Intellectual Property Lawyer in Chicago
Intellectual property is often a company’s most valuable asset. At Liberum Law, our intellectual property lawyers in Chicago protect the creative works, brand identity, and proprietary innovations of businesses and individuals through trademark, copyright, and trade secret services.
Our IP law firm provides trademark registration, monitoring, and enforcement, copyright registration and infringement claims, trade secret protection and misappropriation defense, IP licensing and assignment agreements, IP portfolio management and strategy, cease and desist representation, and IP due diligence for business transactions.
Whether you are a startup protecting your brand, a technology company safeguarding proprietary code, or a creative professional defending your original works, our IP attorneys deliver the legal protection you need. Contact Liberum Law for a free intellectual property consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of intellectual property does Liberum Law protect?
We handle trademarks (registration, oppositions, infringement), copyrights (registration, licensing, DMCA), patents (utility and design, prosecution and enforcement), trade secrets, and IP licensing and assignment. We also build comprehensive IP strategies for startups and growing companies.
Should I register my trademark or copyright?
Yes for trademarks if you use a name, logo, or slogan in commerce — federal registration provides nationwide priority, presumption of validity, and the right to use ®. Copyright exists automatically on creation, but registration is required before suing for infringement and unlocks statutory damages. We handle both routinely.
How long does IP protection last?
Trademarks last indefinitely as long as you keep using them and file required maintenance documents. Copyrights last the life of the author plus 70 years (95 years for works for hire). Utility and plant patents last 20 years from filing; design patents last 15 years from grant. Trade secrets last as long as you maintain secrecy.
What does an IP audit involve?
An IP audit catalogs every IP asset your company owns or uses — trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade secrets, licensing agreements, employee IP assignments, domain names, and open-source dependencies. We then identify gaps (unregistered IP, missing assignments, expired registrations), risks (infringement exposure, licensing breaches), and opportunities. Common before fundraising, acquisition, or major launches.
Can you enforce my IP rights against infringers?
Yes. We handle cease-and-desist letters, DMCA takedowns, USPTO opposition and cancellation proceedings, Amazon brand protection, and federal court litigation for infringement. We evaluate the strength of your case and recommend the most cost-effective path before escalating.
