Atty. Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough
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.
Profile Summary
About Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough at a glance
Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough is a trademark attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP. Admitted to practice in Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association. Educated at University of Wisconsin–Madison (J.D., 1988) and University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (B.S., 1985). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Copyright Law (2026). Serands clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- 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.”
Practice Areas Explained
Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Thomas C. "Tom" McDonough is one of 23,222 trademark attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trademark attorneys in Illinois →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Illinois
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 andnue, 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.
Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.
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