Michael practices in the McNees Intellectual Property Group, where he handles trademark, copyright, trade secret, and advertising law. His practice focuses on trademark clearance, registration and protection, copyright protection, and advertising and branding strategies. He is involved in structuring and negotiating trademark, copyright, patent and software license agreements, entertainment contracts, franchise and distribution agreements, advertising agreements and technology contracts. He counsels clients on all aspects of domestic and international marketing and distribution matters, and is actively engaged in counseling franchise companies. His practice is international. Over his 37 years of practice, Michael has developed an extensive group of trademark agents throughout the world who he works with regularly.
Michael works extensively with food industry clients on their unique branding, marketing, labeling and distribution matters. Michael works closely with one of the largest grocery store chains in the Northeast and several large food processors and distributors.
As a former Chair of the McNees Intellectual Property Group, Michael has focused on structuring his practice and that of the Intellectual Property Group to provide the most cost-effective service possible to the Group’s clients. He has spoken and written on the subject of the cost-effective handling of intellectual property work and he has worked extensively with clients from all over the United States and the world to right size their legal budgets without negatively impacting their intellectual property protection. He routinely visits his clients off the clock to discuss business and legal issues, and to provide legal training on matters that can be handled directly by clients. He prides himself in having clients believe they are his only client.
Michael has lectured and authored materials on the subjects of advertising, trademark and copyright law, and technology licensing.
Johns Hopkins University, B.A., 1979
George Washington University Law School, J.D, with honors, 1982
Pennsylvania Super Lawyers®, 2006-present
The Best Lawyers in America®, Copyright Law, Franchise Law, Intellectual Property Law Litigation, Technology Law, Trademark Law, 2007-present
Select Lawyers, 2016
Local Legal Leaders, 2016
June 14, 2018 - Art of the Triple Crown: Justify's Big Win for McNees Wallace
The Legal Intelligencer
June 6, 2018 - The Week in Review: A (Trade)Mark of Greatness
Thoroughbred Daily News
January 31, 2017 - McNees 2016 In Review - Advertising Law
McNees Intellectual Property Alert
February 5, 2015 - Intellectual Property 2014 Year in Review
January 4, 2014 - Intellectual Property Year in Review
August 25, 2013 - McNees Client Alert
Keyword Advertising Email Alert