Robert Theuerkauf

Robert J. Theuerkauf is a Louisville-based intellectual property litigator with a national practice. As Chair of Gray Ice Higdon’s Intellectual Property Litigation Group, he represents businesses of all sizes—from startups to global corporations—in patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret disputes.

Clients turn to Robert because he makes the complex understandable. Known for his ability to simplify intricate IP issues, he brings clarity to high-stakes disputes and helps business leaders feel confident in their decisions. His style is both strategic and practical, ensuring that clients not only achieve results in court but also protect the long-term value of their innovations.

Robert handles the full spectrum of intellectual property litigation, including cases in federal courts nationwide and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He regularly represents clients enforcing their IP rights or defending against infringement claims, with particular strength in jury trials and appellate advocacy.

Clients describe him as responsive, relatable, and thorough, someone who can navigate complexity without losing sight of their goals. His approach is grounded in both technical knowledge and practical strategy, making him a trusted partner in protecting ideas, inventions, and brand value.

Client Perspective:
“Robert has a unique ability to break down complicated issues into clear strategies. He’s confident, approachable, and always focused on success.”

• • Lead trial attorney in the Northern District of Illinois, securing a $12 million patent infringement judgment for the plaintiff
  • Lead trial attorney in the District of Delaware, obtaining a $3 million judgment for the plaintiff in a patent infringement case
  • Represented pillow manufacturer against claims of patent infringement (D. New Jersey)
  • Represented medical device manufacturer in connection with patent infringement claims brought against competitor (C.D. California)
  • Represented lawn care equipment manufacturer against claims of patent infringement (D. Minnesota)
  • Represented catalyst handling company against claims of patent infringement (S.D. Texas)
  • Represented tool manufacturer against claims of patent infringement and trade dress infringement (N.D. Illinois)
  • Represented medical device manufacturer against claims of patent infringement (W.D. Michigan)
  • Represented fireplace manufacturer in connection with patent infringement claims brought against competitor (W.D. Kentucky)
  • Represented ice cream manufacturer against claims of patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation (D. Utah)
  • Represented pet door manufacturer against claims of trademark infringement and unfair competition (E.D. Kentucky)
  • Represented diamond company in connection with false advertising claims brought against competitor (N.D. Georgia)
  • Represented designer of car wash facilities in connection with copyright infringement claims brought against competitor (W.D. Kentucky)
  • Represented food processing company against claims of trade secret misappropriation (W.D. Kentucky)

Regularly represents businesses in trademark, copyright, and trade secret disputes in federal courts across the United States.

Intellectual Property Litigation, Patent Protection

University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law – J.D. (2001)
University of Kentucky – B.S., Agricultural Biotechnology

Kentucky

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky

U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin

U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois

Recognized for excellence by:

• Chambers USA (Band 3) – Intellectual Property Litigation
• Best Lawyers in America® – Lawyer of the Year, Patent Litigation
• Super Lawyers® – Intellectual Property Litigation
• Benchmark Litigation – Litigation Star, Intellectual Property
• IP Stars – Patent Star

• Member, Kentucky Bar Association
• Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
• Member, Intellectual Property Institute