USA Guide 2026 : Illinois
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Michael Best’s Illinois Intellectual Property team is uniquely equipped to enhance and safeguard our clients’ competitive positions.
Our highly recognized intellectual property team offers key advantages: we know our client’s businesses; we understand their technology; and we have the skills to help them strategically develop, manage, and protect their intellectual assets.
Our Illinois team consisting of nearly 30 lawyers and IP professionals—including patent engineers and registered agents—provides the full range of legal services related to all aspects of IP. Our Illinois practitioners practice on national and global stages in trademark, patent, and copyright law, including prosecution, portfolio management, enforcement, clearance, defense, and litigation.
Many of our lawyers hold advanced degrees and possess business experience in fields such as computer science, engineering, physics, chemistry, and biotechnology. A significant number have served as examiners in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO), giving us a valuable perspective on patent and trademark issues.
Backed from extensive research and our Illinois team’s deep understanding of local industries and regulations, we create and implement programs designed to increase the value of IP assets while minimizing downside risk. Our approach is balanced but aggressive, and it has produced an exceptional record of success.
Provided by Chambers
Michael Best & Friedrich boasts a broad intellectual property practice. The firm handles patent prosecution, litigation and portfolio management. Its capabilities also extend to trademark prosecution and clearance. The team is experienced in handling IP transactions and providing strategic counseling to its clients.
Provided by Chambers
The team at Michael Best demonstrates a high degree of professionalism in all its interactions, providing prompt high-quality service.
The team at Michael Best thinks strategically and approaches legal matters from all angles.
The team is distinguished by its responsiveness, knowledge of our business, and trademark and advertising expertise.
The team is commercially minded and always very responsive to every request.
I appreciate the department's ability to present risk analyses in a clear, concise manner.
Provided by Chambers
Luke DeMarte chairs the trademark group at Michael Best & Friedrich. He handles trademark filings and portfolio management on behalf of his clients. He also advises his clients on the licensing of their IP rights and works with notable clients in the retail, media, sports and hospitality sectors, among others.
Luke is very smart.
Luke is highly sophisticated and very engaged. He is very realistic about possible outcomes and is a steady hand when guiding a negotiation.
Luke is fantastic. He feels like an extension of our team.
Luke is the best in class. I would recommend him without reservation to anyone looking for trademark counsel.
Louise Arnott's capabilities cover trademarks, copyrights, trade dress and brand protection. She represents clients in filings, portfolio development and management as well as opposition and cancellation proceedings.
Louise understands our business and is always looking for ways to help us advance our goals.
Louise is very good, responsive, and thorough. She goes above and beyond to make sure she understands the nuance of our situation and tailors her advice.
Michelle Kouba has experience handling trademark clearance, prosecution and enforcement for a range of clients, both domestic and international.
Michelle is very good at setting out detailed analysis providing multiple options.
Michelle provides an outstanding level of service and advice on complex, international matters.
Michelle is really good at understand pros and cons from a business standpoint, which I find refreshing.
Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets
Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets
Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets
Provided by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Jeffrey Brown
WIlliam Carroll, Ph.D.
Christine Filarski
Susan Frohling
Garrett Hausman
Todd Hofmeister, Ph.D.
Michelle Kouba
Charles Laff
Katherine Lyons
Prateek Reddy
Marshall Schmitt
Martin Stern
Blaine Zern, Ph.D.
Michelle Kouba
View profile of Michelle KoubaLuke W DeMarte
View profile of Luke W DeMarteLouise Arnott
View profile of Louise ArnottUSA 2026
Practice area: Intellectual Property
Location: North Carolina
View department profile for USA 2026
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