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200 Public Square
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Cleveland, Ohio 44114
As a registered attorney at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Christopher R. Butler focuses his practice on intellectual property and business law matters. With a background in law and business administration, Chris uses the intersection of the two disciplines to effectively guide clients through the intricacies of intellectual property assets, including trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and patents, as well as their effect on larger business decisions.
Chris has a wide range of experience in many aspects of trademark portfolio management and enforcement. He performs domestic and international clearance searches for trademarks and provides legal opinions with respect to the use, registrability and infringement of trademarks throughout the world. Additionally, Chris prepares and prosecutes trademark and copyright applications and works with clients to implement enforcement strategies, including claims in federal courts throughout the United States and trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings before the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
Chris earned his MBA in 2016, which is reflective of his passion for intellectual property issues and their impact on business matters. Chris brings unique insights to his clients on how intellectual property assets influence brand awareness and identity, affect financial and purchasing decisions, and further shape the organizational strategy of a business.
Additionally, he works closely with his clients to develop comprehensive intellectual property portfolios and handles the negotiation and preparation of license agreements, assignments, non-disclosure agreements, and consent and co-existence agreements relating to all aspects of intellectual property. Through thoughtful consideration of the needs and goals of each specific client, Chris creates a personalized protection plan for each client’s portfolio, with an eye toward furthering each individual client’s specific business goals.
Franklin Circle Christian Church, Board Member, 2021-present
The Refugee Response, Student Mentor, 2018-2019
We Run This City, Volunteer, Registration and Half Marathon Pacer, 2017-2019; Advisory Board Member, 2017-2019
Junior Achievement, BlitzDay, 2017
Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers®, Commercial Litigation, 2021-25; Intellectual Property Law, 2022-25, Patent Law, 2023-25; Litigation – Intellectual Property, 2024-25; Non-Profit/Charities Law, 2024-25; Technology Law, 2024-25
Rising Star, Ohio Super Lawyers®, 2022-24
Level 2 Award in Wines with Distinction (100%), Wine and Spirits Education Trust, 2021
Leadership Development Award: Toastmasters International, October 2019
Competent Leader Award: Toastmasters International, June 2017
CALI Award for Valuation of Firms & IP, May 2015
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, 2016
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, 2016
State of Ohio, 2015
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 2014
American Inns of Court, IP Inn of Court, Member, 2021-present
Ohio Wine Producers Association, Member, 2020-present
International Wine Law Association, member, 2020-present
Toastmasters International, Mid-Day Toastmasters Club No. 1790, President, 2018-2020, Member, 2016-present
Cleveland Intellectual Property Law Assoc., 2012-2020