Thomas "Tom" Miller, IP Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, IL
Trusted ip attorney serving Chicago.
- 2
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Are you Thomas "Tom" Miller?
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Quick answer
Thomas "Tom" Miller 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 — Patent Law (2026).
About Thomas "Tom" Miller: Thomas "Tom" Miller is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on IP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Thomas "Tom" Miller
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
About Thomas "Tom" Miller — Attorney of Illinois ip experience
Thomas "Tom" Miller is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on IP.
Tom is a Shareholder and Chairs the Patents and Intellectual Property Sections. An experienced attorney most active in patent prosecution, portfolio management and providing opinions of counsel, Tom drafts and prosecutes U.S. and foreign patent applications; renders non-infringement, validity, patentability and inventorship opinions; drafts and interprets license, indemnification, employment and non-complete agreements; prepares and prosecutes trademark and copyright registrations; and counsels clients on a range of intellectual property issues including portfolio management, patent strategy, and design-around efforts.
Since 1995, Tom has been practicing in the mechanical and electro-mechanical arts, with significant experience in engines, transmissions, medical devices, automotive components, aerospace components, earth-moving equipment, wind turbines, elevators, consumer products, HVAC equipment, valves, pumps, sporting goods, robotics, and automation. Well versed in the reissue, re-examination, examiner interview and appeal processes of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Tom works with clients ranging in size from large global corporations to small locally-owned businesses and independent inventors in not only maximizing the protection of their ideas, but taking advantage of their economic value as well.
Before joining von Briesen, Tom founded and managed an intellectual property firm in Chicago for fifteen years, and has practiced patent law for twenty-five years in total. Prior to his career as a patent attorney, Tom was an engineer with Rockwell Automation working within its motor, drive and programmable logic controller division.
Thomas's approach to ip cases
Tom is a Shareholder and Chairs the Patents and Intellectual Property Sections. An experienced attorney most active in patent prosecution, portfolio management and providing opinions of counsel, Tom drafts and prosecutes U.S. and foreign patent applications; renders non-infringement, validity, patentability and inventorship opinions; drafts and interprets license, indemnification, employment and…
The kind of cases Thomas takes
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for ip matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Thomas "Tom" Miller's legal education and bar admissions
Illinois Institute of Technology
J.D. · 1995
Cornell University
B.S.
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
Indiana, Indiana
ACTIVE
Illinois, State Bar
ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in Illinois Institute of Technology and B.S. in Cornell University.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in Illinois Institute of Technology and B.S. in Cornell University. 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
Awards, publications, and recognition of Thomas "Tom" Miller
Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Patent Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Patent Law (2026).
Locations
Thomas "Tom" Miller's office in Chicago
Thomas's primary office is at 320 South Canal Street, Suite 3025, Chicago, Illinois, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas "Tom" Miller
Thomas has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Thomas "Tom" Miller — 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 "Tom" Miller
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.
