While much of the advocacy in patent prosecution is in the form of written words, opportunities for oral advocacy do present themselves. During prosecution, practitioners may be required to conduct examiner interviews or attend Patent Trials and Appeals Board (PTAB) hearings, both of which require such oral advocacy. The United States Patent and Trademark Office …
We are delighted to share that legal administrative assistant Becky Ballard has been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2021 class of “Unsung Legal Heroes.” The Unsung Legal Hero award honors law firm employees who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty, often behind the scenes. The honor is reserved for the most talented …
The patent application and examination process is not static. After an inventor files a non-provisional patent application, there may be opportunities to modify or expand claims made in the original “parent” application or even add new claims related to the same invention before the parent issues. Continuation-type patent applications are vehicles through which inventors can …
Continue reading “The What, Why, and How of Continuation Patent Applications”
As the America Invents Act (AIA) marks its 10th anniversary, one of its authors has introduced new legislation to change how the AIA-created Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) conducts its business. Sen. Patrick Leahy, along with Sen. John Cronyn, announced their “Restoring the America Invents Act” bill at the end of September to address …
Founded in 1934, the Detroit Economic Club (DEC) provides a platform for international dignitaries and business leaders to explore issues that shape the economic environment. The organization also seeks to identify and encourage tomorrow’s leaders, helping them develop professional skills through its Career Readiness Academy (CRA). Recently, Dobrusin Law Firm shareholder Paul Palinski renewed his …
U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® have released the 2022 list of the “Best Law Firms” in America, and once again, the Dobrusin Law Firm has earned a Metropolitan Tier 1 ranking—the highest ranking in the region—for our patent law practice! For each annual edition of Best Law Firms, the publishers scrutinize client and …
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We are delighted to announce DBusiness Magazine has selected five Dobrusin Law Firm shareholders among Metro Detroit’s “Top Lawyers” in intellectual property law for 2022. Our “Top Lawyers” and the IP categories in which they were recognized are: Eric Dobrusin — Intellectual Property; Intellectual Property and Patent Law; Trade Secrets Kristen Pursley — Intellectual Property …
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A journey of 1,000 miles begins with the first step. So, too, does the journey of a game-changing invention. That first step is the brilliant idea, the light-bulb moment. The 1,000 miles is the long road from concept to prototype to patent. It can take a lot of time and trial and error before an …
Continue reading “Provisional v. Non-Provisional Patent Applications: What’s the Difference?”
Dobrusin Law Firm shareholder Katie Pacynski served as a panelist for a virtual discussion – The “411” on IP-Related Jobs – coordinated by Michigan State University College of Law’s Career Services Office. The panel addressed various career paths for the audience of first- and second-year law students. Topics included: Different types of intellectual property-related law …
Inspiration for a novel invention may happen in a flash, but the process for patenting that invention certainly doesn’t. In many, if not most cases, it can take two to three years or more for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to complete their examination of a patent application and either grant or …
Dobrusin Law Firm shareholder Paul Palinski is the newest member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Intellectual Property Law Section Council. He assumed his duties following a swearing-in ceremony on October 7, 2021, and will serve a three-year term. The Intellectual Property Law Section provides education and information on federal and state patent, trademark, and …
Meet Marijayne Renny, our Community Outreach Coordinator! We are grateful for all of her efforts on behalf of the firm.
The members of the State Bar of Michigan’s Animal Law Section voted to install Dobrusin Law Firm shareholder Erin Klug as Chair-Elect of the group’s leadership council for the 2021-2023 term. The election and took place at the section’s annual meeting in September. The Animal Law Section provides education, information, and analysis about issues of …
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In another act of community involvement, Dobrusin Law Firm shareholder Rebecca Wilson has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Macomb since it was chartered. Although the pandemic halted their philanthropic activities in 2020, Becky and her Kiwanis Club colleagues resumed their fundraising efforts earlier this year, continuing their mission to support local children’s …
Meet Bobbie Whitten! Bobbie is a Legal Assistant and a valuable contributor to the firm.
As many people know, Dobrusin Law Firm shareholder Daniela Walters is an avid supporter of our hometown of Pontiac. In 2017, she co-founded Main Street Pontiac, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant, safe, and inclusive downtown in Pontiac by collaborating with partners in the city, and she currently serves as treasurer. Earlier this …
Continue reading “Main Street Pontiac Announces the Creation of “The Circuit” Social District”
First released in 2007, “Intellectual Property Culture: Strategy and Compliance” provides lawyers and company executives with practical advice for constructing and managing intellectual property-oriented business cultures in the United States and abroad. LexisNexis recently released the 2021 edition of the book, which features extended discussion of U.S. Supreme Court patent cases and federal statutes along with …
Common Ground is a 24-hour crisis services agency committed to helping youths, adults, and families in turmoil. By phone, online, and in-person, the nonprofit organization serves the community by providing professional and compassionate assistance to more than 80,000 people annually. Common Ground also holds a special place in our hearts – not only do they …
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Meet Becky Ballard, another of our valuable Legal Assistants! Thank you for all you do, Becky!
Meet Wendy Morgan, one of our Legal Assistants, a valued colleague, and a longstanding member of the Dobrusin Law Firm family.
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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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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Meet Laura Fletcher, the firm’s Controller! We are grateful for her hard work and daily contributions that keep things running smoothly.
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 …
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 …
Continue reading “Client Alert: Scammers Targeting IP Owners With Fake Fee Notices”
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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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 …
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 …
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, 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. …
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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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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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 …
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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“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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
The Dobrusin Law Firm
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