Thomas J. "Tom" Donovan, IP Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 39 years of legal practice
Chicago, IL
Practicing ip in Chicago since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Thomas J. "Tom" Donovan?
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Quick answer
Thomas J. "Tom" Donovan is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on IP. Thomas has over 39 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- IP
- Handles IP matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Patent Law (2026).
About Thomas J. "Tom" Donovan: Thomas J. "Tom" Donovan is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on IP. Thomas has over 39 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Thomas takes on
Thomas concentrates on ip. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
IP cases in Chicago, Illinois
Thomas 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Thomas J. "Tom" Donovan — ip lawyer in Chicago
Thomas J. "Tom" Donovan is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on IP. Thomas has over 39 years of legal experience.
Tom Donovan advises on patent and trademark litigation and prosecution, unfair competition and trade secret litigation, as well as a variety of licensing-related matters. Regardless of the client or the complexity of the matter at hand, Tom provides his clients with the guidance they need, in a way they can understand and apply to their daily business operations.
Tom also has significant negotiation and drafting experience with software licensing, as well as patent, trademark and copyright licensing, and in rendering patent validity and infringement opinions. Tom is valued by clients and colleagues for his grasp of the nuances of different types of licensing transactions. He delivers wide experience in negotiating with deal constituents in order to effectively close transactions while incorporating his client’s underlying objectives.
Tom represents companies involved in a wide variety of industries, ranging from manufacturing to technology and software. His tech experience includes advising businesses involved in the development, manufacture and marketing of plastics and packaging, exercise equipment and other health and fitness products, financial clearing software, products used in the manufacture of semiconductors, battery components, and beverage dispensing equipment and other food service equipment.
Thomas's approach to ip cases
Tom Donovan advises on patent and trademark litigation and prosecution, unfair competition and trade secret litigation, as well as a variety of licensing-related matters. Regardless of the client or the complexity of the matter at hand, Tom provides his clients with the guidance they need, in a way they can understand and apply to their daily business operations. Tom also has significant…
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for ip matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Illinois Institute of Technology
J.D. · 1987
University of Illinois - Chicago
B.S. · 1982
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
Illinois
1987 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in Illinois Institute of Technology and B.S. in University of Illinois - Chicago.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in Illinois Institute of Technology and B.S. in University of Illinois - Chicago. 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 6 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Patent 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 — Trademark Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Patent 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 — Trademark Law (2026).
Locations
Office locations for Thomas J. "Tom" Donovan in Chicago, Illinois
Thomas's primary office is at Chicago, Illinois, 60606-2833. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas J. "Tom" Donovan
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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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Thomas J. "Tom" Donovan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new ip 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 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 Thomas
Thomas 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. 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 ip practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas J. "Tom" Donovan
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a ip 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 ip attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas'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. 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 ip 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
IP attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Thomas 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 Thomas'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.





