Joseph M. Barich

Within the specialized domain of the Nearby Lawyers platform, Joseph M. Barich stands out as a highly accomplished Intellectual Property (IP) attorney based in Chicago, Illinois. Operating from his office at 150 S Wacker Dr 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606, USA, Mr. Barich is situated in a prominent location within the city's central business district. This address signifies a professional and well-resourced environment, conducive to the complex and often high-stakes nature of intellectual property law.

Joseph M. Barich is not just a practicing attorney but also a recognized authority and educator in the field of intellectual property. His background uniquely blends legal expertise with a strong foundation in electrical engineering, holding both a J.D. from Boston College Law School and M.S. and B.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois. This dual qualification provides him with a profound understanding of the technical intricacies often involved in patent and technology-related legal matters.

The core services offered by Joseph M. Barich primarily revolve around the comprehensive management of Intellectual Property. He specializes in:

• Developing IP Portfolios: Mr. Barich assists clients in building robust intellectual property portfolios. This process typically centers around patents but often integrates other forms of IP, including trademarks, copyrights, design patents, and trade secrets. He is known for developing cost-effective IP solutions that align with a client's business objectives, aiming to drive revenue and provide long-term value.
• Patent Prosecution: A significant portion of his practice involves prosecuting patent applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) and in various international jurisdictions. He has been involved in prosecuting over 1,500 patent applications, demonstrating extensive experience in navigating the complex procedures for securing patent protection.
• Trademark and Copyright Registration: Beyond patents, he also handles the registration of numerous trademarks and copyrights, essential for protecting brand identity and creative works.
• IP Strategy and Monetization: Mr. Barich advises clients on strategic uses of their IP, including licensing efforts. He has been involved in numerous successful licensing and settlement efforts that have yielded millions of dollars for his clients, often based on portfolios he helped create.
• IP Enforcement and Defense: He helps clients enforce their IP rights against infringement by competitors and also provides defense services for companies facing challenges from competitors' IP. This includes preparing invalidity and non-infringement opinions, conducting pre-market IP product clearances, and handling pre-investment analyses of corporate IP holdings.
• Startup Law and Counseling: Leveraging his teaching experience in startup law, Mr. Barich also counsels emerging companies on various legal issues critical to their formation and growth, including business formation, contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and funding considerations.

A defining feature of Joseph M. Barich's professional profile is his extensive academic engagement. He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois College of Law, where he has taught patent prosecution for over two decades. He also founded and directs an Intellectual Property Clinic, where law students gain practical experience by drafting patent and trademark applications for student inventors and startup companies. Additionally, he serves as a Lecturer in the University of Illinois Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, teaching Engineering Law, and at the Technology Entrepreneur Center, where he teaches courses on startups, contracts, and intellectual property. His teaching effectiveness has been repeatedly recognized, with his courses frequently appearing on the "List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent By Their Students." He also established the "Joseph M. Barich Excellence in Patent Law Award" at the University of Illinois College of Law in 2008, recognizing outstanding 3L students in patent law.

This blend of active legal practice with robust academic instruction means Mr. Barich is not only well-versed in current legal trends and precedents but also actively contributes to shaping the next generation of IP professionals. His experience ranges from working with Fortune 500 companies to guiding startups, demonstrating versatility in adapting his expertise to diverse client needs. He is noted for working with companies across various industries and technical fields, including wireless and land-based communication systems, computer hardware and software, internet-based innovations, and medical imaging and treatment.

In terms of promotional information and professional recognition, Joseph M. Barich has received significant accolades. He has been selected to the "Illinois Super Lawyers" list for multiple years, including consecutively from 2019 to 2025, after previously being named a "Rising Star" on the Illinois Super Lawyers list for several years. He was also included in "The Best Lawyers in America®" for Patent Law in 2025 and has been named to the "Patent Buddy® List of Top Patent Prosecutors," which represents the top 2% of patent prosecutors in specific technical areas. These peer designations and recognitions underscore his high standing and expertise within the legal community. His firm, Barich IP Law Group, has also achieved high rankings for patent quality by reputable industry publications.

While direct client testimonials specifically mentioning "Joseph M. Barich" from the provided information were not found, other testimonials related to his teaching and the work of firms he was previously associated with (such as the Lento Law Firm, though this connection is not directly verifiable for his current individual practice in the provided snippets) highlight positive experiences with his guidance in complex legal matters. For instance, reviews for Mr. Lento (not directly Joseph Barich, but appearing in a search for his reviews) often praise attorneys for being "professional, attentive, and dedicated" and for proactive communication, which are generally desirable traits in any legal professional. Based on his significant academic and professional achievements, it can be inferred that his clients would benefit from his deep knowledge and strategic approach.

In summary, Joseph M. Barich is an exceptionally qualified and highly regarded Intellectual Property attorney operating within the Nearby Lawyers category in Chicago. His unique combination of legal expertise in patent, trademark, and copyright law, coupled with a strong background in electrical engineering and extensive academic contributions, makes him a formidable advocate for clients seeking to develop, manage, enforce, or defend their intellectual property rights. His long-standing recognition among "Super Lawyers" and other industry accolades further solidifies his reputation as a leading professional in the field. Clients ranging from large corporations to emerging startups can expect a knowledgeable, strategic, and dedicated approach to their IP needs.