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Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough, Trademark Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, IL

Trusted trademark attorney serving Chicago.

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Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Trademark.

Based in
Chicago, ILLINOIS
Experience
attorney
Known for
Trademark
  • Handles Trademark matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law (2026).

About Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough: Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Trademark.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Thomas takes on

Thomas concentrates on trademark. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Trademark cases in Chicago, Illinois

Thomas takes trademark 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough — trademark lawyer in Chicago

Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Trademark.

Tom is a registered patent attorney who develops and protects complex patent, trademark and copyright portfolios maintained by domestic and global businesses. He has significant experience in negotiating and drafting software licenses, patent and trademark licenses and transfers, non-compete and confidentiality agreements, product development agreements, joint venture agreements and all related agreements that include critical intellectual property components. He also regularly performs thorough product clearance searches on behalf of clients. Tom represents clients in all aspects of intellectual property disputes, with an emphasis on patent, trademark, trade dress and copyright infringement litigation.

Tom has extensive experience in the mechanical and electromechanical fields, where he has drafted and prosecuted hundreds of patent applications with a particular focus on hydraulic drive systems, transaxles, pumps, motors and related control systems, differentials and gearing systems, vehicle engines, rail transportation equipment, automotive components and systems, snow throwers, agricultural equipment and kitchen and household products.

Clients appreciate Tom’s aptitude for understanding their businesses and goals, and for finding efficient, cost-effective strategies for developing and protecting their intellectual property. His experience in all aspects of intellectual property law enables him to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues involved in each project.

He is an active volunteer and also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Lawyers for the Creative Arts, an organization that provides pro bono legal services to low income artists and arts organizations.

Tom has been selected for inclusion in the the Intellectual Asset Management’s (IAM) Patent 1000 in Prosecution since 2023. He has also been recognized by the World Trademark Review 1000 for “Trademark Prosecution and Strategy” since 2022 and recommended by The Legal 500 United States in “Trademark Litigation” since 2021. Tom was also recognized as a leader in the 2009 and 2010 editions of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business in “Intellectual Property.”

Thomas's approach to trademark cases

Tom is a registered patent attorney who develops and protects complex patent, trademark and copyright portfolios maintained by domestic and global businesses. He has significant experience in negotiating and drafting software licenses, patent and trademark licenses and transfers, non-compete and confidentiality agreements, product development agreements, joint venture agreements and all related…

Clients Thomas works with

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for trademark matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Wisconsin–Madison

    J.D. · 1988

  • University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

    B.S. · 1985

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

  • Illinois, Illinois S

    ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in University of Wisconsin–Madison and B.S. in University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in University of Wisconsin–Madison and B.S. in University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Thomas has received 7 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Copyright Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Patent Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Transportation Law

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Copyright Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Patent Law (2026).

Locations

Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough's office in Chicago

Thomas's primary office is at 225 W. Randolph St., Suite 2800, Chicago, Illinois, 60606-1976. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

225 W. Randolph St., Suite 2800

Chicago, Illinois 60606-1976

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough

Thomas 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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Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new trademark attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas'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; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a trademark attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many trademark 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 Thomas

Thomas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in trademark practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every trademark 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. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Thomas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many trademark practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough

  • How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a trademark case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Thomas offer a free consultation?

    Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some trademark attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.

  • How long do trademark cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple trademark 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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

    Thomas 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 — Thomas 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 Thomas?

    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. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Thomas accepting new trademark clients right now?

    Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Trademark attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

Thomas handles trademark matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified trademark attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these trademark attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.