Joseph M. Barich

In today’s innovative world, ideas, inventions, and unique brands are often your most valuable assets. For individuals, startups, and established businesses across Illinois, protecting these intangible properties is not just important; it’s crucial for long-term success and competitive advantage. Navigating the complex landscape of intellectual property (IP) law, from patents and trademarks to copyrights and trade secrets, requires specialized knowledge and a strategic approach. This is where the expertise of a seasoned IP attorney becomes indispensable.

For those in Illinois seeking robust protection for their creative and innovative endeavors, Joseph M. Barich stands out as a highly respected and accomplished Intellectual Property attorney. With a deep understanding of both legal frameworks and technical intricacies, Joseph M. Barich focuses on helping clients develop powerful IP portfolios and then leverage those assets to drive revenue and secure their market position. His practice is dedicated to transforming ideas into protected, valuable assets, ensuring that innovators and businesses in Illinois can thrive without undue risk.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Joseph M. Barich’s legal services, highlighting his strategic location in Chicago, his extensive experience, the specific areas of intellectual property law he covers, and what makes him an ideal choice for clients across Illinois. Whether you are an inventor with a groundbreaking idea, a startup building a new brand, or an established company looking to defend your innovations, understanding the capabilities and commitment of Joseph M. Barich can be the first step towards securing your intellectual assets.

Joseph M. Barich’s practice is conveniently located at 150 S Wacker Dr 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606, USA. This address places him in a prime, easily accessible location within Chicago's central business district. For inventors, entrepreneurs, and businesses throughout Illinois, this downtown Chicago office offers significant advantages in terms of convenience and accessibility.

The 24th-floor office on Wacker Drive is well-served by Chicago’s extensive public transportation network. Multiple L train lines and numerous bus routes have stops within a short walking distance, making it straightforward for clients to reach the office from various neighborhoods in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. For those who prefer to drive, numerous parking garages are available in the immediate vicinity of Wacker Drive, providing ample options for convenient access. This ease of access ensures that clients can attend important consultations and meetings without unnecessary travel complexities, which is particularly beneficial when discussing sensitive intellectual property matters.

Being situated in the heart of Chicago also provides Joseph M. Barich with proximity to key legal institutions, including federal courts, which are often involved in intellectual property litigation. This strategic location enhances his ability to effectively serve clients across Illinois, offering a central hub for expert IP legal counsel and ensuring that he is well-positioned to engage with the broader legal and business community.

Services Offered:

• Patent Law and Prosecution: Specializing in developing, prosecuting (filing and arguing before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office), and managing patent applications both in the U.S. and internationally. This includes utility patents, design patents, and provisional applications across various technical fields such as wireless communications, computer hardware/software, Internet-based innovations, medical imaging, and business methods.
• Trademark and Trade Dress Law: Assisting clients with trademark registration, protection, enforcement, and defending against infringement to safeguard brand identity.
• Copyright Law: Providing counsel and services related to the protection and enforcement of original works of authorship.
• Trade Secret Protection: Helping clients establish and maintain protocols to protect confidential business information and proprietary knowledge.
• IP Portfolio Development and Strategy: Working with clients to create comprehensive intellectual property portfolios tailored to their specific needs, driving revenue and providing value.
• IP Monetization and Licensing: Advising and assisting clients in licensing their intellectual property rights to generate income.
• IP Enforcement and Litigation: Representing clients in disputes involving patent, trademark, or copyright infringement, and defending clients from IP attacks.
• Product Clearances: Conducting analyses to ensure new products do not infringe on existing intellectual property rights before market release.
• Corporate IP Holdings Analysis: Evaluating intellectual property assets in conjunction with mergers, acquisitions, or investment opportunities.
• Legal Counsel for Startups and Engineering Companies: Providing specialized legal guidance on intellectual property, contracts, and other legal matters relevant to startups and engineers, drawing from his experience teaching engineering law.

Features / Highlights:

• Highly Specialized Intellectual Property Attorney: Joseph M. Barich is a licensed Intellectual Property (IP) attorney with a deep focus on developing and leveraging IP portfolios.
• Extensive Patent Prosecution Experience: Involved in prosecuting over 1,200 patent applications globally, demonstrating vast experience and expertise in securing patent protection.
• Recognized by Super Lawyers: Selected to the Illinois Super Lawyers list from 2019-2025 and previously as a Rising Star from 2008-2010 and 2012, signifying high peer recognition and professional achievement.
• Included in The Best Lawyers in America®: Recognized in the 2025 list for Patent Law, further cementing his reputation as a top-tier IP attorney.
• Ranked Among Top Patent Prosecutors: Included in the Patent Buddy® List of Top Patent Prosecutors (representing the top 2% in areas like Computer, Electrical, Software, and Business Methods).
• Academic Authority and Educator: Serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Illinois College of Law, teaching patent prosecution, and also teaches Engineering Law and Startup Legal Issues at the University of Illinois College of Engineering.
• Founder and Director of IP Clinic: Established and directs an IP Clinic at the University of Illinois College of Law, where law students draft patent and trademark applications for student inventors and startups.
• Proven Track Record of Value Creation: Involved in numerous successful licensing/settlement efforts yielding millions of dollars to clients based on IP portfolios he helped create.
• Technical Background: Holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE), providing a strong foundation for understanding complex technical inventions.
• Admitted to Practice Before U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Registered to practice before the USPTO, a critical credential for patent attorneys.

Promotions or Special Offers:

While specific, publicly advertised "promotions" in the traditional sense may not be listed for a specialized intellectual property attorney like Joseph M. Barich, his practice model offers significant value and accessibility to clients in Illinois. As is common with many highly specialized legal services, direct promotions are less frequent than in other legal areas.

However, the value he provides is inherent in his expertise and client-focused approach. Clients seeking to understand their intellectual property options or needing to discuss a specific patent, trademark, or copyright matter should directly contact his office. During an initial conversation, inquiries regarding fee structures for consultations or specific project work can be made. It is a common practice for legal professionals in specialized fields to offer an initial discussion to determine if there is a mutual fit and if the attorney's expertise aligns with the client's needs, often without an immediate charge for this preliminary assessment. This allows individuals and businesses in Illinois to explore their IP protection strategies with a leading expert without upfront financial commitment for basic information gathering. His reputation and recognition, as highlighted by his "Super Lawyers" and "Best Lawyers in America" selections, speak to the quality and value of the service provided, which for many clients is the most important "offer."

Contact Information:

For individuals, businesses, and innovators in Illinois looking to protect their intellectual property and leverage their innovations, Joseph M. Barich is available for consultation.

Address: 150 S Wacker Dr 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Phone: (312) 620-2471

Mobile Phone: +1 312-620-2471

Reaching out is the crucial first step toward securing your intellectual assets and discussing how his expertise can benefit your endeavors.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses across Illinois, Joseph M. Barich represents an exceptional choice for all intellectual property needs. His prime location on Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago offers a convenient and professional setting, easily accessible by public transport and car, ensuring that expert IP counsel is within reach for anyone in the state. This accessibility is vital for fostering innovation and ensuring that valuable ideas can be properly protected.

What truly makes Joseph M. Barich highly suitable for locals is his unparalleled expertise and extensive experience in intellectual property law, particularly in patent prosecution. Having been involved in prosecuting over 1,200 patent applications, he possesses a depth of knowledge that is rare and invaluable. His recognition as a "Super Lawyer" and inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America" for Patent Law are not just accolades; they are strong indicators of his professional competence, peer respect, and consistent ability to achieve favorable outcomes for his clients. Furthermore, his background in electrical engineering allows him to grasp complex technical details, which is crucial for effectively protecting a wide range of inventions.

Beyond his direct legal practice, his role as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois College of Law and College of Engineering underscores his commitment to advancing the field of intellectual property and supporting the next generation of innovators. This academic engagement reflects a deep, current understanding of IP law and its practical application. For Illinois residents, this means entrusting their valuable intellectual assets to an attorney who is not only a seasoned practitioner but also a thought leader in the field. Joseph M. Barich is more than just a lawyer; he is a strategic partner dedicated to helping individuals and businesses in Illinois secure, manage, and monetize their most innovative ideas.