Intellectual Property Lawyers for Lansing, Michigan
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Melissa G.
I provide practical, plain-English legal guidance to solopreneurs and small businesses who want to build strong foundations and make informed decisions with confidence. With 20+ years of experience—including 16 years in-house advising senior and executive leaders—I bring the insight of a trusted legal partner who understands how legal strategy supports long-term business growth. My clients walk away feeling supported, seen, and empowered. They know I genuinely care about their success and bring more than just legal knowledge—I bring a coach’s mindset, a problem-solver’s lens, and a commitment to helping them protect what they’ve worked hard to build. Whether you’re reviewing contracts, forming your business, protecting your brand, or need ongoing legal support, I’m here to deliver clear, actionable guidance and solutions that fit your business.
David H.
Michigan licensed attorney. A compelling combination of technology, sourcing, sales, and legal experience. Over 20 years in technology positions negotiating technology engagements and contracts. General practice legal experience. Significant IT contracts experience (from IT sourcing/procurement) with the State of Michigan and Zimmer Biomet (Fortune 500). Excellent people, negotiation, and writing skills; keen eye for continuous improvement. Trusted business partner co-leading or supporting cross-functional integrated business/IT projects.
"David was great! Went above and beyond what was needed and really gave me a fresh perspective on the contract I needed consulting on."
Curt B.
Curt Brown has experience advising clients on a variety of franchising, business litigation, transactional, and securities law matters. Mr. Brown's accolades include: - Super Lawyers Rising Star - California Lawyer of the Year by The Daily Journal - Pro Bono Attorney of the Year the USC Public Interest Law Fund Curt started his legal career in the Los Angeles office of the prestigious firm of Irell & Manella LLP, where his practice focused on a wide variety of complex civil litigation matters, including securities litigation, antitrust, trademark, bankruptcy, and class action defense. Mr. Brown also has experience advising mergers and acquisitions and international companies concerning cyber liability and class action defense. He is admitted in California, Florida, D.C., Washington, Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan.
"I was very impressed with the responsiveness and knowledge brought to my situation."
Blake L.
I am a sole practitioner who has been in practice for over 25 years. I have represented many small businesses during this time. Let me bring my expertise to your business.
August 4, 2020
Christopher J.
Experienced attorney focusing on estate planning, probate administration, business formation and counseling, and consumer bankruptcy.
June 21, 2021
George B.
I help start-ups, small businesses, and people realize their potential by leveraging my legal and technological experience. Legally skilled in employment law, intellectual property, corporate law, and real estate transactions.
December 4, 2021
Brittany B.
Brittany advises startups and emerging and public companies at all stages of growth, with focuses on formation and corporate governance matters, securities, venture capital financings, M&A and other strategic transactions, commercial contracts and general corporate counseling. Brittany represents clients across a broad spectrum of industries, including technology, automotive, mobility, digital health, consumer products and manufacturing.
September 4, 2022
Deborah W.
Williamson Health Law is an established and trusted law firm focused on representing hospitals, health plans, physician groups, physicians, physical therapy businesses, psychologists and other health care providers, professionals, and businesses in all aspects of health law. including the Stark law, the Anti-Kickback Statute (“AKS”), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”), regulatory compliance, Medicare and Blue Cross audits and overpayment appeals, payer departicipation and disaffiliation appeals, payer and provider disputes, reimbursement and billing, compliance plans, health care industry contracts and professional licensure. We represent clients throughout Michigan and the U.S. with certain federal matters such as federal regulatory analysis and Medicare audits.
Ari G.
Ari is a transactional attorney with substantial experience serving clients in regulated industries. He has worked extensively with companies in regulated state cannabis markets on developing governance documents (LLC operating agreements, corporate bylaws, etc...), as well as drafting and negotiating all manner of business and real estate contracts.
Evan F.
Evan Ficaj Law Firm empowers Michigan entrepreneurs with personalized legal solutions in M&A, LLC, business, contract, entertainment, trademark, and copyright law.
June 15, 2023
David T.
David Trentadue has been practicing law since 1994. He received his Bachelors’ Degrees in History and Political Science from the University of New Orleans and his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Currently in private practice, his areas of concentration include Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Administration, Real Estate, Business Formations and Corporate Governance. He is licensed in all state and federal courts in Michigan. He is also a Licensed Title Examiner
Andy K.
Licensed in MI since 2010. Practiced SSDI appeals and auto negligence for over a decade until 12/2022 when I left largest personal injury firm In MI to open my own estate planning firm. Looking for part-time contract/remote work to supplement income as I build my own practice.
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Browse Lawyers NowIntellectual Property Legal Questions and Answers
Intellectual Property
Work For Hire Agreement
Texas
Can an employer claim ownership of intellectual property created by an employee under a Work For Hire Agreement?
I recently started a new job where I am expected to create original content as part of my role. I was asked to sign a Work For Hire Agreement that states any intellectual property I create during my employment will be owned by the company. However, I have concerns about this arrangement as I have invested significant time and resources into developing my creative skills and worry that my work may be undervalued or exploited without proper compensation or recognition. I would like to understand if the employer can legitimately claim ownership of my intellectual property under the Work For Hire Agreement, and if there are any steps I can take to protect my rights while still meeting my employment obligations.
Sara S.
Hi, Yes, intellectual property created by you as an employee, within the scope of your employment, under a work-for-hire agreement, probably belongs to your employer. To learn more about your rights under the agreement and any exceptions, you should consult with a qualified attorney.
Intellectual Property
Joint Agreement
California
Can a JV hold patents?
I am currently exploring the possibility of forming a joint venture (JV) with another company in my industry. As part of our business plan, we are considering the development of new products and technologies that may be patentable. However, I am unsure if a JV has the legal capacity to hold patents and protect our intellectual property rights. Therefore, I would like to seek advice from a lawyer on this matter.
Jane D.
As a legal entity, a joint venture (JV) can own a patent. Given the temporary nature of JVs and the fact that there will be multiple owners of any patents, there is a complex mix of intellectual property (IP) ownership rights, dispute resolution, and enforcement issues that need to be agreed upon in order to properly protect everyone's intellectual property rights. Consideration will need to be given to what IP ownership and rights will look like during and after the JV and it may be easier to have both companies listed as the patent authors for inventions from the outset (versus naming the JV as the author). A joint IP agreement is the best solution to outline the rights of each party, the process for developing patentable technologies sufficient to be a patent author, filing and prosecuting patents, and future licensing and exploitation of the patent.
Intellectual Property
Copyright Search
Texas
Is it necessary to conduct a copyright search before using a specific image for commercial purposes?
I am a freelance graphic designer and I recently came across a striking image that I would like to incorporate into a client's commercial project. However, I want to ensure that I am not infringing on any copyright laws. I have heard about copyright searches, but I am unsure if they are necessary or if there are any potential legal consequences for using an image without conducting such a search. I want to make sure I am taking the necessary precautions to protect myself and my client from any legal issues.
Randy M.
When you’re preparing work for a client, the key issue isn’t whether you’ve run a formal copyright search, but whether you have the legal right to use the image. Copyright law automatically protects most images, so relying on the absence of a watermark or a registration record isn’t enough to keep you safe. Copyright Protection and Ownership Under U.S. law, copyright attaches the moment an original work is created and fixed in a tangible form (17 U.S.C. § 102). That means virtually every photo, illustration, or graphic you find online is already protected. Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office strengthens enforcement rights, but it isn’t required for protection. Likewise, the lack of a © symbol doesn’t mean an image is free to use. Because there’s no central database covering all copyrighted images, a formal copyright search isn’t practical or reliable in most cases. Even if you searched the Copyright Office’s records, you’d only be looking at registered works, which are a small fraction of what’s actually protected. Risks of Using Unlicensed Images If you incorporate an image without permission into a commercial project, you and your client could face serious consequences. Infringement can lead to cease-and-desist orders, statutory damages of $750 to $30,000 per work (and up to $150,000 for willful infringement) under 17 U.S.C. § 504(c), and potential liability for the copyright holder’s attorney’s fees. Courts generally view commercial use as disfavoring any “fair use” defense. Even if you didn’t intend to infringe, liability can still be imposed. Best Practices for Designers The best practice is to focus on obtaining images from sources where the licensing terms are clear and legally sound. For example: • Use reputable stock photo agencies such as Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, or Getty, where commercial licenses are explicit. • Choose Creative Commons images that allow commercial use (e.g., CC BY or CC0), but review license terms carefully. • Confirm public domain status when applicable, such as U.S. federal government works. • Contact creators directly for written permission if you want to use their work. • Keep copies of receipts, license agreements, or permission letters so you can show proof of rights if challenged. Reverse image search tools like Google Images or TinEye can be useful to trace the origin of an image and identify whether it’s sold or licensed by a third party. However, this is a step in due diligence, not a substitute for obtaining rights. Professional Responsibility As a freelance designer, your contracts may hold you responsible for ensuring that the materials you deliver don’t infringe anyone else’s rights. Delivering work that exposes your client to infringement claims can damage your reputation and your client relationship. The safest practice is to assume that any image you didn’t create yourself is protected until you confirm otherwise and secure the proper license.
Intellectual Property
Video License Agreement
Maryland
Can I use a video licensed under a Creative Commons license for commercial purposes?
I am a small business owner planning to create an advertisement for my product, and I found a video on a platform that is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial license. While I understand that the license allows for non-commercial use, I am unsure if I can use this video in a commercial context without violating the terms of the license. I want to ensure that I am legally using the video and not infringing on any rights or facing potential legal consequences.
Haroldo M.
Hi. If the Creative Commons License that you mentioned (CC BY-NC 4.0) does not allow for commercial usage, using that content commercially would violate the license. If you tranform the work sufficiently, you could potentially use it without violating the terms of the license.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property Rights Transfer Agreement
Ohio
Can you explain the process and legal requirements for transferring intellectual property rights from one party to another?
I recently started a small software development company with a partner, and we have been working on a project together for the past few months. We have created a unique software algorithm that we believe has significant commercial potential. However, due to personal circumstances, my partner has decided to leave the company and has expressed interest in transferring their intellectual property rights to me. I want to ensure that the transfer is done legally and that I have full ownership and control over the intellectual property moving forward. Can you please explain the process and legal requirements involved in transferring intellectual property rights from one party to another?
Eugene S.
I can do that. I am an IP lawyer over 20 years experience in this area. I work on SAAS and similar agreements daily.
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Intellectual Property lawyers by top cities
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Intellectual Property lawyers by nearby cities
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