Ian is a partner in NGE’s Intellectual Property practice group. From the largest public companies to top-flight middle-market businesses to startups, Ian focuses his practice on advising clients to build and protect their brands. Ian is highly skilled in all areas of trademark law, including clearance, prosecution, enforcement, and transactions. Ian has devised and implemented trademark enforcement campaigns to prevent infringements of some of the best-known brands in the world. Clients routinely look to Ian for creative and pragmatic solutions to their most difficult trademark issues.
Ian has substantial litigation experience across all areas of intellectual property, including in trademark, trade dress, patent, advertising, and copyright disputes. He litigates in federal courts around the country, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), and the Better Business Bureau’s National Advertising Division (NAD) and National Advertising Review Board (NARB). Ian takes a practical approach to litigating, partnering with clients to best position them to advance their business goals.
Ian was selected by World Trademark Review for an individual ranking in the 2023 edition of the WTR 1000, paired with NGE’s trademark group receiving the highest gold-band rating amongst Illinois law firms. Based on client references, WTR 1000 described Ian as a “skilled partner” who “brings his creative and pragmatic approach to major players.” Super Lawyers magazine recognized Ian as an “Illinois Rising Star” in intellectual property litigation each year from 2014–19. He serves as a member of the firm's Summer Associate Hiring Committee. Prior to joining NGE, Ian was an intellectual property litigation partner in the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where he successfully litigated numerous high-profile lawsuits through trial and appeal.
- World Trademark Review 1000, recommended in “Prosecution and Strategy” since 2023.