Robert Michal joined the firm in 2015. He counsels U.S. and international clients in connection with patent and trademark matters, focusing on designing portfolio strategies, prosecution, licensing, due diligence investigations, validity investigations, clearance investigations, evaluating infringement risks, and portfolio management. Mr. Michal also represents clients in post-grant proceedings, including inter partes review and contentious re-examinations. He concentrates his practice on electrical engineering, software, business methods, medical devices and consumer products. He has technical and legal expertise in a wide range of technologies, including chip design and manufacture, cellular technologies, control systems, digital imaging and optics.

Mr. Michal’s fascination with engineering and technology led him to pursue a B.S. in electrical engineering at Lehigh University. Knowing he would be able to have a greater impact in advancing these technologies as an attorney, he went on to earn his J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Michal was well-known for his hallmark style of client advocacy, which is based upon decades of experience practicing before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and is aptly named Proactive Prosecution, which is a unique combination of activist and strategic representation that expedites timelines, optimizes results and drastically reduces client costs.

Mr. Michal helps clients build U.S. and global patent portfolios for all strategic purposes, including those requiring portfolio assessments of competitors or potential acquisition targets. He brings the instincts of a 25-year veteran to due diligence investigations, preparation of patent-related opinions, infringement and patentability studies, patent landscape and freedom to operate (right to practice) studies. For one client, he developed and managed one of the world’s largest patent portfolios in an emerging technology, and he regularly represents both well-established and emerging electronics and consumer products companies.

He specializes in complex matters related to electrical engineering, software, business methods, consumer products and medical devices. Fields of technology include: electrical and industrial engineering, software, business methods and consumer products. He has extensive experience in chip design and manufacture, cellular technologies, control systems, digital imaging, optics and display technologies.

Specifically, Mr. Michal has prosecuted patent applications involving semiconductor design, processing methods, mobile telephones and terminals, satellite and radio waves, radio antenna, radio communication channels, and transceivers. He also has focused on printing devices and systems, medical devices, lighting technologies, optical systems, power tools and construction machinery. As a result, he offers cutting-edge awareness within these key industries.

Mr. Michal performs due diligence investigations and freedom to operate searches related to patent opinions and advises clients on the valuation of target patent acquisitions.  Mr. Michal has extensive experience in the prosecution of U.S. and foreign trademark applications, licensing, clearance, trademark selection, infringement issues and portfolio management.