Known as the "Gimmick Attorney®," Mike is a registered patent attorney serving as intellectual property counsel for elite pro wrestlers by helping them trademark their characters or "gimmicks." He also represents college coaches, television personalities, and podcasters in the sports and entertainment industry. Working collaboratively with their agents, financial advisors, non-IP legal counsel, and accountants, Mike works to protect clients’ past, present, and future brands and to ensure that their contracts provide well-considered protections given the risks and uncertainties endemic to the industry. He is also the host of the “Wrestling with the Law” podcast, discussing the intersection of professional wrestling and the law. In additional to his pro wrestling trademark practice, Mike has a background in chemical engineering.
Clients also rely upon Mike for advice regarding:
- Developing and implementing their estate plans, deferred compensation packages, and philanthropic objectives
- Participation in outside business ventures
- Assisting with patent, trademark, and copyright law
- Preparing and prosecuting patent applications in various technical arts, including chemical, material, and mechanical
- Preparing legal opinions in respect to patentability, infringement, patent validity, and freedom to practice
Away from the office, Mike can be found traveling to new places with his wife and children, attending concerts, weightlifting, and watching and participating in a long list of sports.
Education
J.D., cum laude, The University of Toledo College of Law, 2005
B.S., magna cum laude, Chemical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 2002
Professional Associations
- CIFT (Center for Innovative Food Technology), Board Member
- Inspirations Early Learning Center, Board Member (2015-2020)
- Plastic Technologies, Inc., Advisory Board (2014-2020)
- Leadership Toledo, Class of 2009
- Leadership Toledo, Board of Trustees (2009-2012)
- International Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta, Board of Directors (2000-2002)
Honors
- WTR 1000: the World’s Leading Trademark Professionals, 2024
- Best Lawyers in America, 2022-2024
- Ohio Rising Star by Super Lawyers magazine, 2017-2018
- Distinguished Young Alumni Award, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 2012
Representative Matters
- Mor-Dall Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Dark Horse Brewing Co. v. Dark Horse Distillery, LLC, et al., Case No. 1:13-cv-915-RHB (W.D. Mich. 2013). Co- counsel for plaintiff brewing company in trademark infringement action; obtained a jury verdict of willful trademark infringement and personal liability for the infringement
- Centrex Plastics, LLC v. Diversified Re-Packaging Corporation (d/b/a U.S. Merchants), Case No. 3:15-cv-968 (N.D. Ohio 2015), lead counsel for national container manufacturing company in a design patent infringement suit against a competitor manufacturing company; favorable settlement achieved through negotiations
- Dame Enterprises, Ltd. v. Nippon Menard Cosmetics Co., Case No. 3:08-cv-2868 (N.D. Ohio 2008), lead counsel for beauty supply and service company in a trademark infringement suit against international beauty supply company; favorable settlement achieved after mediation
- Universal Tube & Rollform Equipment Corporation v. Youtube, Inc., Char Hurley, and Steve Chen, Case No. 3:06-cv-2628 (N.D. Ohio 2006). co-counsel for a local equipment manufacturer in an unfair competition, trademark dilution, trespass to chattel, nuisance, deceptive trade practice, and copyright infringement action against a media company and its principals; favorable settlement achieved through negotiations
- Bayer Healthcare, LLC v. Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Opposition No. 85772550 (TTAB 2013), lead counsel for health care service provider in trademark opposition proceeding, achieving a favorable settlement