McGurk IP

About the Firm

Protecting Innovation. Building Value.

The firm is dedicated to helping innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses transform intellectual property into lasting business value. What sets the practice apart is the ability to integrate technical insight, legal knowledge, and business strategy into a seamless approach to intellectual property law. This combination ensures that clients receive guidance that is both legally sound and commercially practical.

The practice is focused on aligning intellectual property protection with broader business goals — helping clients secure strong patents, trademarks, and copyrights while also making informed decisions about portfolio management, licensing, and transactions. Intellectual property is approached not simply as a matter of compliance or formality, but as a core asset that drives growth, attracts investment, and strengthens competitive advantage.

The firm strives to bridge the gap between complex technologies and the business realities of the marketplace. By bringing together technical depth, financial perspective, and legal precision, the firm provides strategic counsel that protects innovation and enhances long-term enterprise value.

Education

J.D.

Washington University in St. Louis

B.S., Chemical Engineering

University of Kentucky

B.A.

Vanderbilt University

Thomas B. McGurk

Chartered Financial Analyst | Registered Patent Attorney

CFA® Charterholder Registered Patent Attorney Licensed in Georgia

Thomas B. McGurk brings a rare combination of technical, legal, and financial expertise to the practice of intellectual property law. As both a Registered Patent Attorney and a CFA® Charterholder, he offers clients a uniquely business-focused approach to protecting and leveraging innovation.

Prior to founding McGurk IP, Thomas served for several years in various technical, operational, legal, and executive roles in the chemical and energy industries. He also served for several years as a patent attorney in the intellectual property practice groups of both a leading midsize law firm and an AM LAW 100 law firm.

Thomas has served as a presenter at a variety of government, academic, law firm and industry-sponsored events throughout the country and abroad covering subjects including engineering, government regulations, technology and patent law.

Thomas's practice emphasizes aligning intellectual property strategies with business goals, ensuring that patents, trademarks, and copyrights not only provide legal protection but also deliver measurable commercial value. His experience includes advising companies on patent portfolio management, IP licensing and transactions, and intellectual property issues in mergers and acquisitions. By integrating technical insight with financial and legal analysis, Thomas helps clients view their intellectual property as a core business asset — one that can be protected, valued, and deployed for competitive advantage.

Thomas strives to bridge the gap between complex technologies and practical business outcomes, whether through drafting and prosecuting patent applications, counseling on IP strategy, or guiding IP-intensive transactions. His career reflects a consistent focus on helping companies protect what they create and achieve their long-term business objectives.

Patent

Protecting Innovation at Every Stage

Patents are not just legal tools — they are business assets that can define competitive advantage, open new markets, and protect long-term investment in innovation. With both technical training and business experience, the firm provides strategic guidance to help clients secure and maximize the value of their intellectual property. Whether supporting an early-stage startup or an established company, the approach is practical, proactive, and aligned with business goals.

Comprehensive services are available to protect, manage, and leverage innovation at every stage:

• Patent Preparation and Prosecution — Drafting and prosecuting utility and design patent applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and coordinating with foreign offices.
• Patent Opinions — Delivering patentability, freedom-to-operate, non-infringement, and validity opinions to support informed business decisions.
• Portfolio Management — Coordinating and managing domestic and international patent portfolios, ensuring protection in key markets.
• Patent Strategy and Counseling — Advising on filing strategies, competitive landscapes, and IP integration into overall business planning.
• Foreign Patent Coordination — Collaborating with international associates to secure patent rights across global markets.

The focus is on creating not only strong patents, but also measurable commercial outcomes that align intellectual property protection with business growth.

Technical Expertise

Experience spans a wide range of industries and technologies, including:

Intellectual Property Transactions

Unlocking the Commercial Potential of IP

Intellectual property is often one of the most valuable assets in a business transaction. Whether in a merger, acquisition, joint venture, or licensing arrangement, the strength and clarity of a company's IP rights can significantly impact deal value, risk allocation, and long-term business success. Protecting and leveraging intellectual property in these contexts requires both legal precision and business insight.

The firm advises clients through the full range of intellectual property transactions, helping ensure that innovation, brands, and creative assets are properly protected, transferred, or licensed. Technical and legal knowledge is combined with commercial experience to structure transactions that support clients' strategic and financial objectives.

• Mergers & Acquisitions — Conducting IP due diligence, assessing risks, reviewing portfolios, and negotiating agreements to ensure that IP assets are properly valued and protected in corporate transactions.
• Licensing Transactions — Structuring, negotiating, and drafting licensing agreements that allow businesses to generate revenue, expand into new markets, or gain access to critical technologies.
• Joint Ventures & Collaborations — Advising on ownership, use, and protection of intellectual property created or shared in collaborative business arrangements.
• Technology Transfer & Commercialization — Assisting companies, universities, and research institutions in moving innovation from development to market.
• IP Valuation & Strategy — Counseling clients on how to value, manage, and align IP assets with broader business goals.