Press Releases

ANN ARBOR – Steven L. Oberholtzer, shareholder and managing partner of the Ann Arbor office of Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the U.S., voiced his firm’s strong support of the news that the United States Patent Trademark Office (USPTO) will open its first ever satellite office in Detroit.

“In late 2008, when the Detroit 3 were on the hot seat in Washington, D.C., the innovation impact of the domestic auto industry was conspicuously absent from the automaker bailout discussions. Yet one of the main reasons Brinks opened an Ann Arbor office in Michigan in 2000 is because of the firm’s longstanding belief that Michigan, and Southeast Michigan in particular, is truly the “Arsenal of Innovation,” recalls Oberholtzer. “In selecting Detroit for the nation’s first USPTO satellite office, there is acknowledgement that our region is viewed as a key player in patentable innovations. We are focused not only on automotive R&D here, but breakthroughs in green tech and nanotech in the energy and bio-medical fields. Michigan is positioned to reassert itself as the Arsenal of Innovation for the next generation and the Detroit USPTO office should certainly be a high volume one.”

Oberholtzer continues that attorneys at Brinks have been close observers of the increasing patent backlog at the USPTO and that the establishment of a satellite office, even as a pilot program, is a step in the right direction for easing patent pendency.

“The USPTO is overwhelmed with a backlog of patents that can extend up to 3-4 years for patent approval. For many high-tech companies and companies focused on constant technology upgrades, their patents are obsolete before they are even issued, paving the way for IP theft and copycatting that is detrimental to company, and hence, job growth,” explains Oberholtzer. “Efficient, well-staffed and well-trained satellite offices should have a meaningful, long-term impact on pendency. With Detroit as a test case, we are especially hopeful the concept will succeed.”

Mr. Oberholtzer focuses his practice on patent and trademark counseling, corporate intellectual property policy development, technology licensing, joint development and joint venture relationship agreements, USPTO administrative proceedings. He has experience in the mechanical and electro-mechanical disciplines, with particular emphasis on automotive industry issues, and has additional significant experience in technology areas, including medical devices, lasers, fiber optics, optical devices and heavy industrial equipment.

In addition, Mr. Oberholtzer is the principal author of a primer on intellectual property entitled, The Basic Principles of Intellectual Property Law. Prior to his legal career, Mr. Oberholtzer was a mechanical engineer.

Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States and serves the intellectual property needs of clients around the world. Brinks has 150 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents who specialize in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark and copyright law. The firm also advises on issues relating to intellectual asset management, trade secret, unfair competition, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely handles assignments for companies in the electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering sectors; the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and nanotechnology industries; and for companies whose work relates to Internet and computer technology law. The firm’s trademark practice works on behalf of clients who deal in a wide variety of products and services. Founded in 1917, Brinks is based in Chicago and has five additional offices across the country, including its newest office in Washington D.C. More information is available at www.usebrinks.com.