As a prosecutor and litigator, Charlie represents and counsels clients in various aspects of patent, trademark and copyright law. Charlie helps clients structure their internal efforts to protect their ideas, processes and products. His experience includes searching and prosecuting patent applications, clearing and registering trademarks and copyrights, licensing, and enforcing and defending intellectual property rights both in the U.S. and internationally. He represents a broad spectrum of clients in industries such as sporting goods, cosmetics, racing, mechanical engineering and computer software.

Charlie serves as Chairman of the Firm’s Trademark Practice Group.

Representative Experience

  • Family Express Corp. v. Square Donuts, Inc.
    United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana Successfully defended challenge to SQUARE DONUTS trademark, eventually resulted in an amicable settlement
  • Devoted Creations v. Australian Gold, LLC
    United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida Jury trial resulting in split verdict, eventually resulted in amicable settlement
  • The Fresh Mkt., Inc. v. Marsh Supermarkets Inc.
    United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana Successfully defeated motion for preliminary injunction in case involving grocery stores
  • Sabasta v. Buckaroos, Inc.
    United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa Obtained summary judgment of inequitable conduct making Plaintiff’s patent unenforceable on behalf of Defendant who manufactures building products
  • AMS, LLC v. Bear Archery, Inc.
    United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin Obtained summary judgment of non-infringement with respect to an arrow attachment device used in bowfishing
  • Swingaway Sports Prods. v. Escalade, Inc.
    United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, transferred to the Southern District of Indiana Successfully obtained transfer, eventually resulting in an amicable settlement in case involving a baseball and soccer training aid
  • NuboNau, Inc. v. NB Labs, Ltd.
    United States District Court for the Southern District of California Successfully obtained dismissal for U.K. defendant with online cosmetic sales due to lack of personal jurisdiction in the U.S.

Honors & Awards

  • The Best Lawyers in America in the fields of Copyright Law, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent, Patent Law, and Trademark Law, 2021-2025
  • Indiana Super Lawyers®, 2024
  • Managing Intellectual Property IP STARS , 2020-2023
  • WTR 1000, World Trademark Review, 2020-2023
  • Distinguished Barrister Award, The Indiana Lawyer, 2023

Professional Affiliations

  • Indiana State Bar Association
  • International Trademark Association
  • 7th Circuit Bar Association
    • Board of Governors, 2002-2005
    • Indiana Chairman of the Technology Committee, 2001-2003
  • Sagamore Inn of Court

Speaking Engagements

  • Trademark and Copyright Litigation Update, National Business Institute
  • Intellectual Property and Your Website, ACI – NA Airports Council International
  • Indiana Inventor’s Association – (On various IP issues)
  • Patents and Trademarks – Working with Widgets, Rotary Club of Indianapolis

Civic & Community Involvement

  • Indianapolis Children's Choir

    Director 2011-2017

  • Rotary Club of Indianapolis

    Vice President 2023-2024; Director 2005-2007, 2020-2022

  • The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation

    Board of Directors 2022-2024

  • Boy Scouts of America
    • Chairman Eagle Scout Committee, North Star District, 2005-2011
    • Gathering of Eagles Committee, 2012
  • Grace Church of Noblesville