Robert C. Lukes

Overview

Bob’s practice focuses on trademark law, copyright law, trade secrets, employment law, commercial litigation, and defending class action litigation in state and federal courts.  Bob also serves as a Settlement Master for formal mediations.

For over 20 years, Bob has assisted hundreds of Montana businesses in dealing with trademark and other intellectual property issues.  Trademarks are a vital asset to any business, and proper selection and protection of a trademark under the law can be critical to the ultimate success of a business.  Bob has worked with businesses all over the country to federally register their trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Bob is also a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA) and is actively involved in international trademark registrations, with agents established throughout the world. For a decade, he taught trademark and copyright law as an adjunct professor at the University of Montana School of Law. Bob has been recognized as a Super Lawyer® in Montana for Intellectual Property and enjoys the highest “AV” rating in the Martindale Hubbell Law Directory.  Bob has also been recognized by America’s Best Lawyers for his achievements and skill in the practice of intellectual property law in Montana.  Throughout his career, Bob has also litigated many trademark, copyright and trade secret cases, for such clients as Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Avon Products and Pearl Jam.  He has also acted as local counsel on a number of patent cases, for such clients as Garmin International.

On class action lawsuits, Bob has defended numerous businesses and government entities on a wide variety of class action claims.  This includes such clients as the State of Montana, the Montana University System, PacificSource Health Plans, Employee Benefit Management Services and Kalispell Regional Medical Center.  Through the years, Bob has guided these clients and many others through the difficult waters of class action litigation, with some classes as large as 130,000 members.  Bob has more reported class action decisions by the Montana Supreme Court than any other attorney.

Bob also works regularly with businesses on employment law issues, helping Montana businesses comply with the many complex statutes and administrative regulations in this area.  He also works defending businesses from claims of wrongful termination, discrimination and wage claims.

Bob received his law degree from the University of Montana School of Law, receiving his degree with high honors in 1996. His undergraduate studies were in philosophy at the University of Southern California, completing his Bachelor’s Degree in 1984.

Bob’s outside interests and profession come together in the world of craft brewing. Some years ago, Bob resurrected the historic Missoula brand, Highlander Beer, and he is the founder of the Missoula Brewing Company. Bob has assisted many of Montana’s breweries with their trademark protection efforts and employment law issues.

Bob is actively involved in providing pro bono services to Head Start Programs and a number of other non-profit corporations, providing guidance on intellectual property issues and employment matters. Bob is an avid golfer, fly-fisherman and hiker. Bob has two sons and his wife Shannon is a real estate agent with Peak Property Advisors. Together they founded the Celtic Festival Missoula, an annual festival of Celtic culture and music.