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Jonathan G. Polak
- E jpolak@taftlaw.com
- T (317) 713-3532
- F (317) 713-3699
Summary
Jonathan is a litigator who represents many high-profile businesses and individuals in complex intellectual property and commercial litigation cases. Over the course of nearly 25 years practicing law, Jonathan has represented clients in disputes involving trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, rights of publicity, trade secrets and patents. Jonathan also has considerable experience in domain name dispute litigation, and has also successfully represented clients facing software, technology and entertainment law issues. His clients have included major corporations, closely-held companies, independent inventors, and celebrity estates.
Jonathan is truly a national litigator, having litigated in state and federal courts in 25 out of 50 American states. Jonathan’s comprehensive knowledge of the intricacies of intellectual property and commercial litigation, along with his strong track record with defending his clients’ interests, are among the reasons why he has been honored by Best Lawyers in America®, Indiana Super Lawyers, Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Benchmark Plaintiff and Benchmark Litigation for his work.
Although Jonathan has successfully litigated many important disputes over his career, he is most proud of his work on behalf of Fred and Kim Goldman in their pursuit for justice against O.J. Simpson. In representing the Goldmans, Jonathan presented unique intellectual property arguments and legal theories to collect on the Goldmans’ multi-million dollar wrongful death judgment against Simpson. Jonathan also appeared on behalf of the Goldmans on numerous national and local news shows, including ABC News’ Nightline, Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren Show and CNN Headline News’ The Nancy Grace Show. As a result of those efforts, Jonathan was able to secure for the Goldmans the largest financial recovery ever on their wrongful death judgment.
Such creative lawyering is the foundation of Jonathan’s practice, and he uses those skills in representing corporate clients as well – finding new and innovative ways to use intellectual property to advance their business interests, whether in or out of court.
Jonathan has been active in his community through his current and prior work as a board member for organizations such as the Indiana Small Business Development Center Advisory Board, NPower of Indiana, People on Wheels and Park Tudor School. Jonathan received his J.D. from Southern Methodist University School of Law, and also received his B.S. from Southern Methodist University. He moved from Texas to Indiana with his family in 2000, and is currently licensed to practice law in both Texas and Indiana.
Awards
Honoree, Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Intellectual Property (2019 – present)
Litigation Star Honoree, Benchmark Litigation (2023)
Honoree, IP Stars, Managing Intellectual Property (2023 – 2024)
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Honoree, World Trademark Review, WTR 1000 (2021 – present)
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Honoree, Indiana Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property Litigation (2014 – present)
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Honoree, Best Lawyers in America, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Trademark Law (2012 – present)
Local Litigation Star Honoree, Benchmark Litigation (2016)
“Top Local Plaintiff Litigation Star” Honoree, Benchmark Plaintiff, Commercial and Intellectual Property
Honoree, WIPR Leaders (2023)
Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
All Service Areas
All Practices
Education
- Southern Methodist University School of Law (1994)
- Southern Methodist University (1991)
B.S.
Admissions
- Federal - Northern District of Indiana
- Federal - Southern District of Indiana
- Federal - Northern District of Texas
- State - Indiana
News
Taft Litigation Practice and Attorneys Named in Benchmark Litigation 2025 News
Taft's Intellectual Property Practice and Attorneys Selected to 2024 IP Stars by Managing Intellectual Property Magazine News
Three Hundred Sixty-Three Taft Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers in America® 2025 News
Taft Ranked in Chambers USA 2024 Guide with 85 Attorneys and 34 Practices Recognized
Past Events
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association
Member
- American Intellectual Property Law Association
Member
- Federal Bar Association
Member
- Indiana Small Business Development Center Advisory Board
Member
- Indiana State Bar Association
Member, Intellectual Property Section
Member, Sports & Entertainment Law Section - Indianapolis Bar Association
Member, Executive Committee, Intellectual Property Section
- International Trademark Association
Member
- Seventh Circuit Bar Association
Member
- Litigation Counsel of America
Fellow
- The S. Jay Plager Intellectual Property American Inn of Court
Member, Masters of the Bench
- The S. Jay Plager Intellectual Property American Inn of Court
Member, Masters of the Bench
Community Involvement
- Park Tudor School
Member, Board of Trustees