Kara Cenar takes lead trial and litigation roles in important and complex intellectual property matters for domestic and international companies of all sizes, as well as individuals. She handles the enforcement of intellectual property rights and the defense of alleged violations of the intellectual property rights of others. In her over 30 years as a trial lawyer, Kara has focused entirely on intellectual property cases. Her experience includes jury and bench trials, preliminary injunction hearings, hearings on emergency temporary restraining orders, seizure and impoundment orders and Section 337 claims before the International Trade Commission. She formulates litigation strategy for pre-trial litigation, discovery and pre-trial motions and leads the trial strategies. Kara is the leader of the Intellectual Property Practice group.
Practice Areas
- Intellectual Property
- Intellectual Property Litigation
- Trademark, Copyright & IP-Related Advertising/Media
- Litigation
- Restrictive Covenants & Trade Secrets
Industries
- Manufacturing & Industrial
Admissions
- Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois – Trial Bar
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Education
J.D., Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 1988
B.A., Loyola University – Chicago, 1985
HONORS & AWARDS
- The Best Lawyers in America, Trademark Law, 2021-2024, Litigation – Intellectual Property, 2022-2024
- Leading Creative Arts Lawyers by Leader Lawyers for Chicago, 2023
- Leading Women Lawyers by Leading Lawyers, 2023
- Illinois Leading Lawyers, 2020-2022
- Illinois Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property Litigation, 2005 – 2007, 2009 – 2010, 2013 – 2020
- Salute! Women in Law Award, Chicago Lawyer and Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, 2020
- Top Suburban Business Lawyers, 2020
- Crain’s Notable Women in Law, 2020
- Chicago High Achievers, Advancement Award for Advancement of Diversity, 2009
- Small Business Administration, Illinois Office, Champion of the Year for Women in Business, 2006
- Small Business Administration, Regional, Champion of the Year for Women in Business, 2006