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Marc E. Fineman

Partner

Marc Fineman is a partner in the Intellectual Property Group with experience in all facets of patent, trademark, industrial design and copyright law.  Marc’s ultimate goal is to use practical and strategic intellectual property advice to help clients achieve their goals while striking the proper balance between risk and reward.

Intellectual property can be daunting, complex and confusing. In light of that, Marc strives to break down complicated concepts into relatable business terms that help his clients make informed business decisions. He takes time to learn about clients and their businesses, and to understand clients’ business and personal goals, in the hopes that they view him not only as a lawyer, but as a trusted advisor as well.

Marc provides guidance during all stages of the product development lifecycle, from conception, to research, market analysis, development, testing and, finally, launch. This includes conducting product and trademark clearance searches, identifying complementary and cost-effective forms of intellectual property protection, developing and implementing worldwide intellectual property filing and maintenance programs and enforcing and monetizing intellectual property rights through licensing, litigation and sale.

Marc has a particular interest in working with businesses preparing to go to market to add value and reduce transaction costs by proactively addressing common IP issues. Addressing these issues in advance of a potential deal makes the business more attractive to potential buyers and helps avoid surprises and distractions during the sale process.

Marc represents a broad range of clients, including large, multinational public corporations, privately held middle market companies, family-owned business and individuals. Marc works with clients across numerous industries, including Internet and online commerce, consumer electronics, entertainment, sports, telecommunications, sporting goods, toys, exercise products and financial services. In addition to his work protecting some of the most famous products and brands in the world, Marc has an interest in non-traditional trademarks, such as sounds, shapes, colors and textures, and Marc was involved in obtaining the first known registration of a tactile sensory trademark in the United States.

Marc Fineman Headshot

Additional Information

Education & Admissions

Education
  • John Marshall Law School, J.D.
  • Rutgers University, B.S., Ceramic Engineering
Bar Admissions
  • Illinois
Court Admissions
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Memberships

  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Illinois Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • American Intellectual Property Law Association
  • Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago
  • International Trademark Association

Awards

  • Illinois Super Lawyers 2009-2010

Q&A

  • What was the first concert you went to?
    My first concert was The Who at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, PA on July 10, 1989. Good times.

  • What was the first album you ever bought?
    Are we talking vinyl or album in the generic sense? I started getting into music in earnest in the 1980s, so my albums were all cassette tapes. The first cassette I can remember buying was R.E.M.’s “Document” in 1987.

  • What’s your most productive day of the week?
    Friday, because I workout during lunch on Fridays which invigorates and energizes me for the rest of the day.

Clients

  • Marc works with Midmarket private equity firm portfolio companies, midmarket manufacturing companies, midmarket service companies, family-owned companies that design and manufacture consumer products, and growing companies on the verge of expanding to foreign markets.
“Marc is a selfless team player who goes above and beyond regardless of the size of the matter.”

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