Michael A. Hierl

Michael A. Hierl has practiced exclusively in the area of intellectual property law since 1980.  He has considerable experience in a wide range of patent, trademark, unfair competition, copyright and trade secret matters, and has successfully resolved numerous intellectual property disputes over the years, with and without litigation.

Experience:  Mr. Hierl is experienced in preparing and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent and trademark applications in many technical areas; negotiating and preparing license and other technology related agreements; and litigating and resolving patent, trademark and copyright related disputes.  He is also experienced in trademark opposition practice, patent reissue/reexamination practice, and has prepared hundreds of patentability, trademark availability, infringement and validity opinions.  Further, Mr. Hierl is experienced in managing IP portfolios and counseling on infringement avoidance.

Honors, Education and Activities:  Mr. Hierl earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University and an M.S. in Chemistry from Northwestern University.  He is a 1980 graduate of The John Marshall Law School and is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Mr. Hierl is a member of the Trial Bar of the District Court of the Northern District of Illinois and various appellate courts, and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  His professional memberships include the Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations, American Intellectual Property Law Association and the International Trademark Association.  He was designated a Super Lawyer in the first survey of Illinois Lawyers conducted by Law & Politics magazine, and was selected as a Leading Lawyer in intellectual property (2005-2009) by the Illinois Leading Lawyers Network, Law Bulletin Publishing Company.