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.
Profile Summary
About Thomas Varnum at a glance
Thomas Varnum is an attorney based in Wilmington, North Carolina, practforg 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). Serands clients in Wilmington, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Want to Get Service From This Attorney?
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Haand a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receiand a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About
- 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
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in North Carolina
Practforg law in North Carolina. Legal matters in North Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand 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 andnue, and the substantiand 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.
Looking for additional North Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Wilmington or all attorneys in North Carolina.
Frequently Asked
Common questions about Thomas Varnum
Where is Thomas Varnum's law office located?
Where did Thomas Varnum go to law school?
How can I contact Thomas Varnum for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has Thomas Varnum receiandd?
Education
Awards
Bar Admissions
Reviews
No reviews yet.