Mike represents and advises clients in matters relating to the preparation of patent applications and patent prosecution, both U.S. and international.
He evaluates the intellectual property portfolios of clients and also provides a Freedom to Operate (FTO) analysis and opinion related to a patent in question. FTO or “right to use” opinions are critical to insure that your patent does not infringe on the rights of others before investing further resources in the manufacturing and marketing of the product. The FTO opinion will reveal any obstacles that must first be overcome. The FTO is a critical component in the due diligence of any contemplated merger or acquisition or entering a new market.
Born in Park Rapids, Minnesota, Mike received his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law. He received his B.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry/Molecular Biology from the University of Minnesota – Duluth and his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Minnesota. He joined Seager Tufte Wickhem in 2000.
Practice Areas
- Patent portfolio analysis, strategy and management
- Patent prosecution, domestic and foreign
- Freedom to operate
- Post-grant proceedings
Industry Sectors / Specialties
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Arts
- Manufacturing
- Mechanical Arts
- Medical Devices
- Pharmaceuticals
Education
- William Mitchell College of Law
J.D.
- University of Minnesota
B.S. Chemistry, Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Ph.D. Pharmacology
Bar Admissions
- U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (2001)
- Minnesota (2005)
Professional Affiliations
- MIPLA
- AIPLA
- ABA
- MSBA