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Michael T. Olsen

I help clients identify and maximize the value of their Intellectual Property assets.

Contact: P /612.604.6718E /[email protected]

Education

The John Marshall Law School, LL.M, with honors, 1999

Gonzaga University School of Law, J.D., 1998

University of Utah, B.S., 1991

Bar Admissions

Minnesota, 2004

Washington, 1999

My Approach

A successful Intellectual Property transaction should protect the clients’ Intellectual Property assets and minimize the risks without disrupting the business deal. Those objectives can be particularly challenging without a thorough understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the Intellectual Property rights that will be subject to the transaction along with the business goals and risk tolerances of the client. Before any drafting or negotiating begins, I map out a strategy for achieving the business objectives and ensuring the Intellectual Property assets are protected. That approach will often reveal areas where additional protection may be needed before entering into the transaction. That information also informs me on the best approach with risks areas such as indemnification, warranties, and limitations on liability that can often side track a transaction.

Groundbreaking Moment In My Career

I have advised many clients’ over the years on how to protect their Intellectual Property assets especially before entering into a transaction. It is very satisfying to watch a client progress from an early stage growth oriented company with few Intellectual Property assets to a position where those assets have grown significantly. I have helped strengthen those assets through lucrative Intellectual Property transactions that have increases the value of the underlying Intellectual Property and bottom line of my clients. The true measurement of that value was revealed when a long-time client was trying to sale its company. It was very rewarding to recognize the strong position my client was in to sale its company.

Practice Areas

Practicing Trademark & Brand Protection

My Experience

I have extensive experience with securing trademark registrations with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  I also manage global trademark portfolios and work closely with clients to develop comprehensive trademark filing and enforcement strategies to obtain and protect trademarks rights throughout the world. I have successfully enforced and defended trademarks in Opposition and Cancellation proceedings with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and in federal courts.

Practicing Technology & Intellectual Property Transactions

My Experience

I counsel clients in a variety of complex intellectual property transactions and have expertise in the following areas:

• Joint ventures and strategic alliances
• Software development, license and maintenance agreements
• Joint development agreements
• Patent licensing
• Trademark licensing
• Sales, distribution and reseller agreements
• Internet, computer and e-commerce transactions
• Technology transfers
• Application service provider and software as a service agreements
• Supply chain management and outsourcing agreements
• Open source software licenses
• Data security and privacy

I have extensive trademark and copyright experience and assist clients with a variety of e-commerce, software and technology licensing issues, including open source software and cloud computing issues.

In my practice, I serve small- to mid-size companies and large public corporations, including international entities in a variety of industries ranging from outdoor/sports and recreation, medical device, software, food and beverage.

Representative Matters

• Negotiated a $50 million product development and license agreement with Energizer, involving LED lighting products.
• Negotiated license of proprietary energy modeling software to a significant energy company.
• Negotiate software development agreement for the development of software system and various technology used for ordering diabetes monitoring medical devices.

Awards

IP Star

Managing IP, 2013-2018

Also experienced in

Copyright

Cannabis Law

Tax

Honors & Awards

IP Star

Managing IP, 2013-2018

Associations & Memberships

Minnesota State Bar Association

Washington State Bar Association

American Intellectual Property Law Association

Licensing Executives Society

Member, since 2009

Ronald McDonald House

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Feed My Starving Children

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