Christopher Butler

Christopher R. Butler

Partner

200 Public Square
Suite 2800
Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Primary Practices

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.

Professional History

  • Partner, Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, 2024-present; Associate, 2015-2023; Intellectual Property Law Clerk, 2013-15; Legal Intern, 2009-13

Credentials

Education
  • The University of Akron College of Business Administration, MBA, 2016
  • The University of Akron School of Law, J.D., 2015
  • Miami University, B.A., Chemistry, 2012
Community Involvement

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

 

 

Awards & Distinctions

Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers®, Commercial Litigation, 2021-24; Intellectual Property Law, 2022-24, Patent Law, 2023-24; Litigation – Intellectual Property, 2024; Non-Profit/Charities Law, 2024; Technology Law, 2024

 

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

 

Bar Admissions

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

Memberships & Affiliations

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