Michael A. Chajon

Mike represents clients in high-stakes trademark disputes, including lawsuits in federal district court and proceedings before the USPTO’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). He marries his sharp analytical approach and deep legal knowledge with an enduring eye toward strategic case development, guiding matters from pre-litigation counseling through trial and appeal. Mike’s experience includes standup trial work in jury and bench trials, appellate advocacy, dispositive motions practice, and discovery management in complex IP cases.

Prior to joining Finnegan, Mike served as an associate solicitor with the USPTO, representing the Office in trademark appeals before the CAFC as well as in civil actions in federal district courts. In that role, he argued multiple appeals before CAFC panels and handled extensive appellate briefing on significant trademark issues. In private practice, Mike litigated high-stakes IP matters for industry-leading clients. While he has focused exclusively on trademark litigation for some time, he also has substantial experience litigating complex patent cases across a wide range of technical areas.

Early in his legal career, Mike clerked for then District Judge Leonard P. Stark of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware and Judge Kathleen O’Malley of the CAFC.

Mike’s legal practice is strengthened by his technical expertise. He holds a degree in chemical engineering and worked for four years as an oil refinery engineer before entering the legal profession. Mike has shared his experiences with future practitioners as an adjunct professor at the George Washington Law School, where he taught courses on IP litigation in federal court, acting as lead professor on trademark and copyright issues.

Mike maintains an active pro bono docket. His work has included a U.S. Supreme Court amicus brief in an immigration case and representing immigrant migrant workers in a class action lawsuit in federal district court.