Robert W. Unikel, IP Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, IL
Trusted ip attorney serving Chicago.
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Robert W. Unikel?
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Quick answer
Robert W. Unikel is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on IP.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- IP
- Handles IP matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026).
About Robert W. Unikel: Robert W. Unikel is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on IP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Robert W. Unikel
Robert concentrates on ip. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
IP cases in Chicago, Illinois
Robert takes ip matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Robert W. Unikel — Attorney of Illinois ip experience
Robert W. Unikel is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on IP.
Robert Unikel is a partner in the Chicago office of Paul Hastings and is head of the Chicago and Midwest Intellectual Property practice. Mr. Unikel has a diverse practice that includes litigating patent, trade secret, and trademark cases in a variety of industries, including digital media distribution, consumer products and brands, financial products and services, auto parts, and medical devices.
Mr. Unikel's extensive experience includes trying patent and trade secret cases involving varied products such as, a digital distribution platform for mobile "apps," a digital media store, thin film transistors, LCD panels, vascular stents, compiling computer software, auto parts, office products, baby strollers, minicell vaccines, anti-aging cosmetics, and casement window operators, and such diverse business methods as a method for tracking promotional mailings, a method for implementing consumer rewards programs, a method for configuring products through an electronic interface, and a method for automatically executing securities and derivatives trades.
Additionally, Mr. Unikel has unique experience in successfully defending against claims of false patent marking under 35 U.S.C. 292. He has managed disputes involving various well-known trademarks and has litigated numerous trade dress matters implicating product and packaging designs and non-traditional source indicators (including color and scent). Mr. Unikel has handled appeals to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals and to the United States Supreme Court. Further, he regularly counsels businesses and individuals on intellectual property development, protection, and licensing strategies.
Mr. Unikel received his law degree from Northwestern University School of Law, where he was a Notes and Comment Editor for the Northwestern University Law Review and recipient of the Lowdeb-Wigmore Prize for Legal Scholarship, as well as a finalist in the Julius H. Miner Moot Court Competition.
How Robert handles ip matters
Robert Unikel is a partner in the Chicago office of Paul Hastings and is head of the Chicago and Midwest Intellectual Property practice. Mr. Unikel has a diverse practice that includes litigating patent, trade secret, and trademark cases in a variety of industries, including digital media distribution, consumer products and brands, financial products and services, auto parts, and medical devices.…
Who Robert represents
Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for ip matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Robert W. Unikel's legal education and bar admissions
Northwestern University
J.D. · 1993
Dartmouth College
— · 1990
Jurisdictions
Robert's state bar admissions
Illinois, State of I
ACTIVE
Delaware, District o
ACTIVE
Robert studied at J.D. in Northwestern University and — in Dartmouth College.
Law school and academic background
Robert completed J.D. in Northwestern University and — in Dartmouth College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Robert W. Unikel
Robert has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026).
Locations
Robert W. Unikel's office in Chicago
Robert's primary office is at 71 South Wacker Drive, Suite 4500, Chicago, Illinois, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Robert W. Unikel
Robert has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Robert W. Unikel — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new ip attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Robert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Robert will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a ip attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many ip matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Robert
Robert discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in ip practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every ip matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Robert's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many ip practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Robert W. Unikel
How much does it cost to hire Robert for a ip case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Robert offer a free consultation?
Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some ip attorneys offer free consults — check Robert's current terms during booking.
How long do ip cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple ip matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Robert take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Robert is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Robert will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Robert?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Robert accepting new ip clients right now?
Robert's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
IP attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Robert handles ip matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified ip attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated ip attorneys in Illinois
If Robert's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these ip attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
