Partner
Mike has vast experience at the Federal Circuit, having argued more than 50 appeals and prepared and filed briefs in many more. He served as a law clerk to the Honorable Giles S. Rich at the Federal Circuit. He is a coauthor of Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit: Practice & Procedure, published by LexisNexis. He was also a member of the Federal Circuit's Advisory Council.
Mike has been described in Chambers USA as "one of the most talented patent lawyers out there," "an exceptionally talented litigator who is picked by clients when hundreds of millions are at stake," and "one of the premier appellate litigators for cases involving electronics and medical devices." Mike has been recognized as a Global Leader, a leading patent litigator in the D.C. area as well as nationally before the Federal Circuit by Intellectual Asset Management and was named one of the top ten business litigators in D.C. by Legal Times. He has ranked among the top U.S. patent lawyers in Legal Media Group's Guide to the World's Leading Patent Law Practitioners since 2015 and has been named Lawyer of the Year for Patent Litigation by Best Lawyers. Mike was also recognized by LMG Life Sciences for his contributions in the fields of "Patent Strategy & Management" and "General Patent Litigation".
Mike has served as both a special master and technical advisor to various U.S. district courts, assisting with claim construction and summary judgment motions on patents covering a wide variety of subjects. He is also a trained mediator, having completed the American Arbitration Association's mediator training course. He has served on the firm's compensation and management committees, and previously led the firm's appellate section.
Sprint Commc’ns Co., L.P. v. Time Warner Cable, Inc.
17-2247, Fed. Cir., Judges Bryson, Chen, Mayer
PPC Broadband, Inc. v. Corning Optical Communications
17-1347, Fed. Cir., Judges Prost, Mayer, Reyna
Paradox Security Systems, Ltd. v. ADT Security Services, Inc.
2:06-cv-00462, E.D. Tex., Judge Ward
10-1012, Fed. Cir., Judges Bryson, Newman, Schall
PPC Broadband v. Corning Optical Communications
15-1361, -1366, -1368, -1369; 15-1364, Fed. Cir., Judges Moore, O’Malley, Wallach
As lead counsel, argued for the petitioners in landmark case on patentability of business method patent, resulting in a ruling that business methods are not per se patent ineligible.
08-964, S. Ct., Judges Alito, Breyer, Ginsburg, Kennedy, Roberts, Scalia, Souter, Stevens, Thomas
Certain Video Game Machines and Related Three-Dimensional Pointing Devices
Represented complainant Hillcrest Laboratories against Nintendo's Wii video game system for infringement of Hillcrest's fundamental patents on 3D pointing technology; settled favorably after full evidentiary hearing but before ALJ's initial determination.
337-TA-658, ITC, Judge Luckern
Podcasts
June 2022 - Last Month at the Federal Circuit Podcast Series June 2022 - Last Month at the Federal Circuit Podcast Series
June 17, 2022
Podcasts
June 2021 - Last Month at the Federal Circuit Podcast Series June 2021 - Last Month at the Federal Circuit Podcast Series
June 30, 2021
Federal Circuit IP Blog
Podcast Series: Last Month at the Federal Circuit - June 2021 Podcast Series: Last Month at the Federal Circuit - June 2021
June 30, 2021
Event
IP Master Class: Strategies for Federal Circuit, District Court, ITC, and PTAB IP Master Class: Strategies for Federal Circuit, District Court, ITC, and PTAB
April 16, 2021
Virtual
Podcasts
February 2021 - Last Month at the Federal Circuit Podcast Series February 2021 - Last Month at the Federal Circuit Podcast Series
February 24, 2021
Federal Circuit IP Blog
Podcast Series: Last Month at the Federal Circuit - February 2021 Podcast Series: Last Month at the Federal Circuit - February 2021
February 24, 2021
"Jakes is an eminent litigator and appellate lawyer, having argued more than 50 appeals during his career. He was recently successful in defending [a] manufacturing company against three IPRs raised by one of its main competitors."
Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000
“Providing exceptional leadership to a celebrated appellate practice, meanwhile, are Michael Jakes and former Federal Circuit clerk Doris Johnson Hines.”
Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000
“Michael Jakes is highly esteemed for his work in relation to semiconductors, computer software and medical devices, and is particularly praised for his skill in arguing IP matters on appeal.”
Chambers USA
"Michael Jakes has strong expertise in patent infringement disputes in the electronics, semiconductors and computer software sectors, among others. He is named by his peers as a 'terrific lawyer' and 'an excellent appellate lawyer.'"
Chambers USA
“Michael Jakes is well regarded for his prowess and experience in appeals before the Federal Circuit. He is particularly well suited to matters concerning computer hardware, medical device, semiconductor, and software patents.”
Chambers USA
“Sources praise the ‘excellent’ Michael Jakes for his representations in appellate and ITC patent disputes concerning electrical engineering, computer science, and medical devices.”
Chambers Global
“Michael Jakes is singled out by peers as one of the ‘premier’ appellate litigators for cases involving electronics and medical devices. He wears his considerable accomplishments lightly, and is noted for his ‘low-key’ manner.”
Chambers Global
“Rich appeals experience can also be found on the résumé of ‘fabulous lawyer’ Michael Jakes, whom many now regard as the face of the practice… the twists and turns of such multifaceted battles never faze this steadfast representative.”
Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000
“Michael Jakes [is] a ‘terrific lawyer who quietly and excellently does what he needs to do.’”
Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000
“The appellate group has similarly impeccable credentials… ‘true gentleman’ Michael Jakes— ‘a first-rate, thorough and thoughtful legal scholar’—also stands out.”
Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000
“Finnegan is also busy on all contentious fronts. Its market-leading appellate practice is an ace up its sleeve, with Donald Dunner, Michael Jakes and Charles Lipsey all considered deans of the appellate bar.”
Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000
“Michael Jakes has vast experience before the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, but also as a trial lawyer in the district courts and ITC.”
Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000
“Litigator Michael Jakes works across the gamut of medical device technologies including external defibrillators, cochlear implants, stents, and hip replacements.”
LMG Life Sciences
“Michael Jakes is highly esteemed for his work in relation to semiconductors, computer software and medical devices, and is particularly praised for his skill in arguing IP matters on appeal.”
Chambers Global
“Michael Jakes is lauded by commentators for his record as ‘an excellent litigator at both trial and appellate levels.’ He specializes in IP disputes involving medical devices, semiconductors and computer software.”
Chambers USA
"Michael Jakes is a seasoned patent litigator and counselor, and interviewees describe him as a 'go-to practitioner for bet-the-company litigation.' He also offers formidable appellate experience, having appeared for the petitioners in the landmark Supreme Court case of Bilski v. Kappos."
Chambers USA
"Michael Jakes also has vast amounts of experience before the Court of Appeals, and mentioned too for his practice before the ITC. He covers all aspects of patent law, with an emphasis on patent litigation and related counseling, and is most familiar with matters involving computer technology, electronics, semiconductors, software and medical devices. 'He’s one to watch—really great,' say sources."
Chambers USA
"Interviewees describe him as 'an exceptionally talented litigator,' who is picked by clients when hundreds of millions are at stake."
Chambers USA
"Jakes is an eminent litigator and appellate lawyer, having argued more than 50 appeals during his career. He was recently successful in defending [a] manufacturing company against three IPRs raised by one of its main competitors."
Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000
“Providing exceptional leadership to a celebrated appellate practice, meanwhile, are Michael Jakes and former Federal Circuit clerk Doris Johnson Hines.”
Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000
“Michael Jakes is highly esteemed for his work in relation to semiconductors, computer software and medical devices, and is particularly praised for his skill in arguing IP matters on appeal.”
Chambers USA
"Michael Jakes has strong expertise in patent infringement disputes in the electronics, semiconductors and computer software sectors, among others. He is named by his peers as a 'terrific lawyer' and 'an excellent appellate lawyer.'"
Chambers USA
“Michael Jakes is well regarded for his prowess and experience in appeals before the Federal Circuit. He is particularly well suited to matters concerning computer hardware, medical device, semiconductor, and software patents.”
Chambers USA
“Sources praise the ‘excellent’ Michael Jakes for his representations in appellate and ITC patent disputes concerning electrical engineering, computer science, and medical devices.”
Chambers Global
“Michael Jakes is singled out by peers as one of the ‘premier’ appellate litigators for cases involving electronics and medical devices. He wears his considerable accomplishments lightly, and is noted for his ‘low-key’ manner.”
Chambers Global
“Rich appeals experience can also be found on the résumé of ‘fabulous lawyer’ Michael Jakes, whom many now regard as the face of the practice… the twists and turns of such multifaceted battles never faze this steadfast representative.”
Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000
“Michael Jakes [is] a ‘terrific lawyer who quietly and excellently does what he needs to do.’”
Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000
“The appellate group has similarly impeccable credentials… ‘true gentleman’ Michael Jakes— ‘a first-rate, thorough and thoughtful legal scholar’—also stands out.”
Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000
“Finnegan is also busy on all contentious fronts. Its market-leading appellate practice is an ace up its sleeve, with Donald Dunner, Michael Jakes and Charles Lipsey all considered deans of the appellate bar.”
Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000
“Michael Jakes has vast experience before the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, but also as a trial lawyer in the district courts and ITC.”
Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000
“Litigator Michael Jakes works across the gamut of medical device technologies including external defibrillators, cochlear implants, stents, and hip replacements.”
LMG Life Sciences
“Michael Jakes is highly esteemed for his work in relation to semiconductors, computer software and medical devices, and is particularly praised for his skill in arguing IP matters on appeal.”
Chambers Global
“Michael Jakes is lauded by commentators for his record as ‘an excellent litigator at both trial and appellate levels.’ He specializes in IP disputes involving medical devices, semiconductors and computer software.”
Chambers USA
"Michael Jakes is a seasoned patent litigator and counselor, and interviewees describe him as a 'go-to practitioner for bet-the-company litigation.' He also offers formidable appellate experience, having appeared for the petitioners in the landmark Supreme Court case of Bilski v. Kappos."
Chambers USA
"Michael Jakes also has vast amounts of experience before the Court of Appeals, and mentioned too for his practice before the ITC. He covers all aspects of patent law, with an emphasis on patent litigation and related counseling, and is most familiar with matters involving computer technology, electronics, semiconductors, software and medical devices. 'He’s one to watch—really great,' say sources."
Chambers USA
"Interviewees describe him as 'an exceptionally talented litigator,' who is picked by clients when hundreds of millions are at stake."
Chambers USA
Award/Ranking
Seven Finnegan Partners Named IAM Global Leaders for 2024 Seven Finnegan Partners Named IAM Global Leaders for 2024
November 14, 2023
IAMAward/Ranking
Five Finnegan Partners Named 2024 Leading Litigators in America by Lawdragon Five Finnegan Partners Named 2024 Leading Litigators in America by Lawdragon
October 30, 2023
The Lawdragon 500: Leading Litigators in AmericaAward/Ranking
Finnegan Upholds Tier 1 Marks in 2023 LMG Life Sciences Rankings Finnegan Upholds Tier 1 Marks in 2023 LMG Life Sciences Rankings
September 21, 2023
LMG Life SciencesPress Release
32 Finnegan Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers 32 Finnegan Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers
August 17, 2023
Best LawyersPress Release
Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars: Finnegan Scores Top Patent Rankings Across the Board Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars: Finnegan Scores Top Patent Rankings Across the Board
July 13, 2023
Managing Intellectual PropertyPress Release
Finnegan Receives Top Rankings from Intellectual Asset Management; 46 Attorneys Ranked Finnegan Receives Top Rankings from Intellectual Asset Management; 46 Attorneys Ranked
June 30, 2023
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