Michael J. McLaughlin

Michael has experience with complex patent cases across various U.S. district courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), as well as post-grant proceedings at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). His litigation practice includes interfacing directly with technical experts to prepare technical reports; formulating infringement, validity, and claim construction positions; managing discovery; and drafting motions at various phases of patent litigation, from initial pleadings through trial phase motions. His patent prosecution and counseling experience includes drafting and prosecuting utility applications, as well as client counseling, due diligence, and freedom to operate matters.

Before joining Finnegan, Michael worked at a global law firm. He focused primarily on preparing and prosecuting U.S. and international utility and design patent applications, conducting and analyzing patentability and freedom to operate searches, and counseling clients on U.S. and international prosecution strategy.

While in law school, Michael completed a patent externship with the USPTO, gaining experience examining patent applications relating to semiconductors, electrical systems, and optical devices. He also practiced as a student attorney at the Glushko-Samuelson Intellectual Property Law Clinic and worked as a research fellow for the Program on Information Justice & Intellectual Property (PIJIP), conducting legal research concerning World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and access to education laws.

As an undergraduate, Michael studied machine design, renewable alternative energy, material science, heat and mass transfer, and dynamics. He also worked with the REN Research Group at Temple University College of Engineering to synthesize magnetic nanoparticles to be used in an energy storage cell for recharging small devices and optimized the dimensional parameters of the energy storage cell.

Michael's pro bono experience includes representing clients in asylum matters and landlord-tenant matters with the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center.