Doug N. Masters

Douglas Masters litigates and counsels clients primarily in the areas of intellectual property, advertising and unfair competition. He has helped brand owners, sports leagues, athletes and advertisers protect and leverage their branding, marketing and other IP assets. Notably, he worked with the National Collegiate Athletic Association for nearly 25 years on brand protection strategy, helping strengthen the organization’s ability to support college athletics. Doug currently serves as vice chair of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark Public Advisory Committee.

Doug has counseled major corporations and prominent individuals in a variety of matters involving trademark and copyright clearance, registration and policing, and enforcement. He handles and litigates consumer protection issues, such as allegations of deceptive or unfair advertising and marketing practices, and unfair competition. 

Douglas provides excellent representation in a cost-effective manner. He has been extremely successful obtaining desired results. He understands our position, always responds to inquiries in a timely manner, and takes the time to ensure his approach mirrors our preferred strategies. Further, Douglas possesses the unique skill to quickly get to the heart of the legal issue and provide the right perspective on the matter. He finds the proper case law (regardless of venue) and is always spot on with the best approach to take. 2023 World Trademark Review 1000 (client commentary)

Doug also has notable experience advising companies in domain name protection and enforcement proceedings, and matters and litigation relating to the unique issues of online marketing and advertising. In addition to representing clients in courts, he practices regularly before the Trademark Trial and Appeals Board. 

Clients appreciate Doug’s collaborative approach, noting that he “surrounds himself with quality individuals” and “his team is extremely bright.” Doug values his relationships with his colleagues, and enjoys working with attorneys and professionals at all levels to gain varied perspectives on each matter in order to provide clients with the best possible solutions.

Throughout his career, Doug has taught law, including at Northwestern University and University of Chicago law schools. He provides pro bono counsel for GreenAmerica, which harnesses economic power to promote a socially just and environmentally sustainable society, and for Lawyers for the Creative Arts in Chicago, where he is a member of the board.