Meet John Bathke
John is a multilingual intellectual-property attorney who helps businesses, creators, artists, and entrepreneurs protect creative work, brands, and identity in the United States and across borders. He advises clients on copyright, trademark, right-of-publicity, and AI-related intellectual-property matters, including registration, licensing, enforcement, administrative proceedings, and litigation when needed.
Known for his strategic approach and practical problem-solving skills, John works efficiently to identify innovative legal solutions that protect trademark rights, copyrights, and other valuable intellectual property assets. His ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively in English, French, and Spanish allows him to serve a diverse range of clients both domestically and internationally.
Education & Early Background
John earned his Bachelor of Music from Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. During his time at Vanderbilt, he performed in the musical theater production of The Fantasticks and the opera production of Gianni Schicchi. In a fitting preview of his future profession, he portrayed the lawyer in Gianni Schicchi.
Following graduation, John spent three years living in Europe. He lived for two years in Rennes, France, spent a summer in Bordighera, Italy, and later lived in Granada, Spain for a year. These experiences helped shape his international perspective and fueled his passion for language and cross-cultural communication.
Today, John is fluent in French and Spanish and continues to pursue language studies. He has also studied German, Arabic, and Portuguese.
Intellectual Property Practice
John concentrates his practice on copyright, trademark, right-of-publicity, and AI-related intellectual property matters, helping clients protect, license, and enforce creative works, brands, and their identities in this digital age.
His experience includes trademark infringement disputes, copyright litigation, brand protection strategies, trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings, and intellectual property enforcement matters involving both domestic and international issues.
Professional Involvement
John is actively involved in several leading intellectual property organizations, including:
- International Trademark Association (INTA)
- The Copyright Society
In addition to his legal practice, John teaches at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, where he helps train the next generation of attorneys.
He is also committed to supporting the arts community and creative professionals through volunteer service. John serves on the Associate Board of Lawyers for the Creative Arts and volunteers as a pro bono attorney for the organization. He previously served as a Board Member for Arts Partners of Central Illinois.
Admissions & Courts
John is admitted to practice before numerous state and federal courts throughout the United States, including:
State Courts
- All Illinois trial and appellate courts
- All New York trial and appellate courts
- All California trial and appellate courts
Supreme Court
- Supreme Court of the United States
Federal Courts of Appeals
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Federal District Courts
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
Administrative & Alternative Dispute Resolution Forums
- United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB)
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- American Arbitration Association (AAA), including disputes involving Amazon.com
Outside the Office
Outside of his legal practice, John remains deeply connected to music and the arts. He regularly participates in local theater productions and choirs, viewing music as both a creative outlet and a welcome balance to the demands of a busy legal career.
His passion for language, culture, creativity, and advocacy continues to shape his work as an attorney and his commitment to helping clients protect the ideas, brands, and artistic works that matter most to them.
