Chris has more than 20 years experience focusing on all areas of patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright law, with the goal of providing valuable intellectual property protection strategically aligned with each client’s business objectives. He manages the patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright portfolios of a number of international companies. Chris assists clients in optimizing their intellectual property opportunities through the use of patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyrights in the United States and abroad.
He has also conducted intellectual property audits to help clients mine and capture important innovations. He also assists clients in mitigating intellectual property risks and is experienced in drafting licenses, assignments, development agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and other intellectual property-related agreements and business documents including trade secret policies and procedures to help eliminate those risks. Should the need arise, Chris is also experienced in filing and defending lawsuits involving patent, trademark, trade dress, copyright and unfair competition claims.
Admitted to Practice
- Wisconsin State Courts
- United States District Court for the District of Colorado
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
- United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
- United States Patent and Trademark Office
Representative Work
- Water and wastewater treatment and conditioning systems; pumps and products
- HVAC and other heating and cooling systems
- Devices and systems for vehicles including automobiles and trains; agricultural equipment and construction equipment; batteries
- Dairy equipment and products including bedding and milking devices
- Athletic equipment and sporting goods
Honors & Recognition
- Named to The Best Lawyers in America© 2018-present
- Trademark Law
- Patent Law
- Named to the Wisconsin Rising Star® list, 2009
See our disclaimer regarding third-party awards.
Presentations, Publications, & Contributions
- Regular contributor to the IP Insights Blog
- Presenter, “What’s Brewing in Trademark Law,” ForwardFest, 2017
- Presenter, “Protecting Your Competitive Edge,” WMEP Manufacturing Matters! 2017 Conference, 2017
- Co-Author, "Trademark Law" section of Wisconsin Attorney's Desk Reference
- Presenter, "IP Audits, Commercial Law," Web Advisor Webinar, 2014
- Presenter, "Protecting Your Brand," American Advertising Federation of Northern Illinois, 2013
- Author, "Intellectual Property Audits, Identifying and Protecting Intellectual Property," State Bar of Wisconsin, 2013
- Author, "INTA's Model State Trademark Bill," Wisconsin Intellectual Property Lawyer's Association, 2009
- Presenter, "What's In a Name? Protecting Your Trademarks Before You're All Wet," World Waterpark Association 26th Annual Symposium and Trade Show, 2006
- Presenter, "Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights: Protection of the Intangible Assets of a Water Park," World Waterpark Association 25th Annual Symposium and Trade Show, 2005
Community Involvement & Board Memberships
- East Madison Little League, Coach, 2007-2017
- Village of Maple Bluff, Parks, Recreation and Harbor Committee, 2009-2010
- Madison East Boosters, Treasurer, 2018-Present
- Maple Bluff Country Club, Board member and Director of Membership, 2018-2021
Professional Memberships
- International Trademark Association (INTA)
- INTA, Model State Trademark Bill Subcommittee
- American Intellectual Property Association
- Wisconsin Intellectual Property Lawyer's Association
- Wisconsin Bar Association
- Dane County Bar Association
Education
- J.D., University of Denver College of Law, 1997
- B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1994
Christopher’s Select Writing & Presentations
IP Identifier Tool for Identifying Valuable IP
IP Insights | 02.08.23
The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently announced the launch of the agency’s new Intellectual Property (IP) Identifier tool.