Known as the “Gimmick Attorney®,” Mike is a registered patent attorney serving as intellectual property (IP) counsel for elite pro wrestlers, by helping them trademark their characters or “gimmicks”. Mike also represents college coaches, television personalities, and podcasters in the sports and entertainment industry. He works collaboratively with their agents, financial advisors, non-IP legal counsel, and accountants, to protect their past, present, and future brands and to ensure that their contracts provide well-considered protections given the risks and uncertainties endemic to the industry. These clients also rely upon Mike for advice on developing and implementing their estate plans, deferred compensation packages, philanthropic objectives, and participation in outside business ventures. Mike is also the host of the "Wrestling with the Law" podcast discussing the intersection of professional wrestling and the law.
In addition to Mike’s work in the sports industry, he is a chemical engineer and assists clients in patent, trademark, and copyright law, preparing and prosecuting patent applications in various technical arts, including chemical, material, and mechanical. Mike develops a thorough understanding of a client's specific technologies and overall business strategy, and assists them in outlining and implementing a proprietary rights strategy with a global perspective. Clients find Mike’s chemical engineering background invaluable. He earned a Baccalaureate of Science in chemical engineering with course work in polymer sciences, magna cum laude, from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana, and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from The University of Toledo. While at The University of Toledo, Mike also earned a certificate of concentration in intellectual property law and he served as a technical editor for The University of Toledo Law Review.
Recognized as a dedicated and communicative counselor, clients look to Mike for preparation of legal opinions in respect to patentability, infringement, patent validity, and freedom to practice. Furthermore, his practice consists of formulation and prosecution of trademark applications, trademark oppositions and cancellations, and litigation. His experience in-house has given him a comprehensive understanding of the challenges his clients face. He previously served as Intellectual Property Counsel for First Solar, Inc. and managed First Solar’s patent and trademark portfolios, developed and instituted corporate IP management policies, and negotiated a wide range of IP agreements.
Away from the office, Mike can be found traveling to new places with his wife and children. He also enjoys attending concerts, weightlifting, and watching and participating in a long list of sports.
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