Chris Thomas concentrates his practice on intellectual property rights and disputes concerning them. He is a North Carolina State Bar board-certified specialist in trademark law who was awarded "Lawyer of the Year" in Raleigh for copyright law in 2019 and for trademark law in 2022 and 2024 by The Best Lawyers in America®.
Chris represents clients in federal and state courts and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). He counsels clients on trademark adoption, search and clearance, prosecution, opposition, maintenance, enforcement, and licensing. He also assists clients with copyright registration, licensing, and transfers.
World Trademark Review, which included Chris in its 2020-2023 editions of WTR™ 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals, describes Chris as “a superb all-rounder who garners enthusiastic reviews: ‘Chris resolves complex matters in the most responsive, pragmatic, efficient and creative way. He is a brilliant litigator with outstanding communication skills and a resolutely customer-focused approach.’”
Chambers USA recognized that Chris “is adept at handling trademark infringement litigation as well as portfolio management, registration and licensing” and quoted interviewees who said “Chris is highly responsive, knowledgeable, and provides excellent advice. He is an aggressive litigator for his clients when needed.” “Chris cuts right to the issues that are important as he is looking for the best result for his clients. He’s very professional and great to work with.” Chambers USA also reported that Chris “has an impressive reputation among interviewees as an ‘intelligent, studious, and analytical’ IP disputes lawyer. Sources were quick to point out his 'great ideas for strategy' as well as his skill at providing ‘an objective view of likelihood of success where some others over-promise.’”
Chris is admitted to practice in the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the Federal Circuit.
Chris chairs the NC Bar Association’s Copyright Committee and is a member of the International Trademark Association's Data Protection Committee.
Prior to law school, Chris worked in information technology for a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty.