Skip to Main Content
Overview

Michael helps clients protect and commercialize complex inventions emerging from cutting-edge research and development, particularly those at the intersection of advanced computing and physical science.

With more than 15 years of experience in patent prosecution, IP transactions, and portfolio strategy, Michael focuses his practice on innovations involving physical sciences, quantum technologies, machine learning, imaging systems, computer architecture, semiconductor devices, accelerators, and high-performance interconnects. His technical background in physics and mathematics allows him to engage deeply with research-focused inventions, and he is recognized for his precision and ability to translate complex technical concepts into strong, strategically aligned patent applications.

Michael began his legal career working with research institutions funded by DARPA and the Department of Energy, gaining early exposure to transformative technologies and government innovation initiatives. He later spent a decade as in-house counsel at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, where he managed patent portfolios and all aspects of patent development for the company’s computer architecture and research labs.

In addition to his prosecution work, Michael has significant experience in intellectual property transactions. He led patent due diligence efforts for HPE’s acquisitions of the Cray and Silicon Graphics supercomputing companies and has supported licensing and technology transfer efforts involving wireless communications, high-performance interconnects, and video encoding standards.

Whether supporting research institutions or global technology companies, Michael brings a practical, collaborative approach to helping clients protect and leverage their intellectual property.

Industries

Services

Education

  • J.D., Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
    • summa cum laude
  • B.S., University of Wisconsin-Madison

Admissions

  • Wisconsin
  • California
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office


*Contact Michael to set up an in-person consultation by appointment in the Madison office.

Experience
  • Oversaw all patent functions for a 1,500+ asset portfolio related to server architecture, semiconductor devices, accelerators, photonics and quantum research, silicon design, and machine learning.
  • Prepared and prosecuted patents for research institutions across a wide range of advanced technologies, including quantum communications, computing, and memory; healthcare-related AI; medical and general imaging systems; photonics; magnetic materials; advanced memory and semiconductor devices; VLSI design; processor architecture and interconnect protocols; I/O circuitry; accelerators; wave-energy harvesting systems; and fuel injectors.
  • Oversaw all patent functions for a 700+ asset portfolio related to enterprise software and services, including billing systems, CRM, ticketing, and scheduling platforms.
  • As in-house counsel for Hewlett Packard Enterprise, performed patent due diligence and portfolio assimilation for multiple acquisitions, including HPE's $1.8 billion acquisitions of Cray and Silicon Graphics.
  • Conducted patent due diligence for bankruptcy-related acquisitions.
  • Developed and led a company-wide foreign patent filing program as in-house patent counsel.
  • Performed infringement and validity analyses to support reexamination, licensing, and litigation.
  • Managed patent-related government contracts and standards matters for large-scale research and development programs.
Outside the Office

With two kids on the verge of their teen years, Michael is at his happiest when he’s spending time with his family. They particularly enjoy hiking, camping, and biking in national parks across the country.

He’s also a lifelong learner who enjoys auditing math and physics courses, reading, and playing piano.

In-House Counsel Experience
  • Hewlett Packard Enterprise; Senior Patent Counsel, 2015-2022; Patent Counsel, 2012-2015