Michael M. Morris

From his time in industry, and as an inventor of an issued U.S. Patent, Mike understands a client’s perspective in dealing with intellectual property matters. His practice encompasses all areas of intellectual property law, including identifying, procuring, and enforcing patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. Specifically, Mike has significant experience in preparing and prosecuting medical device and mechanical patent applications in the U.S. and abroad; providing freedom-to-operate, infringement/non-infringement, and invalidity/validity opinions; and monitoring competitor intellectual property and products. Mike serves as U.S. counsel for a number of international companies and advises attorneys around the world on U.S. intellectual property practice and law. Mike is also Chairman of the Firm’s Patent Prosecution Practice Group.

Prior to joining the Firm, Mike worked in the medical device industry helping some of the world’s largest medical device companies manage their IP portfolios and monitor competitor activity. He also designed strategies and methods to identify competitors’ infringing products and worked with engineers and researchers to design and patent around competitors’ patents. Prior to working in the medical field, Mike conducted materials science research at Los Alamos National Laboratory and worked in manufacturing.

Mike and his wife, Kathy, are actively involved in the foster care system and currently support several foster families after having served as licensed foster parents, themselves, to numerous foster children. Mike also volunteers as a coach and practice judge for the IU Maurer School of Law national IP Moot Court teams.

Attorney News

Professional Affiliations

• American Intellectual Property Law Association
  • Chair, Patent Law IDS Subcommittee
• Indiana University Maurer School of Law
  • Coach and Practice Judge, IU Maurer School of Law IP Moot Court Teams 2011-present
  • Volunteer Recruiter, Indiana University Maurer School of Law 2011
• Indianapolis Bar Association
  • Bar Leader Series, Class XIII
• International Trademark Association
• The S. Jay Plager Intellectual Property American Inn of Court

Speaking Engagements

• Presenter, Ethics and Intellectual Property, Inn of Court CLE, November 15, 2023
• Presenter, Importance of 3D Printing and Product Development, MakerStudio: 3D Printing and Design Club Hussey - Mayfield Memorial Public Library, March 21, 2023
• Presenter, Intellectual Property Basics for Inventors, Indiana Inventors Association , March 7, 2023
• Presenter, Criminal Penalties in Intellectual Property Law, Inn of Court CLE, February 15, 2023
• Presenter, Recent Developments and Best Practices in Design Patent Law, 2021 Midwest Intellectual Property Summit, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, December 2, 2021
• Presenter, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) licensing Issues in Collegiate Athletics, Inn of Court CLE, October 20, 2021
• Presenter, Section 101 issues in patent litigation, Inn of Court CLE, March 17, 2021
• Presenter, Copyright Office Legislative and Regulatory Updates, The Indianapolis Intellectual Property American Inn of Court, October 23, 2019
• Presenter, Legislative and Supreme Court Case Updates, Inn of Court CLE, September 25, 2019
• Presenter, Trade Secret and Copyright Law Update, 2011 Midwest Intellectual Property Summit, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, November 17, 2011

Publications

• Co-Author, “USPTO Access to Relevant Prior Art Initiative Status Update,” AIPLA Patent Law Committee October 2020 Newsletter

Civic & Community Involvement

• Fox Hollow Neighborhood Association

  Member, Board of Directors, 2019-2023

• Indiana Department of Child Services

  Licensed Foster Parent, 2021-2024

• Indianapolis Zoo

  Logistics Chair, 2012 Elegant Vintages International Wine Auction

• One Fellowship Christian Church

  Member and Volunteer, 2022-present

• Scouting America (formerly “Boy Scouts of America”)

  Den Leader, 2024-present

• Traders Point Christian Church

  Drummer, 2013-2020