Marc Whipple received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Mathematics from Drake University in 1992, and a Juris Doctor degree from UIC John Marshall Law School (then The John Marshall Law School) in 1995. Mr. Whipple is admitted to the Bar in Illinois and is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Mr. Whipple worked as General Counsel as well as COO/CIO to Meyer/Glass Design, an invention studio descended from legendary toy and game innovation firm Marvin Glass & Associates. While at Meyer/Glass, Mr. Whipple was also part of creating Meyer/Glass Interactive, a subsidiary that developed PC and Console versions of classic toy and game properties like Battleship, Axis & Allies, and Missile Command. After his work at Meyer/Glass, he became General Counsel of Incredible Technologies, Inc., and helped it take its first steps into regulated casino gaming as well as providing legal support for its famous GOLDEN TEE video golf worldwide tournament network.
After nearly two decades as an in-house counsel, Mr. Whipple then entered into private legal and business consulting practice, providing experienced support for patent, trademark, copyright, and technology issues as well as advising creatives at every level from startup to established studio. His clients have included such diverse sectors as the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, trucking and logistics companies, and innovators in mechanical, electronic, and software invention.
Mr. Whipple is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and a former committee head for the Chicago Intellectual Property Law Association. He is also a member of the International Game Developers Association Legal SIG and has spoken at events for the Esports Bar Association. He gives presentations on the law of creativity at conventions and conferences around the country.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS:
Gambling In Illinois: Now We Know (also, Lootboxes!) Legal Inspiration 2020
Commissioned Art: Copyright Threat, or Copyright Menace? Legal Inspiration 2020
Copyright: The Alpha and Omega (Verse) Legal Inspiration 2019
“Shaky legal ground” – the unintended consequences of USPTO requests for proof of legal residence World Trademark Review (Contributed Quotations) 2019
Likelihood of Copyright Confusion: The FOURTH ESTATE Case Legal Inspiration 2019
“Never seen anything like this” – USPTO experiences massive surge in trademark applications from China World Trademark Review (Contributed Quotations) 2019
"Own the Rights:" Say What Now? Legal Inspiration 2019
Not So Cheerful About Varsity Brands Likelihood of Confusion 2017
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS:
Anime Wars: Dealing with Unexpected Legal Fun as a Promoter ConvoCon - The Conference for Convention Organizers 2020
Lootboxes and The First Amendment Chicago Video Game Law Summit 2019
Article 17 of the Copyright Directive and Video Gaming Checkpoint Radio 2019
Games & Gambles: What's Next for Loot Boxes? TwitchCon 2018
The Revolution that Isn't: Bitcoin and Blockchain for Lawyers Kane County Bar Association Business Law Seminar 2018
Lootboxes: Gambling, or Unlawful Gambling? Inaugural eSports Bar Association Meeting 2018
#Cockygate: Trademarks, Book Titles, and Publishing Deadman's Tome Podcast 2018
GeekLaw: Law, Pop Culture, and Creativity Anime Central 2018
Revenge of the Lawyers MAGFest 2017
Legal Protection for All! Con-Alt-Delete 2017
Video Game Law and Patents Chicago Video Game Law Summit 2017
GeekLaw: Law, Pop Culture and Creativity AnimeMidwest 2017
GeekBusiness: The Basics of Doing What You Love for Profit Anime Midwest 2017
IP Law and Technology MAGfest 2016
IP Law and Technology Chicago Video Game Law Summit 2016
Video Game Law Chicago Video Game Law Summit 2015
