Thomas M. "Tom" Williams - Lawyer in Chicago, IL

Practicing for over 20 years, Tom is an internationally recognized litigator and partner in the Firms Intellectual Property Group. Tom litigates trademark, false advertising, and trade secrets disputes on behalf of a number of the world's largest and most sophisticated brands.

Tom has extensive experience representing clients in all aspects of trademark law and is a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA), where he serves on the Unfair Competition Committee. He has earned recognition in the World Trademark Review 1000: The World's Leading Trademark Professionals for 5 years in a row, where he has been called a meticulous litigator and has been noted for his successful representation of clients in courts and administrative proceedings. Tom represents his clients before federal district and appellate courts, and in proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He also represents brand owners in domain name disputes under the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) and Anti-cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA). In addition, he represents clients in trademark prosecution and counseling matters, and manages global trademark portfolios for clients in multiple industries.

Leading Analysis on False Advertising the Lanham Act

A field-leader, Tom frequently writes and speaks about trademark and unfair competition law and practice. He is well-versed in competitor false advertising disputes under the Lanham Act and has used his extensive knowledge of the field to author the annually updated Lexis-Nexis publication, False Advertising and the Lanham Act. Section 43 of the Lanham Act is an invaluable tool for intellectual property and commercial litigators. His book addresses false advertising claims under Section 43(a)(1)(B) of the Lanham Act, arguably the most misinterpreted and misapplied subsection. Toms thorough and up-to-date book has been favorably reviewed by various sources, regarded as comprehensive, insightful, and a ?must read. INTAs The Trademark Reporter called it, A helpful tool to practitioners, both in-house and in private practice.

Personal Interests

Tom is an avid cyclist and outdoorsman. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. In the winter, Tom competes in the relatively unknown but burgeoning sport of fat bike racing.