Overview
Nicholas J. Nowak founded Nowak IP Group to do one thing well: protect the brands and designs that matter most to the companies that built them. The firm focuses on trademark and design patent litigation for clients who value how their products look and what their brands stand for.
Nick has spent more than 20 years as a trial lawyer in federal courts and before the U.S. International Trade Commission. He has served as lead counsel in high-stakes trademark counterfeiting, design patent infringement, cybersquatting, and anti-counterfeiting matters for some of the world's most recognizable brands.
Every matter at Nowak IP Group is led by the attorney you trusted to represent your brand — from the first strategy session through trial or resolution.
Background
- 2026 – Present Founder & Principal — Nowak IP Group PLLC Boutique IP litigation firm focused on trademark and design patent matters for premium brands.
- Prior Director (Partner) — Leading Boutique IP Law Firm, Washington D.C. Led trademark and design patent litigation and anti-counterfeiting matters for Fortune 500 and global brand clients. Part of a trademark and brand protection practice recognized by the Financial Times as one of the most innovative in North America.
- Prior Assistant General Counsel, Brand Protection — Leading International Automaker Built and led the company's U.S. anti-counterfeiting and design patent enforcement program. Directed brand protection strategy across markets, platforms, and enforcement venues.
- Early Career Associate — Leading International Law Firm, Washington D.C. IP litigation in federal courts and before the ITC.
- Early Career Associate — Internationally Recognized IP Firm, New York Patent and IP litigation for leading innovators and brands.
Recognition
Listed in the World Trademark Review 1000 — the leading global directory of trademark professionals — for four consecutive years.
"Trusted by industry leaders for his business acumen and tenacity in protecting their most valuable assets." World Trademark Review 1000 — 2025
"Possesses whetted trial skills, zealously advocating for industry leaders in courts nationwide." World Trademark Review 1000 — 2026
"A confident and persuasive advocate who is highly commercial and meticulous in his approach." World Trademark Review 1000 — 2024
Representative matters
- Lead counsel for Automobili Lamborghini in cybersquatting dispute over the lambo.com domain — obtained summary judgment under the ACPA, affirmed by the Ninth Circuit. D. Arizona.
- Lead counsel for Automobili Lamborghini in trademark infringement action against operator of fraudulent licensing scheme in the U.S. and Latin America — obtained $6 million default judgment and permanent injunction. E.D. Virginia.
- Lead counsel for Volkswagen Group and Audi in trademark counterfeiting and design patent infringement action — obtained summary judgment and $1.15 million in damages, attorney fees, and costs. Court found the case exceptional. S.D. Florida.
- Led multi-wave anti-counterfeiting enforcement program for Volkswagen Group targeting counterfeiters selling VW, Audi, Bentley, and Lamborghini products across eBay, Amazon, and Chinese e-commerce platforms — obtained TROs, asset freezes, and default judgments. E.D. Virginia.
- Lead counsel for Liu Jo S.p.A. in breach of contract and unjust enrichment action against Kendall Jenner (represented by Quinn Emanuel) arising from a $1.5 million modeling agreement — defeated motion to dismiss on personal jurisdiction and the merits. Favorable settlement. S.D.N.Y.
Speaking & writing
Nick speaks and writes on trademark enforcement, design patent strategy, anti-counterfeiting programs, and online brand protection. Recent commentary is available in the Insights section.