J. Michael Monahan

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312-554-7932

mmonahan@pattishall.com

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How can you help me protect my business?
In addition to my focus on intellectual property law, my background includes a great deal of experience as a general practitioner. I've counseled clients in transactions and litigation in many substantive areas, particularly those typically important to new and growing businesses. I continue to draw on that experience to augment and complement my advice on intellectual property law. My background helps me stay in touch with the big picture for emerging and established businesses and stay mindful of issues and concerns that clients, judges, and opposing counsel including those whose practice does not focus on intellectual property-bring to the table.

Which areas are your particular areas of expertise?
My practice focuses primarily on trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. I help clients establish, develop and protect their brand assets. I have helped with registration, policing, enforcement through litigation and ADR, and the commercial development of these assets through licensing, franchising and other transactions.

Can you describe some of the issues you've dealt with in your substantive areas?
I continue to work with clients in all aspects of software and information services, from video games to business software applications. I counsel software purchasers and users, developers, publishers and value-added-resellers. The range of my experience in this industry has given me the skills to work through complex and technical issues with sensitivity to the differing interests of the parties involved.

I've helped many media clients and other content creators and providers to navigate a broad array of legal issues. These include First Amendment matters, defamation and right of publicity issues, and defending against "Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation"--known as SLAPP--actions.

Because I have worn different hats in my legal career, I recognize the myriad issues and interests that emerge in software and technology matters. I embrace new technologies and approaches, along with the unexplored legal issues they bring.

How does Pattishall's practice differ from other law firms?
Our firm truly follows a team approach. We work together in an environment that cultivates conversation and collaboration. The knowledge and experience within this firm spans many intellectual property areas and dozens of industries. Pattishall's commitment to open discussion and teamwork allows all of our attorneys to draw on this depth of experience.

What personal and professional qualities do you have that benefit your clients?
While my legal career has exposed me to a variety of legal and business matters, my chief interest and focus always has been in intellectual property, which holds relevance in our everyday lives. The legal issues I face in my practice demonstrate their importance when I buy groceries, when I shop online, or when I watch television. At the end of the day, I am a consumer. This instills a real, tangible quality to the work I do in trademarks and copyrights. My experience as a consumer fuels my interest and passion for assisting clients.