Atty. John A. Cullis
John Cullis focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation, counseling and procurement. Over the course of his career, John has been recognized among his peers as a preeminent litigator in the field of intellectual property.
Trademark Law Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL
Profile Summary
About John A. Cullis at a Glance
John A. Cullis is a trademark attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Educated at University of Detroit Mercy (J.D., 2000). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026). Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About John A. Cullis
- John Cullis focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation, counseling and procurement
- Over the course of his career, John has been recognized among his peers as a preeminent litigator in the field of intellectual property
- John is an accomplished trial lawyer who has first-chaired trademark, trade dress, trade secret, copyright and unfair competition matters before judges and juries in numerous U.S. federal courts and the U.S
- Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Trademark Trial and Appeal Board
- John is known for his ability to develop highly effective case strategies that lead to an early resolution for the client
- John’s trial experience and strategic approach has led to him being sought out and engaged by several major brands to take over highly contentious cases that were destined for trial
- In many instances, John was able to develop and execute an effective case strategy that was designed to resolve the case in the most cost-effective manner possible
- In addition, he routinely counsels clients on the clearance, registration, enforcement, licensing, acquisition, and disposition of IP rights
- John prides himself on working collaboratively with each client and maintaining the highest level of professionalism in his enforcement efforts, as he recognizes that, as outside counsel, he is an ambassador for some of the world’s most valuable brands
- Beyond IP matters, John leverages his dual Canadian-U.S. law licenses to advise many foreign-based clients on a wide range of U.S. legal issues, including U.S. acquisitions and dispositions, corporate formations, cross-border tax issues, insolvency and restructuring issues, licensing and transactional agreements, commercial real estate matters, and corporate and commercial disputes
Practice Areas Explained
John A. Cullis's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John A. Cullis handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Chicago.
Trademark Law in Chicago
John A. Cullis is one of 23,086 trademark attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trademark attorneys in Illinois →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Chicago
Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Chicago Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Chicago-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Chicago Choose John A. Cullis
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish John A. Cullis's practice in the field of trademark.
Focused Trademark Practice
Concentrating on trademark means John A. Cullis's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Chicago
A Chicago-based practice means John A. Cullis attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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John A. Cullis's Practice Areas & Specializations
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