Thomas G. Varnum

Thomas helps clients navigate intellectual property issues, including trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, idea protection, data privacy, and digital marketing. Thomas works with businesses and other content creators to identify, enforce and exploit their intellectual property rights. He also litigates intellectual property infringement and trade secrets misappropriation lawsuits in both state and federal courts, and handles trademark proceedings before the USPTO’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).

Thomas has experience working with breweries, distilleries and wineries on intellectual property matters, including selecting, protecting and enforcing trademarks, product names, business names and label artwork.

"The relationships I enjoy because of my practice keep me coming back every day. Whether I’m working with an industry leading technology company or a brand new filmmaker, I get energy from helping ambitious and creative people find value in what they create."

Thomas represents individuals and companies active in all types of entertainment projects, from film and television, to online videos and other media. Thomas regularly works with independent producers and other filmmakers, counseling clients throughout the pre-production, production, post-production and distribution processes. Thomas has represented and negotiated with production companies, talent and entertainment lawyers from all over the country, helping talented people bring creative ideas all the way from inception to the screen.

Thomas has served as an Adjunct Professor of Entertainment Law at Elon University School of Law. He also has a personal interest in film and television, and is active in North Carolina’s film industry. Most notably, he served for six years on the board of trustees for Cucalorus Film Festival, one of the Southeast’s largest independent film festivals.

In addition, Thomas also works on the literature side of entertainment, counseling authors on a variety of legal issues that arise throughout the publishing process, including contract negotiations and copyright and fair use issues.

Thomas represents companies and individuals in complex business litigation in both federal and state court. He has represented businesses and individuals in lawsuits involving a variety of issues, including contract disputes, intellectual property (trademark, copyright, and patent) infringement claims, trade secrets misappropriation claims, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, defamation claims, construction disputes, shareholders’ rights, and lender liability claims. Thomas also litigates trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings in front of the USPTO’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). 

Thomas has become a trusted advisor for many clients, transitioning from an intellectual property attorney or entertainment attorney to general counsel for many businesses he works with. Thomas is in daily communication with many of clients, advising on a variety of legal issues, from labor and employment matters to real estate issues. Clients may be based in North Carolina, but many do business all over the world. Thomas has worked with clients that include technology and software companies, dental and medical practices, an international online marketplace, manufacturing companies in different sectors, a transportation logistics company, and a securities broker-dealer, to name a few.

His hands-on experience as a co-owner of a local brewery gives him an invaluable perspective for understanding the legal issues craft alcoholic beverage producers face. He has assisted businesses within this industry on entity formation, federal TTB permitting, state ABC licensing, employment practices, zoning issues, and other important matters.