200 Public Square
Suite 2800
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Christopher R. Butler harnesses his background in both intellectual property law and business administration to effectively guide clients through the intricacies of obtaining, protecting, leveraging, and enforcing intellectual property assets, including trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and patents, as well as understanding and appreciating their effect on larger business decisions. A registered attorney at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Chris focuses his practice on all aspects of trademark and copyright law, including clearance, prosecution, enforcement, licensing, and related transactions. He has helped clients create worldwide portfolios in a variety of industries to safeguard their innovations and support sound business decisions across the globe.
Chris has a wide range of experience in trademark portfolio management and enforcement. He regularly performs domestic and international clearance searches for trademarks and advises clients 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.
Additionally, Chris works closely with 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 client, Chris creates a personalized protection plan for every client portfolio, with an eye toward furthering specific business goals.
Chris has always held a passion for the impact of intellectual property issues on business matters. He works closely with Hahn Loeser’s mergers & acquisitions team to negotiate agreements involving intellectual property assets. Chris brings unique insights to 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. He counsels clients in all industries, including the food and beverage, gaming, hospitality, retail, transportation, housing, and museum sectors.
Chris represents wineries, breweries, distilleries, and other businesses within the alcohol beverage sector, both in the United States and abroad, in matters relating to brand and label creation, expansion, and enforcement. He is a member of both the International Wine Law Association (AIDV) and the Ohio Wine Producers Association and regularly speaks on issues facing wineries and other businesses in the alcohol beverage sector.
Law and Leadership Institute, Speaker, 2023-present
Cuyahoga Valley Trails Council, Volunteer, 2025-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, 2021-26; Intellectual Property Law, 2022-26, Patent Law, 2023-26; Litigation – Intellectual Property, 2024-26; Non-Profit/Charities Law, 2024-26; Technology Law, 2024-26; Privacy and Data Security Law, 2026
Rising Star, Ohio Super Lawyers®, 2022-25
Level 2 Award in Wines with Distinction (100%), Wine and Spirits Education Trust, 2021
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
International Trademark Association (INTA), Member, 2016-present
American Inns of Court, IP Inn of Court, Member, 2021-2022
Ohio Wine Producers Association, Member, 2020-present
Association Internationale des Juristes du Droit de la Vigne et du Vin (International Wine Law Association), Member, 2020-present
Toastmasters International, Mid-Day Toastmasters Club No. 1790, President, 2018-2020, Member, 2016-2022
Cleveland Intellectual Property Law Association, 2012-2020