Welcome to drishti Law
Trademark Lawyer in Illinois

Your Illinois Trademark Attorney
Registering a trademark, on the face of it, appears as a simple task since you have to fill out the application and submit it to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In reality, the process is very complex, especially for those who are not well-versed in the intricacies and nuances of trademark law.
At Drishti Law, we are more than a law firm. Our motto is complete commitment to the client and understanding their concerns. We have an established track record in the field of intellectual property law, especially trademark law.
Our principal trademark attorney at the law firm understands the value of carefully handling the trademark registration process so as to prevent the client from unnecessary expense or time waste. He has filed numerous trademark applications on behalf of his clients and represented several of them in trademark disputes. Whether you are a small business that has just stepped into the world of commerce or an established enterprise having a strong foothold in the market, if you are thinking of registering your trademark, you have come to the right place.
Your Journey with Our Illinois Trademark Lawyer
When choosing a trademark lawyer in Illinois, it is important to choose someone who has experience in the field and has an established track record in handling cases and winning them. Our experienced principal trademark attorney at Drishti Law takes pride in representing several of his clients before the designated forums such as the USPTO or the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) where he has not just represented them but also secured relief for them.
At Drishti Law, we have a standard practice of providing a tailored plan to our clients, however, all of them involve the following elements:
1. Initial Consultation with our IL Trademark Attorney
The first step in any trademark registration service process is a detailed discussion between the client and the attorney. This first meeting is important in this long journey of trademark registration because it paves the way for understanding the client’s requirements and formulating the subsequent strategy.
At Drishti Law, we provide free consultation with our trademark lawyer for the first time. If you wish to secure this offer, just click on this link and book an appointment with our trademark attorney.
2. Conducting a Thorough Trademark Search
Before initiating the application filling and filing, it is important to know if the mark is eligible to be trademarked. This is done by conducting a thorough trademark search. A trademark search helps ascertain if the intended mark of the client is available for usage and has not already been adopted by someone else. This step cannot be underestimated as it can save you from a lot of future legal hassles. Consult with our firm for trademark search services
3. Preparing the Trademark Application and Filing it with the USPTO
The third step in the plan involved in the trademark registration services we offer is applying and submitting it to the USPTO. This is the most important part of the process and requires a meticulous approach to every part of the application.
Not showing diligence would mean an unreasonable delay in the approval, or in the worst-case scenario, a refusal. Our trademark lawyer in Illinois is aware of the importance of this step therefore he dedicates a sufficient amount of time to preparing the client’s application.
4. Replying to the USPTO’s Queries or Objections
After applying, it is often the case that the USPTO would have queries regarding the application or even objections. Our trademark lawyer in Illinois is careful about this aspect and ensures that all queries or objections are responded to in a timely and suitable manner.
5. Responding to the Trademark Office Actions
Office actions are formal objections issued by the trademark examiner. These objections require specific responses which are worded very carefully. At Drishti Law, our trademark attorney is well-versed in the tips and tricks of efficiently handling the office actions.
6. Handling the Publication and Opposition Proceedings
After approval of the application, the next phase is of publication in the Official Gazette. This is a very critical stage of the application process as this is where other trademark holders oppose the published mark. Our trademark lawyer in Illinois treads carefully with the opposition proceedings so as to avoid any impact on the registration progress.
7. Receiving the Trademark Registration Certificate
After the completion of the opposition phase and surviving through, the registration process finally concludes. A registration certificate is issued in the name of the owner or the company. An experienced trademark attorney in Illinois ensures that the certificate is delivered safely in the client’s hands.
8. Post-Registration Services
The journey doesn’t end with the registration phase. The next phase requires careful and continuous trademark monitoring of the client’s mark for trademark infringement and taking all the necessary measures to ensure that the trademark protection is intact.
9. Renewal and Maintenance
A one-time registration is not enough for trademarks; it is important to get it periodically renewed, as well as maintenance whenever needed. At Drishti Law, these are also included as part of our services.
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Illinois State Registration vs. Federal Registration
Illinois runs its own trademark register through the Secretary of State. A state registration costs $10 per class, lasts five years, and can be renewed for another five years during the 60 days before it expires. It’s inexpensive and useful for a business that only operates in Illinois, or for products that can’t be registered federally, such as cannabis sold under an Illinois license.
But a state registration only covers Illinois. A federal registration with the USPTO gives you rights across the whole country, a legal presumption that you own the mark, access to federal courts, the ability to record your mark with U.S. Customs, and the right to use the ® symbol. The USPTO filing fee starts at $350 per class. For most growing businesses the federal registration is the one that matters, and some benefit from having both.
Trademark Disputes in Illinois Courts
Federal trademark cases in Illinois are heard in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern District (Chicago and Rockford), the Central District (including Springfield, Peoria and Urbana) and the Southern District (East St. Louis and Benton), with appeals going to the Seventh Circuit. Claims under Illinois law, such as the state trademark act and the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, can also be brought in the Illinois circuit courts.
Plenty of disputes never reach court at all. Many are settled with a well-drafted cease and desist letter or decided before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. When litigation is needed, we handle trademark infringement proceedings for Illinois businesses.
Areas We Serve in Illinois
We represent businesses throughout the state, with most work handled by phone, email and video call, and in-person meetings available in Chicago. Clients come to us from Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Rockford, Elgin, Springfield, Peoria, Waukegan, Champaign and Cicero, as well as Bloomington, Arlington Heights, Evanston, Schaumburg, Bolingbrook, Palatine, Skokie, Des Plaines, Orland Park and the rest of Illinois.
FAQs regarding the Trademark Registration
Q: What is a Trademark?
A trademark is any logo, word, symbol, or phrase that serves as a unique representation of a brand in the marketplace. The purpose of a trademark is to distinguish one enterprise from another.
Q: I want to know the process of trademarking a name or logo. What does that entail?
Trademarking a logo or a word is done by applying to the trademark office. To apply for a trademark, you have to follow the steps mentioned above.
Q: What is the USPTO?
As the name suggests, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is a federal agency responsible for registering trademarks and patents.
Q: How much does it cost to hire our trademark attorney?
Our attorney fees depend on the work involved, and we quote them upfront after a free consultation, so there are no surprises. The USPTO’s own government filing fee is separate: $350 per class of goods or services, plus surcharges if the application is incomplete or uses a free-form description.
Q: Should I opt for a trademark or copyright for my creation?
This is a complex question. Your choice of intellectual property protection is dependent on multiple factors since both copyright and trademark are meant to protect your original creation or design.
A trademark provides protection to a word, symbol, logo, phrase, design, or a combination of all of these.
While copyright protects a creator’s “original works of authorship”, and this can include anything from music, artistic, any literary work such as a screenplay, or a novel, and such. Copyright does not protect a slogan or a phrase, so a trademark is the best route for protecting these types of IPs.
However, at times, a work is eligible to be protected both by trademark and copyright. If the logo or design has a considerable level of creativity in it, then it can come under the garb of copyright alongside trademark.
Q: How much does it cost to register a trademark?
It depends mainly on how many classes of goods or services you file in and whether the USPTO raises objections. The federal filing fee starts at $350 per class, and an Illinois state registration costs $10 per class. Our guide to how much trademark registration costs in Illinois breaks it down, or you can contact our trademark attorney for a quote.
Q: Should I register my trademark with Illinois or with the USPTO?
For most businesses, the federal USPTO registration matters more, because it protects your brand across the whole country. An Illinois state registration is cheaper and quicker, and it can make sense for a business that will only ever operate in Illinois, or for goods like state-licensed cannabis that can’t be registered federally. Some businesses use both.
Q: Do you only work with businesses in Chicago?
No. We’re based in Chicago but represent businesses throughout Illinois, from Naperville and Rockford to Springfield and Champaign, and clients across the U.S. Most of our work happens by phone, email and video call, so you don’t need to visit our office.
Let’s talk about Intellectual property protection strategy
Making the most of your
intellectual property

Protect
Prepare for injuries
before that happen
Act
Act and take measures right after
an accident occurs

Recover
Act and take measures right after
an accident occurs
Why Choose Drishti Law?
As Your Intellectual Property Law Firm

Skillful, creative counsel

Personalized attention

Transparency and Efficiency

Knowledgeable intellectual property
meet Our Attorney

Sahil Malhotra
Education : J.D. University of Illinois – Chicago school of law
Bar Admission : Illinois (Admitted 2021), District of Columbia (Admitted 2022)
Additionally, Sahil’s experience as a trademark law clerk at the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) confirmed his aspiration to pursue a career in practicing intellectual property law. Together, his experience at the IP clinic, USPTO, and continued involvement in the IP community have resulted in a full spectrum IP law firm.
Sahil is licensed to practice in the state of Illinois and has the requisite acumen to provide effective solutions for managing your portfolio. He understands the challenges faced by innovators, creators, startups, and businesses in today’s hyper competitive market. Your vision needs protection. Let Sahil help you develop a competent formula for success.
What We Do
Practice Area
Copyright Service
The US Copyright system is designed to protect creators while incentivizing others to create original and innovative work. At Drishti Law we offer clear and concise guidance regarding various copyright issues.

Trademarks Service
The legal process for brand development begins with trademark registration. A trademark lawyer at Drishti Law, a law firm based out of Chicago, can get you there…

Cannabis Trademark
At Drishti Law, we perfectly prepare cannabis trademark applications which will effortlessly protect clients without giving governments doubts which will lead to rejecting the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What practice areas does your law firm cover?
Drishti Law offers a wide variety of Intellectual property services to individuals and small businesses. Our services cover, but are not limited to, Trademarks, Trade Secrets, Copyrights, and Data Privacy. We will use every resource available, to be a one stop shop for all matters when it relates to your ventures.
Do you charge for consultations?
Our initial consultation will be a short conversation to discuss your matter and will be free of charge. Any follow-up conversation regarding the matter will be covered in our engagement agreement.
What is the best way to contact you?
Feel free to reach us at info@drishtilaw.com or (773) 234-1139.
How many locations do you have?
Do you require clients to meet in person?
How would you like your client to be prepared?
Do you offer patent services?
All patent services are handled by a group of trusted and licensed patent attorneys that are available on request by the client.






