Biography
Thomas focuses his practice on intellectual property matters relating to trademark infringement, trademark applications, copyright law, and intellectual property disputes. Thomas is experienced in prosecuting trademark applications for various classes and routinely advises clients on settlements and disputes.
Thomas has known that he wanted to be a lawyer as far back as he can remember, tasked with mediating the rules during family board games from the time he could read. Thomas found his interest in intellectual property while working as a DJ in college. Questions that he encountered relating to remixing and public performances inspired him to explore copyright law; from his exploration, his interest in trademarks arose.
Outside of counseling clients, Thomas enjoys cycling, baking, walking his dogs, music, and swimming.
Representative Experience
Thomas has extensive experience in the following areas of trademark and copyright law:
- Trademark Prosecution
- Trademark Litigation
- Copyright Litigation
- Publicity Rights Litigation
Education
- Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology (J.D., cum laude)
- Certificate in Intellectual Property Law
- Northwestern University (B.A.)
- Political Science
- History
Bar Admissions
Community and Professional Involvement
- Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago – Amicus Committee Member
Publications and Presentations
- Trudging Through the Thicket: Copyright Protection for Designs of Useful Articles in the Wake of Star Athletica, American Intellectual Property Law Association Quarterly Journal, Volume 49, Issue 1, March 2021.
- U.S. Second Circuit affirms that 50 Cent’s publicity rights claim regarding Rick Ross’ In da Club remix is preempted by U.S. copyright law, Journal of Intellectual Property Law and Practice, Volume 15, Issue 12, December 2020.
- The US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently affirmed that The Moodsters characters are ineligible for copyright protection, Journal of Intellectual Property Law and Practice, Volume 15, Issue 9, September 2020.
- The refusal to register “immoral or scandalous” trademarks violates the constitutional right to freedom of expression, rules US Supreme Court, Journal of Intellectual Property Law and Practice, Volume 14, Issue 10, October 2019.
- US Copyright Office finds Yeezy Boost 350 creative, original and separable: registration granted, Journal of Intellectual Property Law and Practice, Volume 14, Issue 9, September 2019.