Introduction
Mike is a senior associate in Fredrikson & Byron’s Intellectual Property Group. He is a registered patent attorney and focuses on preparing and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patents. Mike’s patent practice focuses on electrical and mechanical devices and systems, including electronics, hardware, software, and related processes and methods. He works with clients in a number of areas, including the medical device, infrared, and software industries. Mike also assists clients with product clearance reviews, IP due diligence for business transactions, and litigation-related investigations.
Mike seeks to understand and find practical solutions to each client’s intellectual property needs. He enjoys helping clients identify and understand how IP issues can impact business strategies.
Education
- University of Iowa, J.D., 2006, with distinction
- Iowa State University, B.S., Electrical Engineering, 2002, with distinction
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota, 2006
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Practice Areas
- Intellectual Property
- Patents
- IP Due Diligence, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Strategic Assessments
- Life Sciences
Representative Experience
- Prepared, filed and prosecuted numerous patent applications for a wide variety of technologies, including implantable medical devices, thermal imaging, computer software, database systems, sensors and controls, display stands, fiber optic polishing devices, audio devices, digital content storage devices, and Internet-related innovations.
- Simultaneously prosecuting two families of multiple patent applications directed to neurological devices and methods of treatment before the US Patent and Trademark Office on behalf of a Fortune 500 company.
- Analyzed competitor patents in an effort to clear a new product prior to launch by a local irrigation company.
- Analyzed microwave-related patent portfolio of target company and competing patents to assess infringement liabilities prior to possible acquisition or licensing by a major food company.
- Investigated products competing with a Fortune 500 company’s microdebrider instrument for possible infringement of the client’s patents.
- Analyzed potential validity and freedom-to-operate risks of an electrosurgical-related patent portfolio prior to possible acquisition/licensing by a major medical device maker.
- Drafted IP terms and led IP negotiations for an e-commerce retailer being acquired by a top national bookseller.
Professional Activities
- American Intellectual Property Law Association
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Hennepin County Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Young Inventors Program, Advisory Board Member
- Advocates for Human Rights, Volunteer Pro Bono Attorney