Intellectual Property

IP laws are evolving as rapidly as the technology they protect, challenging businesses to continuously adapt their prosecution, protection and enforcement strategies. Global brands and emerging innovators alike turn to our nationally recognized IP team for strategic, business-focused guidance on securing and leveraging their most valuable assets.

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.

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.”

Intellectual Property