Kara E.F. Cenar

Kara E.F. Cenar is a seasoned intellectual property (IP) attorney and partner at UB Greensfelder LLP in Chicago, Illinois. With over 35 years of legal experience, Ms. Cenar co-leads the firm’s Intellectual Property and Technology group, representing clients in high-stakes IP litigation across various industries, including digital, software, technology, manufacturing, and consumer goods.

Ms. Cenar earned her B.A. from Loyola University Chicago in 1985. She received her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 1988. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in the same year.

Ms. Cenar is a leading intellectual property law attorney, trusted by clients nationwide for complex IP disputes. She focuses on copyright, trademarks, patent infringement, design patent infringement, trade secrets, and trade dress litigation, delivering strategic, results‑driven representation.

Her end‑to‑end litigation approach covers every stage of the case, including pre‑trial preparation, discovery, pre‑trial motions, and developing witness and trial strategies for both jury and bench trials. She also represents clients in preliminary injunction hearings, emergency temporary restraining orders, and Section 337 investigations before the U.S. International Trade Commission, helping businesses protect and enforce their IP rights in high‑stakes matters.

Throughout her career, Ms. Cenar has garnered numerous accolades. She is consistently listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Trademark Law and Litigation – Intellectual Property. Additionally, she has been featured on the Illinois Super Lawyers list for Intellectual Property Litigation multiple times, earning recognition as one of the top female lawyers in Illinois.

Kara E.F. Cenar’s dedication to her clients, deep understanding of IP law, and extensive courtroom experience make her a leading figure in the field. Her work helps protect the rights of creators, designers, inventors, and businesses, ensuring their intellectual property is safeguarded in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner & Co-Group Leader, UB Greensfelder LLP
• Founding Charter Member, Intellectual Property Institute
• Member, Chicago Bar Association
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Founding Member, Chicago Women in Intellectual Property
• Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
• Member, American Bar Foundation

Licensed State

•  Illinois

Education

• Loyola University Chicago School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Loyola University Chicago
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges