Sandra Thompson — Intellectual Property Attorney in Las Vegas, NV

Intellectual PropertyBusiness LawBusiness FormationCommercial Litigation

Sandra Thompson — Intellectual Property Attorney, Las Vegas NV

Based in Las Vegas and serving all of Clark County, Sandra at Thompson IP Law concentrates on intellectual property law with 18 years of Nevada legal experience. Sandra represents clients across Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and the surrounding metro area.

Sandra's primary focus is Intellectual Property. Sandra also handles Business Law, Business Formation and Commercial Litigation cases. Clients searching for a intellectual property attorney in Las Vegas benefit from working with someone who understands the specific procedural rules of Clark County courts, the judges and prosecutors in the local system, and the Nevada statutes that govern their case. Key statute: NRS 600A.

Why Hire Sandra Thompson for Intellectual Property in Las Vegas?

Trademark registration and enforcement: A federal trademark registration gives you exclusive nationwide rights and the ability to block counterfeit imports through U.S. Customs. Sandra Thompson's 18 years of Nevada IP practice covers USPTO applications, office action responses, and trademark enforcement campaigns.
Nevada trade secret protection (NRS 600A): Nevada's Uniform Trade Secrets Act allows injunctions and damages when competitors misappropriate your confidential business information. Sandra helps businesses identify trade secrets, implement protective agreements, and litigate misappropriation swiftly.
Patent portfolio strategy for Nevada innovators: Las Vegas gaming and technology companies develop patentable innovations in game mechanics, shuffling systems, payment technology, and surveillance systems. Sandra advises on patent filing strategy and coordinates with USPTO-registered patent practitioners.
Trade dress protection for Las Vegas businesses: The distinctive appearance of a casino's gaming floor, restaurant design, or brand environment can qualify for trade dress protection. Sandra evaluates trade dress claims and pursues registration and enforcement for Las Vegas hospitality and entertainment brands.

Intellectual Property Law in Las Vegas — What You Need to Know

Nevada's legal system has its own procedures, deadlines, and standards that differ from other states. For intellectual property cases in Clark County, the court of record is typically the Clark County District Court for felonies and civil matters over $15,000, or the Las Vegas Justice Court for misdemeanors and small claims. Choosing a Las Vegas intellectual property attorney who regularly appears in these specific courts — and who knows the local culture and preferences — can make a meaningful difference in your outcome.

Nevada law imposes strict deadlines on most legal matters. Personal injury claims must generally be filed within two years under NRS 11.190; DUI-related license suspensions trigger an immediate seven-day clock to request a DMV hearing; divorce filings require six weeks of Nevada residency under NRS 125.020. Missing these windows can permanently bar your legal remedies. Sandra's 18 years of Nevada practice means clients get timely guidance on all applicable deadlines from the first consultation.

What to Expect Working with Sandra Thompson

Most Nevada attorneys in intellectual property offer a free initial consultation. During that first meeting, you should expect Sandra to review the specific facts of your case, explain the likely legal process, outline fee arrangements (whether contingency, hourly, or flat fee), and give you a realistic assessment of your options. See our guide on Questions to Ask an IP Attorney for the exact questions you should ask any attorney before you hire them.

Fee structures in Nevada vary by practice area. For personal injury and wrongful death cases, contingency fees typically range from 33% to 40% of the recovery. Criminal defense and DUI representation is usually flat-fee or hourly. For detailed cost information specific to intellectual property cases, see our Intellectual Property Attorney Costs.

Clark County Courts Serving Sandra Thompson's Clients

Depending on your case type, proceedings may take place in one or more of the following Clark County courts. Each court has its own filing procedures, hours, and self-help resources:

Clark County District Court — Civil, criminal felonies, family law
Las Vegas Justice Court — Misdemeanors, small claims, evictions
Clark County Family Court — Divorce, custody, guardianship
Henderson Justice Court — Henderson-area misdemeanors and civil cases under $15,000

Nevada Legal Resources Related to Intellectual Property

Before or after speaking with Sandra, you may find these Nevada-specific resources helpful:

Frequently Asked Questions — Intellectual Property in Nevada

How long does a USPTO trademark registration take?

USPTO trademark registration typically takes 8–14 months from filing to registration — longer if the examiner issues an office action requiring response. After filing, an examining attorney reviews the application within 3–4 months. If approved, the mark is published for opposition (30-day window). If no opposition, a registration certificate typically issues 3–4 months after publication. An IP attorney monitors the application and responds to office actions to keep the process on track.

How do I register a trademark in Nevada?

Federal trademark registration is filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) — providing nationwide rights and the ability to block imports of infringing goods through U.S. Customs. An application requires identifying the mark, the goods/services, the filing basis (actual use or intent to use), and a specimen. The process takes 8–14 months on average. Nevada also maintains a state trademark registry, but federal registration provides far stronger protections.

How does copyright registration protect my creative work in Nevada?

Copyright exists automatically in original creative works from the moment of creation — but registration with the U.S. Copyright Office provides critical additional benefits: the right to sue for infringement in federal court; eligibility for statutory damages (up to $150,000 per willful infringement) and attorney's fees; and public notice of your ownership. Unregistered works can only recover actual damages — which are often hard to prove and small. Register early, before any infringement occurs.

What IP issues are unique to the Las Vegas gaming and hospitality industry?

Las Vegas gaming companies face distinctive IP challenges: patents on slot machine mechanics and bonus game features, copyright in game graphics and music, trade secrets in proprietary shuffling algorithms and player tracking systems, and trademark protection for casino brands across physical and digital platforms. Gaming employees moving to competitors often take institutional knowledge that may constitute protected trade secrets. An IP attorney with gaming industry experience understands these overlapping issues.

Looking to compare? See our Top 3 Intellectual Property Attorneys in Las Vegas — vetted recommendations for 2026.

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