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Local Counsel & U.S. Agent Services

Local Counsel & U.S. Agent Services Attorney

At Phillips & Bathke, P.C., we serve as trusted local counsel and U.S. agents for law firms, businesses, and individuals engaged in litigation or intellectual property matters across the United States. With offices in Chicago, Peoria, and New York, we are well-positioned to assist out-of-state and international clients who need on-the-ground support, procedural guidance, or statutory representation in the jurisdictions where we are admitted.

Our practice focuses on intellectual property and commercial litigation, and we regularly partner with other firms to navigate local court rules, handle filings, attend hearings, and provide strategic input on matters involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, business disputes, and related issues. Whether we’re acting as procedural counsel or providing a more substantive role, our goal is to support the broader legal team and ensure that the matter moves forward smoothly and efficiently.

    How Can We Help?

    What Type of Legal Help Do You Need?

    Options (Select One):


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      Is the Mark a word?


      Please briefly describe the word or design you are wanting to register.

      What products or services will it cover?

      Are you currently using the Mark?


      What is your name?

      Please provide us with your phone number.

      Lastly, can I get your email address?


        What is the title of the work?


        What type of work is it?

        Has the work been published yet?

        What is your name?

        Please provide us with your phone number.

        Lastly, can I get your email address?


          Please provide a brief description of the invention:


          What type of patent are you seeking?


          Has the invention been publicly disclosed or sold yet?

          What is your name?

          Please provide us with your phone number.

          Lastly, can I get your email address?


            What type of dispute are you trying to resolve?

            (Select all that apply)

            Who is the other party involved?

            Who is the Attorney on the other side of your case?



            What is your name?

            Please provide us with your phone number.

            Lastly, can I get your email address?


              What type of IP is involved?

              Has a lawsuit already been filed?

              Our firm requires retainers for all litigation matters. This is an up front payment to a trust account that we later bill against. They start at $5,000 and increase based on complexity on a variety of factors. Are you willing to pay a retainer?


              What is your name?

              Please provide us with your phone number.

              Lastly, can I get your email address?


                What type of harmful content are you dealing with?

                Where is the content published?

                What harm has this caused so far?

                Our firm requires retainers for all litigation matters. This is an up front payment to a trust account that we later bill against. They start at $5,000 and increase based on complexity on a variety of factors. Are you willing to pay a retainer?

                What is your name?

                Please provide us with your phone number.

                Lastly, can I get your email address?


                  What type of website/app issue are you facing?

                  What is the primary platform or business model?

                  Do you currently have any existing legal documents or policies for your website/app? (Select all that apply)

                  What is your name?

                  Please provide us with your phone number.

                  Lastly, can I get your email address?


                    Are concerned about:


                    What is the name of the project?

                    In order to set aside the time to review your submission, prepare for our consultation, and hold a consultation, we charge a $250 consultation fee. Is this agreeable?

                    Unfortunately, we require a paid consultation to set aside the time to prepare for and discuss your billing issues. So, we are unable to assist you. . begin work on your matter. Unfortunately at this time we are unable to assist you. Please visit the Illinois Commerce Commission Complaint page for further assistance. We wish you the best of luck.

                    Who is the utility?

                    What is your name?

                    Please provide us with your phone number.

                    Lastly, can I get your email address?


                      Are you:


                      Who will be the owners of the business?

                      Do you know whether you want a corporation, limited liability company, or other type of entity?

                      What is the name of the business and its owners?

                      Why are you winding up the business?

                      What is the name of the business and who are the owners of the business?

                      Who is purchasing the business?

                      What is the name of your business?

                      What kind of contract do you need?

                      Who is the other party you are contracting with?

                      What is your name?

                      Please provide us with your phone number.

                      Lastly, can I get your email address?


                      Unfortunately, we require this initial consultation fee before reviewing and discussing your case. So, we are unable to assist you and wish you the best of luck.

                      Local Counsel for Litigation and Disputes

                      We frequently serve as local counsel in both federal and state courts in Illinois and New York. We assist with commercial disputes, intellectual property litigation, and enforcement matters, often working alongside out-of-state lead counsel to comply with local practice rules, coordinate court appearances, manage filing deadlines, and provide insight into regional procedures and expectations.

                      Our involvement can be limited to procedural matters, or we can take a more active role in discovery, motion practice, or trial strategy depending on the needs of the case. We are responsive, detail-oriented, and respectful of the client relationship between primary counsel and their client.

                      U.S. Agent Services for Foreign Trademark Applicants

                      Foreign entities that seek trademark protection in the United States are required to designate a U.S.-licensed attorney as their domestic representative. We serve as U.S. counsel and agents for international trademark applicants before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), helping them navigate the application process, respond to Office Actions, and maintain their registrations.

                      We work directly with foreign law firms and applicants to ensure compliance with U.S. trademark laws and procedural requirements. Our firm handles a range of matters, including oppositions, renewals, and enforcement strategies—all while maintaining communication that respects time zones, cultural differences, and the pace of international business.

                      Flexible Engagements and Clear Communication

                      Every case and partnership is different. Some matters call for ongoing collaboration over several months; others may only require limited engagement for a single filing, hearing, or deadline. We’re used to adapting quickly and working efficiently within larger legal teams.

                      Whether we’re appearing in court, reviewing local rules, responding to a USPTO inquiry, or simply receiving service of process on behalf of a foreign party, we bring clarity, professionalism, and discretion to every engagement.

                      At Phillips & Bathke, P.C., our local counsel and U.S. agent services are built on trust, reliability, and deep familiarity with the legal landscapes of Illinois, New York, and beyond. We help ensure that domestic and international clients alike are properly represented—wherever they do business.