Intellectual Property Blog

We are delighted to announce Erin Klug has joined the firm as a shareholder! A seasoned patent, trademark, and copyright practitioner, Erin helps large corporations, innovative companies, and solo entrepreneurs protect and enforce their intellectual property rights. She offers wide range of electrical and mechanical arts experience, such as automotive, chassis systems, brake assemblies, sensors, …

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We are proud to announce Chelsea Everson has joined the firm as an associate. Her deep knowledge of biological and chemical arts is particularly useful in drafting patents. Chelsea received dual undergraduate degrees in psychology and biological sciences from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. In addition to her studies, she worked in the Natural Sciences Department, …

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We are pleased to announce DBusiness Magazine has included four Dobrusin Law Firm attorneys in its 2021 edition of “Top Lawyers” in Metro Detroit. Founding partner Eric Dobrusin makes his 13th consecutive appearance on the elite list of attorneys, managing partner Kristen Pursley appears a third time, and shareholder Katherine Pacynski makes her debut in …

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We are delighted to announce shareholder Daniela Walters has been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2020 class of “Up & Coming Lawyers.” According to the publisher, the annual program salutes lawyers in their first ten years in practice who have established names for themselves by displaying the ambition, drive, and accomplishments that set them apart …

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Today, U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® released their 2021 edition of the “Best Law Firms” in the country, recognizing the Dobrusin Law Firm at the top of the list for patent law! The Dobrusin Law Firm earned a Metropolitan Tier 1 ranking – the highest honor in the region – for our representation …

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The Macomb County Chamber celebrated Dobrusin Law Firm managing partner Kristen Pursley and 11 other notable women in leadership nominated for the 2020 ATHENA Award. Kristen’s selection among the group of finalists is a testament to her initiative and dedication to excellence. Founded in 1982, ATHENA InternationalTM supports, honors, and develops women leaders. Each year, …

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The Dobrusin Law Firm is pleased to announce that Eric Dobrusin, Kristen Pursley, and Rebecca Wilson have been named to the 2020 list of Michigan Super Lawyers® and that Katherine Pacynski, Paul Palinski, and Daniela Walters have been recognized as Rising Stars. Eric focuses his practice on patent counseling and strategic patent prosecution, with an emphasis …

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We are pleased to announce that five of our attorneys have been included in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in three categories – Best Lawyers, “Lawyer of the Year,” and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. These honors are a testament to their superior legal skills, professionalism, and dedication to our valued …

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As artificial intelligence has evolved, a number of questions related to intellectual property have been pondered relative to the creation of intellectual property by an AI system and the resulting property ownership, if any. Such questions have been asked for a few decades. However, until recently they have mostly been hypothetical questions. When a work …

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Even though patent protection has evolved over the years, 35 U.S.C. § 261 has always dictated that “patents shall have the attributes of personal property.” As a result, patents can be traded, licensed, purchased, sold, and transferred just like any other piece of property. However, due to patents being considered property – albeit intangible intellectual property – …

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Opinions abound regarding pharmaceutical patents, with some arguing that patent protection is needed to encourage innovation and allow for recouping of development costs, and others arguing that patents lead to skyrocketing prices and unaffordable health care. Regardless of viewpoint, there is no question patents are valuable to the pharmaceutical companies that own them. It is …

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As we continue to be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, Intellectual Property Offices around the world are extending deadlines or making other exceptions to accommodate the challenges inventors and business owners are currently facing. If you have upcoming deadlines and are concerned about being able to meet them due to refocusing or shifting priorities, we …

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In November 1999, Eric Dobrusin launched a new law firm with a vision for a different kind of law practice. The rest, they say, is history. On December 4, 2019, the Dobrusin Law Firm family, along with our families, clients, and friends came together at Pontiac’s Little Art Theater to reflect on Eric’s vision and …

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We are proud to announce that Michigan Lawyers Weekly selected Dobrusin Law Firm shareholder Paul Palinski to the 2019 class of “Up & Coming Lawyers.” He received his award at a luncheon at the Detroit Marriott in Troy on December 5, 2019. Paul has become recognized in the legal community as a thoughtful problem-solver and …

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The Dobrusin Law Firm is proud to announce that Eric S. Hydorn and Bryan S. Lemanski have joined the firm as associates. While earning a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Hope College, Eric participated in microbiology research in the college’s science department and interned in the advanced engineering group of a Tier 1 automotive supplier. …

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On November 13, 2019, DBusiness Magazine held its first-ever Top Corporate Counsel Awards ceremony at The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. The Dobrusin Law Firm was a proud sponsor. The awards honored in-house counsel from corporate legal departments in six industry categories: Automaker, Auto Supplier, Banking/Finance, Energy, General, and Health. Two special awards were presented for …

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We are proud to announce that U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® have included the Dobrusin Law Firm on the 2020 list of “Best Law Firms” for intellectual property law! The Best Law Firm rankings are the product of a thorough evaluation that includes analysis of client and lawyer submissions, peer reviews from leading …

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This week, DBusiness Magazine released the list of its “Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit” for 2020, and we are thrilled to announce that founding partner Eric Dobrusin and managing partner Kristen Pursley are among the honorees! DBusiness conducts an extensive peer review process each year, surveying nearly 20,000 attorneys in 50 legal specialties across Wayne, Oakland, …

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Launched in 2012, the Build Institute helps people turn their business ideas into reality by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, educational programming, and a support network in Detroit. More than 1,800 aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs have now graduated from the program, many of whom have started successful ventures in the city. Recently, Build …

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On September 14, the Dobrusin Law Firm proudly sponsored LO Palooza 2019, an all-day music festival that raises funds for special needs recreational spaces in Orion Township. During its six-year history, the event has paid for improvements large and small, including wheelchair swings, adaptive playground equipment, and North Oakland’s Miracle Field, a fully inclusive and …

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Now in its fourth year, the Ride 2 End Suicide brings together suicide survivors, their families, friends, supporters, and local biking enthusiasts to raise awareness about health and recovery and to raise money for life-saving suicide prevention programs.  The ride also honors the legacy of Marie Jozefiak, the inspiration for the annual bike event. The …

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We are pleased to share that Michigan Lawyers Weekly has selected Dobrusin Law Firm shareholder Rebecca Wilson to its 2019 class of Women in the Law! Becky, along with 29 other outstanding women lawyers, was celebrated at a special awards program on September 5, 2019.  According to Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Women in the Law honorees …

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We are pleased to share that Dobrusin Law Firm shareholder Daniela Walters, was selected to the 2019 class of the Oakland County Executive’s “Elite 40 Under 40.”  The prestigious honor spotlights top business and community leaders under the age of 40 who are making a difference in the Oakland County region. This year’s class was …

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If your end-of-summer plans don’t include LO Palooza, be sure to shuffle your schedule and join the Dobrusin Law Firm on September 14 for a fabulous day of live music, food trucks, face painting, and a fierce corn hole competition! Now in its sixth year, LO Palooza is a joint effort between Orion Township and The …

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The Dobrusin Law Firm is pleased to announce that founding shareholder Eric Dobrusin and managing shareholder Kristen Pursley have been included on the list of Michigan Super Lawyers, and that shareholders Katherine Pacynski, Paul Palinski, and Daniela Walters were named Rising Stars. Eric concentrates his practice in patent counseling and strategic patent prosecution, with particular emphasis …

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Our 20th anniversary gives us a reason to celebrate throughout the year, and the Phoenix Derby Races provided the perfect backdrop to share our business and community pride with downtown Pontiac. Thank you to everyone who joined us during the Derby viewing party held outside our offices.  We thoroughly enjoyed your company and the fabulous …

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We are pleased to once again support Canvas Pontiac, a Main Street Pontiac initiative that brings the arts to downtown Pontiac and inspires the community. Now in its seventh year, Canvas Pontiac is a collaborative effort with the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and the Pontiac Arts Commission.  The program invites artists from around the …

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What a great day it was at the 2019 Phoenix Derby Races! Area middle and high school STEAM students put their minds to work to engineer and build the fastest wooden gravity-powered cars in Pontiac. Races for the checkered flag were hard-fought and the celebrations were well-earned by the students and their professional STEAM collaborators …

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We are delighted to announce that Crain’s Detroit Business named the Dobrusin Law Firm one of the Detroit area’s 100 Cool Places to Work. The firm is honored to be recognized and is humbled to know that employee feedback played a heavy role in Dobrusin’s appearance on the list. A casual working environment, support of …

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The Dobrusin Law Firm congratulates Eric Dobrusin, Daniel Aleksynas, and Kristen Pursley on their inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America©. The honor reflects the exceptional legal representation they provide our clients every day. Eric Dobrusin, a founder and shareholder of the firm, has more than thirty years of experience in intellectual property law. He focuses …

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A proud business in the heart of Pontiac, the Dobrusin Law Firm is delighted to recognize shareholder Daniela Walters who recently received the Community Influencer Award at Main Street Oakland County’s annual awards celebration. Daniela and 14 other businesses and individuals received accolades for their efforts to preserve and energize their business and civic communities. …

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In a race day that is as much about inspiring future science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) students as they are about which gravity cars cross the finish line first, The Dobrusin Law Firm is proud to serve as Presenting Sponsor for the 2nd Annual Phoenix Derby Races organized by Main Street Pontiac. During …

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We congratulate Dobrusin Law Firm shareholder Katherine Pacynski on graduating from Leadership Oakland’s select leadership development program, Cornerstone. Through a series of monthly day-long sessions led by subject matter experts and a day of service to end the term, Cornerstone focuses on informing and preparing southeast Michigan’s emerging leaders, a nine-month program Katie recently completed. …

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Established in 2012, the Michigan Intellectual Property American Inn of Court (MIPAIC) is a society of judges, lawyers, legal educators, law students, and others who seek to promote excellence in the advocacy of intellectual property. Consistent with other members of the Linn Inn Alliance, MIPAIC is committed to education, collegiality, and the highest ethical values. …

Continue reading “Eric Dobrusin Concludes His Term as MIPAIC President Following an Impressive Year”

We are delighted to announce that shareholder Katherine Pacynski is the new President-Elect of the Women’s Bar Association (the Oakland Region of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan)! Katie, who previously served as Vice President, and her fellow incoming officers (pictured above) were sworn in during the organization’s recent annual dinner celebrating a year of …

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Community engagement is an important part of the Dobrusin Law Firm’s culture, and as a proud member of the Pontiac business community, we opened our doors to the public during a downtown walking tour organized by Automation Alley and DASI Solutions. The June 13th “Morning Member Mingle” showcased Pontiac’s growth and innovation against a backdrop …

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Recognizing the importance of elevating women in the law, the Dobrusin Law Firm, PC is pleased to announce our sponsorship and support of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan Foundation’s (WLAMF) annual scholarship program. This marks the inaugural year the firm has participated in the program, and it’s an honor to name Tanya Elzy as …

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The Dobrusin Law Firm’s Kristen Pursley reviewed submissions for the Empower Change MI pitch competition to support aspiring women entrepreneurs launching and growing social venture enterprises in the region. The Empower Change MI initiative is a collaboration between the Michigan Women’s Foundation and Ford Motor Company Fund. Social enterprises seeking startup or growth funding were …

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The Dobrusin Law Firm’s Theresa Orr moderated the “Key Opportunities and Concerns for Legal Departments in an Evolving Industry” panel at the Autolex: Autonomous Vehicle Legal Forum, organized by Managing Intellectual Property and Benchmark Litigation in Detroit, Michigan on September 25, 2018.  At the forum, attendees and presenters discussed the increasing reality of autonomous vehicles on the automotive industry …

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On September 15, The Dobrusin Law Firm served as the official sponsor of LO Palooza’s Green Room, which covered the costs associated with hosting the local artists backstage for this event. LO Palooza is an all-day music festival held at Wildwood Amphitheater, with food trucks, vendors, a petting zoo, face painting, a rock wall, a …

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The Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM) has won the Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award for 2018. This award symbolizes excellence in promoting the ideals of professionalism and equal justice for all.  Accepting the award at the State Bar of Michigan Awards Banquet was the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan Foundation‘s (WLAM Foundation) President …

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Daniela Walters, a patent attorney at The Dobrusin Law Firm, and president of Main Street Pontiac, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works with the City of Pontiac government, Oakland County Economic Development, and the Pontiac Downtown Business Association, was a driving force behind the inaugural Pontiac Phoenix Races.  The event, open to Pontiac resident high …

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The Dobrusin Law Firm proudly supported the “Double Dog Dare” challenge benefitting Leader Dogs for the Blind on September 22, 2018.  The Double Dog Dare sent participants over the edge of the Oakland Towne Center in downtown Pontiac, Michigan, safely rappelling 15 stories down the side of the building. Not only was it a once-in-a-lifetime …

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The Dobrusin Law Firm, PC, Michigan’s leading intellectual property law firm, is pleased to announce that Eric Dobrusin has been included on the 2018 list of Michigan Super Lawyers and Daniel Aleksynas, Paul Palinski, Kristen Pursley, and Daniela Walters have been named to the list of Rising Stars for 2018. This is a repeat honor …

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The Dobrusin Law Firm is pleased to announce that Eric Dobrusin, Dan Aleksynas, and Kristen Pursley have been selected for inclusion in the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.  Mr. Dobrusin, a founder and shareholder of the firm, has more than twenty-five years of experience in intellectual property law. He focuses his practice in patent counseling and strategic patent prosecution, with particular emphasis in the fields of …

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Managing shareholder Kristen Pursley has been named a judge in the 2018 North American MIT Inclusive Innovation Challenge (IIC), a platform for recognizing and rewarding organizations that are promoting technology as a vehicle for positive change in a world where automation poses potential challenges for employment.  The brainchild of the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy, the IIC was launched two years …

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The Dobrusin Law Firm proudly supports Art&Soul Dreams, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring adoption of foster children in Michigan. The organization’s mission is to change the culture and create a paradigm shift of how our society views foster children specifically, and the concept generally. To accomplish this, Art&Soul Dreams has created a traveling …

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Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court addressed the authority of illegally appointed administrative judges, and though the decision did not speak to questionable appointments at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO), there may be implications for individuals and organizations holding, prosecuting, and protecting patents. Lucia and the Appointments Clause In Lucia v. Securities Exchange Commission, …

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Pontiac, MI – The Dobrusin Law Firm, PC, Michigan’s leading intellectual property law firm announced the appointment of Katherine M. Pacynski and Paul J. Palinski to firm shareholders.  Dr. Terry Finerman has also been promoted to Senior Counsel. “We are thrilled that Katie, Paul and Terry have stepped into these important roles on our team,” …

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Practicing intellectual property law for more than 13 years in Pontiac, The Dobrusin Law Firm recently was recognized for its commitment to improving the city’s downtown community. The City of Pontiac, Downtown Pontiac Business Association, and Main Street Pontiac recently presented The Dobrusin Law Firm with their Partner Award at the Pontiac Community Awards dinner, …

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