Meet Becky Ballard, another of our valuable Legal Assistants! Thank you for all you do, Becky!
Get to Know Our Team – Becky Ballard
Get to Know Our Team – Wendy Morgan
Meet Wendy Morgan, one of our Legal Assistants, a valued colleague, and a longstanding member of the Dobrusin Law Firm family.
Building and Shredding at the 2021 Phoenix Derby Races!
Each year, the Dobrusin Law Firm comes out in full force to sponsor and support the Main Street Pontiac Phoenix Derby Races! Although the pandemic forced a cancellation in 2020, the event returned for a third year – with a slight change of vehicle. In the past, the Races teamed area middle and high school …
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Six Dobrusin Law Firm Attorneys Named Among the 2022 Best Lawyers in America©
The Dobrusin Law Firm is delighted to announce that six of our intellectual property attorneys have been included in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Founding Shareholder Eric Dobrusin and Managing Shareholder Kristen Pursley named to the 2022 list of Best Lawyers®. They both practice in the areas of intellectual property law …
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Get to Know Our Team – Laura Fletcher
Meet Laura Fletcher, the firm’s Controller! We are grateful for her hard work and daily contributions that keep things running smoothly.
Seven Dobrusin Law Firm Attorneys Included on the 2021 List of Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
The Dobrusin Law Firm is pleased to announce seven of its shareholders were named to the 2021 edition of Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. Founding shareholder Eric Dobrusin focuses his practice on patent counseling and strategic patent prosecution, with an emphasis on materials science. He has appeared on the Super Lawyers list each year …
Client Alert: Scammers Targeting IP Owners With Fake Fee Notices
It seems that around every corner lately, a scam awaits. Well, the same can be said as it relates to the patent and trademark world. Patent and trademark owners don’t want to inadvertently lose their valuable intellectual property rights because they failed to pay required maintenance fees or file necessary paperwork with the U.S. Patent …
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Paul J. Palinski Appointed to McLaren Oakland’s Board of Trustees
Dobrusin Law shareholder Paul J. Palinski has been named to the board of trustees of McLaren Oakland, a 328-bed hospital providing primary and specialty healthcare services to the greater Pontiac and Oakland County communities. “Social responsibility is a pillar of our law firm, as is our commitment to Pontiac,” said Mr. Palinski, who devotes his …
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“Inside Out” Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Should Animate All Creators to Obtain Copyright Registration for Their Works
Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust were the five personified emotions felt by a young girl named Riley in the animated 2015 Disney/Pixar blockbuster “Inside Out.” A Canadian filmmaker who is likely filled with anger and disgust at the makers of the movie may feel a bit of joy now that a Canadian court has …
IPR Decisions Now Reviewable by Director of Patent Office After Supreme Court Fixes Constitutional Defect With PTAB Judges
In a much-anticipated decision involving the constitutionality of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), the Supreme Court ruled in U.S. v. Arthrex that the appointment of PTAB administrative patent judges (APJs) by the secretary of commerce violated the Constitution’s Appointments Clause. But rather than throw the entire inter partes review process and all other …
Q & A with Dobrusin’s Summer Interns: Meet Claire Pearce
Our Summer Intern Spotlight series features brief interviews with students who have been learning about intellectual property law and the work we do for the firm’s clients. Hi Claire Pearce! Where are you in school? A: I’m a rising junior at Davidson College in North Carolina. Do you have a favorite subject? A: I took …
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Michigan Lawyers Weekly Spotlights The Dobrusin Law Firm’s Involvement With the Pontiac Community
Michigan Lawyers Weekly, a weekly publication covering legal news around the state, recently featured the Dobrusin Law Firm and our involvement with the City of Pontiac. In “A Sidebar With Eric Dobrusin,” digital editor Kelly Caplan interviewed our founding shareholder about the many area activities and events the firm sponsors. Here are a few excerpts. …
Q & A with Dobrusin’s Summer Interns: Meet Michelle Hudson
Our Summer Intern Spotlight series features brief interviews with students who have been learning about intellectual property law and the work we do for the firm’s clients. Hey, Michelle Hudson! Where are you in school? A: I graduated this spring from Grand Valley State University with my bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences. This fall I will …
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Q & A with Dobrusin’s Summer Interns: Meet Blake Salesin
Our Summer Intern Spotlight series features brief interviews with students who have been learning about intellectual property law and the work we do for the firm’s clients. Hi Blake Salesin! Where are you in school? Do you have a favorite subject? A: I’m a rising sophomore at Boston College. I really enjoy International Politics. What …
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What President Biden’s Recent Executive Order on Promoting Competition Means for IP
On July 9, 2021, President Joe Biden issued a sweeping executive order authorizing and facilitating a “whole of government approach” designed to promote competition and innovation, reduce marketplace consolidation, and protect the interests of workers, farmers, consumers, and small business owners. The “Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy” touches upon almost every …
The Dobrusin Law Firm Is Helping to Make the Pontiac Skatepark Project a Reality
In Pontiac, longboarders and shortboarders need a new place to ride. Providing a modern skatepark is the impetus behind a new project in the city, one the Dobrusin Law Firm actively and proudly supports. The Pontiac Skatepark Project seeks to build a safe, accessible, and sustainable 10,000 square-foot facility for youth and adults. Tentatively slated …
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Utility Patents v. Design Patents: What’s the Difference, and Which One Is Right for You?
“Form follows function” is a famous axiom in the world of architecture. In the world of patents, form and function are the defining characteristics that separate two distinct types of patents: utility patents and design patents. Both utility and design patents provide valuable protections for patent owners, but there are significant distinctions between them. Determining …
Eric Hydorn Educates Small Businesses on IP Protection at Pontiac Regional Chamber of Commerce Event
Dobrusin Law Firm associate Eric Hydorn recently spoke to an audience of business leaders at a program hosted by the Pontiac Regional Chamber of Commerce. Eric’s presentation – Intellectual Property: A Practical Summary for Small Business – provided Chamber members and guests with an overview of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, including the scope …
Bryan Lemanski Named Law School Liaison for Michigan Intellectual Property Association
The Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association (MIPLA) has selected Dobrusin Law Firm associate Bryan Lemanski to serve as the organization’s Law School Liaison for the 2021-22 term. Founded in 1913, MIPLA comprises intellectual property attorneys, patent agents, and law students from across the state who practice IP law or are otherwise interested in patent, trademark, …
The Decision to Deny Institution of IPR Is Non-Appealable Except in Extraordinary Circumstances, Federal Circuit Rules
The Federal Circuit recently ruled it has no jurisdiction to review decisions of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) denying institution of inter partes review (IPR) proceedings, except in the extraordinary circumstance where a writ of mandamus is justified. The decision in Mylan Laboratories Ltd. v. Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V., effectively means that, in most …
Michigan Lawyers Weekly Names Katherine Pacynski to the 2021 Class of “Up & Coming Lawyers”
We are pleased to announce shareholder Katie Pacynski was selected to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2021 class of “Up & Coming Lawyers.” The annual award spotlights lawyers in their first ten years of practice who have established names for themselves by displaying the ambition, drive, and accomplishments that distinguish them from their peers. Michigan Lawyers Weekly …
Erin Klug Sworn in as President-Elect of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
We proudly announce that Dobrusin Law Firm shareholder Erin Klug was sworn in as the 2021-22 President-Elect for the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM). The ceremony took place on the Michigan Hall of Justice steps in advance of the recent WLAM Annual Meeting. Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Clement officiated, swearing in Erin and …
Dobrusin Law Firm Sponsors 2021 Women Lawyers Association of Michigan Foundation Scholarship
In 2019, our firm joined the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan Foundation’s (WLAM Foundation) annual scholarship program to encourage and support the next generation of attorneys, especially female attorneys. We are pleased to announce the recipient of this year’s WLAM Foundation Dobrusin Law Firm Scholarship is Nichole Van Blaricum, a second-year student at Wayne State …
Katherine Pacynski Concludes Her Tenure as President of the Women’s Bar Association
Thursday, May 27, 2021, marked the end of Dobrusin Law Firm shareholder Katie Pacynski’s presidency of the Women’s Bar Association. The WBA serves as the Oakland Region of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and promotes improvements in the administration of justice, enhances relations between the legal profession and the public, secures the rights of …
Kristen Pursley and Daniela Walters Take on New Leadership Roles with the Michigan Intellectual Property Inn of Court
We are proud to announce two Dobrusin Law Firm shareholders have assumed new leadership positions with the Michigan Intellectual Property American Inn of Court. At the organization’s virtual Annual Meeting on May 25, 2021, managing shareholder Kristen Pursley was announced as President for the 2021-2022 term. Daniela Walters was named the Events Chair. Founded in …
Accomplished Intellectual Property Attorney Erin Klug Joins The Dobrusin Law Firm
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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The Dobrusin Law Firm Welcomes Associate Attorney Chelsea Everson
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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DBusiness Names Four Dobrusin Attorneys to 2021 Edition of “Top Lawyers”
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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Michigan Lawyers Weekly Honors Daniela Walters Among the “Up & Coming Lawyers” for 2020
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 …
The Dobrusin Law Firm Named a 2021 “Best Law Firm” for Patent Law
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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Kristen Pursley Among 12 Finalists for the 2020 Macomb County Chamber ATHENA Leadership Award
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, …
Six Dobrusin Law Firm Attorneys Included in the 2020 List of Michigan Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars
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 …
Best Lawyers® Selects Five Dobrusin Law Firm Attorneys Among The Best Lawyers in America© for 2021
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 …
Misconception of Artificial Intelligence
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 …
Can Patent Trolls Impact COVID-19 Testing and Treatment?
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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Pharma Intellectual Property and COVID-19
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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Intellectual Property Updates From the United States, Europe, China, and Canada
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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Dobrusin Law Firm Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary… at the Movies
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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Paul Palinski Named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2019 List of “Up & Coming Lawyers”
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 …
Associate Attorneys Eric Hydorn and Bryan Lemanski Join the Dobrusin Law Firm
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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The Dobrusin Law Firm Sponsors DBusiness’s Inaugural Top Corporate Counsel Awards
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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U.S. News & Best Lawyers® Name the Dobrusin Law Firm a “Best Law Firm” for Intellectual Property
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 …
DBusiness Includes Eric Dobrusin and Kristen Pursley Among “Top Lawyers” for 2020
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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Daniela Walters Presents Seminar on IP for Small Businesses at the Build Institute
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 …
The Dobrusin Law Firm Sponsors LO Palooza to Raise Funds for Special Needs Recreational Spaces
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 …
The Dobrusin Law Firm Sponsors and Participates in the 4th Annual Ride 2 End Suicide
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 …
Rebecca Wilson Named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly Women in the Law
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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Daniela Walters Named to Oakland County Executive’s “Elite 40 Under 40”
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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The Dobrusin Law Firm Proudly Sponsors LO Palooza, the Year’s Not-to-be-Missed Event!
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 …
Five Dobrusin Law Firm Attorneys Named to 2019 List of Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
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 …
