Richard Stockton
Banner Witcoff
Intellectual property

How successful is Richard Stockton in the legal field of patent, copyright and trademark law? Consider this stat: Stockton has obtained more than 1,000 U.S. design patents, trademark registrations, copyright registrations and utility patents for his clients.

Then there is his work in intellectual property. Stockton manages a portfolio of more than 2,000 intellectual properties, including thousands of properties in more than 70 foreign jurisdictions.

It’s little wonder with a resume such as this, that Stockton, with the Chicago law firm of Banner & Witcoff, is considered one of the top patent, copyright and intellectual property experts working today in the city.

But despite this busy caseload, Stockton has found time to give back to his profession and his community. He is a dedicated volunteer on behalf of the University of Illinois, donates countless hours of pro bono work for Banner & Witcoff and has spent time as a mentor to those studying to become attorneys.

The comments of Judge James Holderman with the U.S. District Court is indicative of the reputation that Stockton has earned:

“The combination of a proven track record in the field of intellectual property law, his professional achievements and the generous combination of his time to the education of future lawyers confirms that Richard Stockton is a lawyer to watch,” Holderman said.

Chris George, with the Chicago law firm of Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, said that Stockton is that rare intellectual property expert who takes a holistic approach when working with clients.

This means that Stockton focuses on the big picture when working to protect the intellectual property of his clients.

“Rich has provided diligent, innovative counsel to a variety of clients to address not only their intellectual property needs, but their business strategy needs, as well,” George said. “Rich takes the time and energy to craft particular solutions for small and large companies that enable them to develop their businesses, rather than simply say they have a piece of IP.”

Stockton also has a winning personality. This might not seem important, but it is. George says that Stockton’s hardworking style, honesty and smarts have endeared him to patent office examiners, judges and other attorneys. Stockton, George says, is a welcome alternative to the many unyielding, blustering litigators that these professionals frequently encounter.

Stockton’s volunteer work with his alma matter, the University of Illinois, is impressive, too. Stockton is a member of the school’s Athletic Board, President’s Council, Chancellor’s Circle and Cribbet Society. He has also volunteered for the Illinois Imprint leadership program, through which Stockton has mentored dozens. It’s not unusual, either, to find him at the university to discuss careers in patent law with law students.

Stockton has not been shy about sharing his knowledge. He is an adjunct professor at Northwestern University School of Law where he co-teaches Intellectual Property Pre-Trial Litigation Skills. He taught the same course as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center from 2005 through 2011.

Finally, Stockton is an active volunteer with the INTA-sponsored Saul Lefkowitz Trademark Moot Court Competition.