Michael Hawkins

In the vibrant landscape of innovation and commerce in Minnesota, protecting intellectual property (IP) is paramount for businesses and individual creators alike. Whether you're an emerging startup with a revolutionary new technology or an established corporation defending your market-leading inventions, having astute legal counsel to navigate the complexities of patent law is essential. Michael Hawkins, a highly regarded principal attorney based in Minneapolis, offers extensive expertise in intellectual property, particularly in the realm of patents. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of his practice, location, and the valuable services he provides to the Minnesota community, helping you understand why he is a trusted choice for your IP legal needs.

Michael Hawkins is a distinguished intellectual property attorney with a career spanning over two decades, focusing primarily on patent law. He serves as a principal at Fish & Richardson, a globally recognized firm specializing in intellectual property. Michael's practice is centered around helping industry-leading companies and innovative startups alike to protect their intellectual property. He is particularly adept at handling post-grant proceedings at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), where he has represented both patent owners and petitioners in hundreds of such proceedings. His work extends to pre-suit investigations, U.S. and foreign patent portfolio strategy and management, patentability analysis, clearance and due diligence investigations, and intellectual property licensing agreements. His clients, which include Fortune 100 companies and emerging enterprises, rely on his strategic, cost-effective solutions to achieve their business, litigation, and settlement goals. Michael's deep understanding of cutting-edge technologies, coupled with his legal prowess, makes him a formidable advocate for innovators.

Michael Hawkins is based in the heart of Minneapolis, making his services accessible to clients throughout the Twin Cities and the broader Minnesota region. His office is strategically located within a prominent business hub, ensuring convenience and professionalism for all engagements.

His address is:
60 South 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA

The 60 South 6th Street building is a well-known address in downtown Minneapolis, a bustling area that is well-connected by various transportation options. For those utilizing public transit, numerous bus routes and light rail stations are within easy walking distance, providing convenient access from different parts of the metropolitan area. If driving, downtown Minneapolis offers multiple parking ramps in the vicinity, though it's always recommended to plan for parking availability, especially during peak hours. The central location not only offers ease of access for clients but also situates Michael Hawkins within a vibrant legal and business community, facilitating collaboration and engagement within the professional landscape.

Michael Hawkins offers a specialized array of intellectual property legal services, with a strong emphasis on patents. His expertise covers the entire lifecycle of an invention, from initial conception to enforcement and defense.

Services Offered:

• Patent Prosecution: Guiding clients through the entire process of securing U.S. and international patent protection, including drafting and filing patent applications, and responding to office actions from patent examiners.
• Post-Grant Proceedings (PTAB): Representing clients in highly technical and complex proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), including Inter Partes Reviews (IPRs), Covered Business Method Reviews (CBMs), and Post-Grant Reviews (PGRs).
• Patent Litigation Defense: Defending companies against patent assertion entities and infringement claims, employing strategic approaches to minimize risk and achieve favorable outcomes.
• Patent Portfolio Strategy & Management: Developing and managing comprehensive U.S. and international patent portfolios that align with clients' business objectives and long-term growth.
• Patentability Analysis: Conducting thorough assessments to determine the likelihood of an invention being granted patent protection.
• Clearance and Due Diligence Investigations: Performing freedom-to-operate studies and due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and new product launches to assess potential infringement risks and the strength of IP assets.
• Intellectual Property Licensing and Agreements: Negotiating and drafting agreements related to the licensing, assignment, and commercialization of intellectual property.
• Strategic Counseling for Emerging Companies: Assisting startups and early-stage companies in building robust patent portfolios and developing comprehensive IP strategies to prepare for venture capital funding, commercialization, and growth.

Michael Hawkins distinguishes himself through a blend of deep legal knowledge, technical acumen, and a commitment to client success. His experience and professional recognition underscore his standing as a leading IP attorney.

Features / Highlights:

• Highly Experienced in Patent Law: With over two decades of experience, Michael Hawkins possesses extensive knowledge and practical insights into federal patent law, including the intricacies of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) procedures.
• PTAB Expertise: He is particularly renowned for his exceptional skill in handling post-grant proceedings at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, having represented clients in hundreds of such cases. This specialized expertise is critical for both patent owners and challengers.
• Strong Technical Background: Michael holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, allowing him to quickly grasp complex technical details of diverse inventions, from medical devices to smartphone technologies.
• Recognized Leader: He has been recognized by prestigious publications such as "The World's Leading Patent Practitioners" by IAM Patent 1000 (singled out nationally for post-grant proceedings), Chambers USA: Minnesota, Super Lawyers, and Minnesota Lawyer.
• Client-Focused Strategic Counsel: Michael works closely with clients to develop strategic, cost-effective solutions that are tailored to their specific business goals, whether for litigation, settlement, or long-term IP protection.
• Pro Bono Commitment: Demonstrating a commitment to the broader community, Michael serves as a volunteer attorney for the Children's Law Center of Minnesota, providing pro bono representation for foster children, and also offers pro bono inventor assistance for low-income inventors through LegalCORPS.
• Diverse Client Portfolio: He represents a wide range of clients, from Fortune 100 companies to emerging and early-stage businesses, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in serving various legal needs.

As a highly specialized and experienced intellectual property attorney, Michael Hawkins, operating within a prominent law firm, does not typically engage in "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. The value he provides is rooted in his expert legal counsel, strategic insights, and proven track record in complex patent matters. His services are custom-tailored to the unique and often intricate needs of each client, whether they are an individual inventor or a multinational corporation.

Instead of promotional discounts, clients invest in his deep expertise, the rigorous approach to patent prosecution and litigation, and the strategic advantages he brings to protecting their innovations. His fees reflect the high level of specialized knowledge, the complexity of the cases handled, and the significant impact his work has on a client's business or invention's future. Any initial consultations would be part of the professional engagement process to assess client needs and outline potential legal strategies, rather than a promotional offer. The ultimate "offer" is the peace of mind and competitive edge that comes from having a top-tier patent lawyer safeguarding your intellectual assets.

For individuals and businesses in Minnesota seeking expert legal counsel in intellectual property, particularly patent law, Michael Hawkins' office can be reached using the following contact information:

Address: 60 South 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA

Phone: (650) 839-5070

Mobile Phone: +1 650-839-5070

It is advisable to contact his office during business hours to schedule a consultation. Providing a brief overview of your intellectual property needs or the specific patent-related challenge you are facing will help in efficiently directing your inquiry.

For Minnesotans, Michael Hawkins represents an invaluable resource for all matters related to intellectual property, especially patents. In a state that boasts a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, from medical technology to advanced manufacturing and software development, protecting new ideas is more important than ever. Michael's deep specialization in patent law, combined with his mechanical engineering background and extensive experience handling complex cases at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, makes him uniquely qualified to assist local inventors and businesses.

His strategic approach to IP portfolio management and his ability to defend against or pursue patent infringement claims ensures that local innovators have a powerful advocate on their side. Furthermore, his commitment to pro bono work with organizations like the Children's Law Center of Minnesota and LegalCORPS demonstrates a dedication not just to his clients, but to the well-being of the broader community. For any Minnesotan looking to secure, manage, or defend their valuable intellectual property, partnering with Michael Hawkins offers access to world-class expertise right here in Minneapolis, providing the confidence and legal protection necessary to thrive in a competitive and innovation-driven global economy.