wernick on Thursday, April 4, 2024.... Read More
How Kim Kardashian's YouTube 'Office Tour' Video Landed Her In A Lawsuit
04.02.24
Kim Kardashian was among the parties named in a new lawsuit filed last week in the Central District Court of California by the Judd Foundation.... Read More
Jury Awards $740k to Apparel Company Grunt Style in Trademark Infringement Action
03.21.24
Aronberg Goldgehn attorneys M. "Chip" De Preter and Sofia Quezada Hastings recently achieved a long-fought victory for their client, Grunt Style LLC, in a trademark infringement trial in the Northern District of Illinois.... Read More
Supreme Court Tackling Intellectual Property "Fair Use" In Multiple Contexts
01.10.23
Two cases involving the scope of the "fair use" defense to allegations of intellectual property infringement have made it to the Supreme Court's docket and are set to be ruled on early this year.... Read More
The Zemar Podcast recently featured Matthew "Chip" De Preter in a conversation concerning the protection of small and mid-sized businesses' intellectual property.... Read More
Intellectual Property Law Alert - Small Justice for Those Scammed by Fake Trademark Solicitations
09.23.21
Filing a federal trademark registration virtually guarantees that the trademark applicant will be the target of multiple scams. The United States has successfully prosecuted one of these scammers in USA v. Suhorukovs.... Read More
35 Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Honored as Leading and Emerging Lawyers in 2021 Lists
02.09.21
Leading Lawyers Network recognizes 35 Aronberg Goldgehn attorneys in the 2021 Leading and Emerging Lawyer lists.... Read More
Eighteen Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named 2021 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
01.29.21
Aronberg Goldgehn congratulates its 18 attorneys that have been selected to the 2021 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.... Read More
The President signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2021 in late December 2020. Buried within the bill was the Trademark Modernization Act ("TMA") which includes a number of amendments to the Lanham Act.... Read More
Alan S. Wernick Shares Insights on IP Rights and Mobile Apps in Strafford Webinar
12.01.20
Alan S. Wernick discusses strategies to implement and enforce intellectual property rights when using applications on mobile devices and address data privacy/cybersecurity issues in the development of mobile apps.... Read More
The online workshop begins November 11, 2020.... Read More
Chip De Preter Co-Presenting "SCOTUS IP Year in Review 2019-2020"
09.18.20
This Lawline webcast will stream live on Monday, September 21, 2020, at 12:30 p.m. Central Time... Read More
John is one of the co-founders of the CBA's Mediation Service.... Read More
Intellectual Property Law Alert - USPTO Will Increase Patent Fees in Two Weeks
09.15.20
On Oct. 2, 2020, the USPTO will adjust a variety of fees associated with the patent prosecution process - the first fee adjustment for patents in three years.... Read More
Twenty-Nine Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named Illinois Leading Lawyers
07.08.20
Anderson, Bannon, Brodsky, Christman, De Preter, Frank, Garmisa, Gilman, Hanekamp, Hayes, Holisky, J. Johnson, Lazzara, Lichtenstein, Melamed, Morris, T. Nelson, C. Niro, B. Niro, Robertson, Schlifke, Scholl, Sciaccotta, Sodikoff, Stark, Warren, Wernick, Zaban and Zaslavsky named Leading Lawyers.... Read More
Supreme Court rejects PTO per se rule against ".com" marks... Read More
Aronberg Goldgehn Wins $1 Million Trademark Dispute for the Chicago Rabbinical Council
06.10.20
Chris Niro, Nate Lichtenstein and Kristy Diesner represented the Rabbinical Council in the case, Chicago Rabbinical Council Inc. v. Abdul Rehman Group Inc., in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.... Read More
This Alert discusses today's Supreme Court ruling in Romag Fasteners, Inc. v. Fossil, Inc., No. 18-1233, (U.S. Apr. 23, 2020).... Read More
Intellectual Property Law Alert - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Extends Some Deadlines
04.01.20
On March 31, 2020, the USPTO released additional modifications that offer the ability for some parties to obtain brief extensions for some filings.... Read More
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
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
