Atty. Thomas Varnum
Thomas represents and counsels businesses on a myriad of intellectual property and business matters. An avid supporter of North Carolina’s film industry, Thomas also practices in film and entertainment law, working with producers and filmmakers throughout the entire production process.
Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television & More Attorney · Serving Wilmington, NC
Profile Summary
About Thomas Varnum at a Glance
Thomas Varnum is a ip and entertainment attorney based in Wilmington, North Carolina, practicing at Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP. Admitted to practice in North Carolina, North Carolina Bar Association. Educated at University of California Davis (J.D., 2008) and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.A., 2004). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serves clients in Wilmington, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Thomas Varnum
- Thomas represents and counsels businesses on a myriad of intellectual property and business matters
- An avid supporter of North Carolina’s film industry, Thomas also practices in film and entertainment law, working with producers and filmmakers throughout the entire production process
- In addition to his legal practice, Thomas is a co-owner of Mad Mole Brewing in Wilmington
- He utilizes insights from this unique “real world” experience when counseling breweries, distilleries and wineries about alcoholic beverage law
- Thomas helps clients navigate intellectual property issues, including trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, idea protection, data privacy, and digital marketing
- Thomas works with businesses and other content creators to identify, enforce and exploit their intellectual property rights
- He also litigates intellectual property infringement and trade secrets misappropriation lawsuits in both state and federal courts, and handles trademark proceedings before the USPTO’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB)
- Thomas has experience working with breweries, distilleries and wineries on intellectual property matters, including selecting, protecting and enforcing trademarks, product names, business names and label artwork
- Thomas represents individuals and companies active in all types of entertainment projects, from film and television, to online videos and other media
- Thomas regularly works with independent producers and other filmmakers, counseling clients throughout the pre-production, production, post-production and distribution processes
- Thomas has represented and negotiated with production companies, talent and entertainment lawyers from all over the country, helping talented people bring creative ideas all the way from inception to the screen
- Thomas has served as an Adjunct Professor of Entertainment Law at Elon University School of Law
- He also has a personal interest in film and television, and is active in North Carolina’s film industry
- Most notably, he served for six years on the board of trustees for Cucalorus Film Festival, one of the Southeast’s largest independent film festivals
- In addition, Thomas also works on the literature side of entertainment, counseling authors on a variety of legal issues that arise throughout the publishing process, including contract negotiations and copyright and fair use issues
- Thomas represents companies and individuals in complex business litigation in both federal and state court
- He has represented businesses and individuals in lawsuits involving a variety of issues, including contract disputes, intellectual property (trademark, copyright, and patent) infringement claims, trade secrets misappropriation claims, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, defamation claims, construction disputes, shareholders’ rights, and lender liability claims
- Thomas also litigates trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings in front of the USPTO’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB)
- Thomas has become a trusted advisor for many clients, transitioning from an intellectual property attorney or entertainment attorney to general counsel for many businesses he works with
- Thomas is in daily communication with many of clients, advising on a variety of legal issues, from labor and employment matters to real estate issues
- Clients may be based in North Carolina, but many do business all over the world
- Thomas has worked with clients that include technology and software companies, dental and medical practices, an international online marketplace, manufacturing companies in different sectors, a transportation logistics company, and a securities broker-dealer, to name a few
- His hands-on experience as a co-owner of a local brewery gives him an invaluable perspective for understanding the legal issues craft alcoholic beverage producers face
- He has assisted businesses within this industry on entity formation, federal TTB permitting, state ABC licensing, employment practices, zoning issues, and other important matters
Practice Areas Explained
Thomas Varnum's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Thomas Varnum handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Wilmington.
Intellectual Property in Wilmington
IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.
Thomas Varnum is one of 105,285 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in North Carolina →
Entertainment & Sports Law in Wilmington
Entertainment lawyers for music, film, sports contracts, talent representation, and IP licensing.
Thomas Varnum is one of 45,619 entertainment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse entertainment attorneys in North Carolina →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Wilmington
Practicing law in North Carolina. Legal matters in North Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Wilmington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate North Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in North Carolina 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 North Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Wilmington Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Wilmington-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 North Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Wilmington or all attorneys in North Carolina.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Wilmington Choose Thomas Varnum
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 Thomas Varnum's practice in the field of ip and entertainment.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering ip and entertainment, Thomas Varnum can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Wilmington
A Wilmington-based practice means Thomas Varnum attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Thomas Varnum Handles in Wilmington
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Thomas Varnum has experience with under North Carolina law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Thomas Varnum directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Thomas Varnum Online
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Thomas Varnum's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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