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Steven L. Oberholtzer

Practice Summary

Mr. Oberholtzer's practice focuses on patent and trademark counseling, corporate intellectual property policy development and administration, technology licensing, joint development and joint venture relationship agreements.  He also has experience in United States Patent and Trademark Office administrative proceedings including interferences, re-examinations, re-issues, trademark oppositions and patent application preparation and prosecution. Mr. Oberholtzer provides opinions regarding infringement risks; design-around projects and patentability; litigation; and handling intellectual property issues involved in merger and acquisition transactions.

Mr. Oberholtzer has extensive experience and expertise in the intellectual property legal issues of the automotive industry. He has a lifelong interest in the industry and products, and was employed as a senior project engineer with a domestic OEM manufacturer and as in-house patent counsel for a Tier 1 supplier. In private practice, Mr. Oberholtzer has acted as primary outside counsel for a number of Tier 1 and lower Tier suppliers. These engagements included worldwide responsibility for all intellectual property issues and management of teams of attorneys handling all facets of these matters.

Mr. Oberholtzer has extensive experience in many mechanical and electro-mechanical disciplines. He has additional significant experience in technology areas including medical devices, lasers, fiber optics, optical devices and heavy industrial equipment. In addition, Mr. Oberholtzer has acted as trial counsel in a number of patent infringement litigation cases.

Honors/Distinctions
  • "AV" Peer-Review Rated, highest ranking for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability, Martindale-Hubbell
  • Michigan Super Lawyers, 2006-2011
  • The Best Lawyers in America, 2007-2012
  • Certified Licensing Professional (CLP), 2009-Present
Publications
Books
Feature Profiles
  • "Focus: Patent Law," Crain's Detroit Business, September 14, 2009 (Mr. Oberholtzer discussed patent reform and patent litigation around the world)
Published Articles
Presentations
  • Mr. Oberholtzer is a frequent speaker on issues of intellectual property policy development.
Memberships & Affiliations
  • Washtenaw County Bar Association
    Chair, Intellectual Property Law Section
  • Technology Transfer Society
  • Michigan Patent Law Association
  • Licensing Executives Society - Co-Chair, Michigan Chapter
  • Original Equipment Suppliers Association
Legal Experience
  • Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, Ann Arbor, Michigan
    Shareholder, 2001-Present
    Managing Partner, Ann Arbor Office
    Member, Board of Directors, 2007-2008
  • Harness, Dickey & Pierce
    Partner, 1987-2001
    Associate, 1983-1987
  • Kelsey Hayes, Inc.
    Associate Patent Counsel, 1981-1983
Press Releases