Sean Gaffney Goodwin

Sean is a registered patent attorney who focuses on intellectual property (IP) strategy, advertising, and regulatory compliance for startups and established businesses. 

Sean has a deep understanding of IP law and its practical applications. He counsels clients on patent, trademark, and copyright procurement. Once the IP is registered with the appropriate authority, the owner has a duty to enforce the IP or it will be lost. Sean assists with enforcement by counseling clients on how to identify potential infringers, sending cease-and-desist letters, or negotiating licenses He understands the big picture, and the strategy required to prevail. 

Sean’s expertise also includes representing manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of foods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and alcohol. He has reviewed hundreds of websites, labels, and advertisements, and can skillfully maneuver through the regulatory requirements needed to operate under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Alcohol & Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). His experience further includes representing clients who have been contacted by these agencies, as well as the National Advertising Review Council (NARC), for failure to comply with their rules and regulations.

Sean is a native of St. Louis, but has spent half of his life in Chicago. He graduated with a B.S. in chemistry, emphasizing biochemistry, from Loyola University Chicago. He received his J.D. and certificate in Intellectual Property Law from The John Marshall Law School, and his masters of law (LL.M.) in Intellectual Property and Technology Law from the Washington University in St. Louis School of Law.