Michael R. Nye is an Intellectual Property attorney focusing on patents in computer and electrical technologies and is Co-Chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property practice group.

He devises strategies for protecting and developing IP assets to achieve each client’s business objectives. He prepares and prosecutes patent applications, reviews competitive landscapes to identify potential infringers, analyzes opportunities for future patent protection, performs due diligence reviews of IP portfolios, and advises on freedom to operate for new product offerings and features. Michael is further experienced in post-issuance proceedings, including Inter Partes Reviews.

Michael has had the privilege of working with Fortune 500 companies whose patent portfolios number in the thousands. He has also written and seen through to issuance the first patent of start-ups. Clients benefit from Michael’s understanding of how technology can be leveraged to understand, develop, and protect IP.

Michael represents clients across many industries:

• Automotive & Transportation
• Consumer Electronics
• Circuit Design
• Electromechanical Controls
• Finance
• Food Processing
• Healthcare Management and Delivery
• Semiconductor Processing & Devices
• Software, User Interfaces, & Information Technology
• Telecommunications & Wireless Technology

Professional Experience

Prior to becoming an attorney, Michael worked as a Digital Systems Consultant for Agilent Technologies (during its spin-off from Hewlett-Packard; and since spun off from Agilent as Keysight Technologies). In this role, Michael assisted engineers in maximizing the capabilities of their digital test and measurement tools, primarily focusing on high-speed digital logic analyzers that could simultaneously capture the signals from thousands of electrical traces.

While in engineering school, Michael worked in the DEC Alpha Microprocessor Development Group at Compaq Computer and the Air Management Group at Borg Warner Automotive.

Professional Affiliations, Activities and Honors

Michael is listed in the “Best Lawyers in America” 2021 and 2025 for Patent Law. He was recognized in Michigan Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” in Intellectual Property Law from 2015 – 2019. In 2022, Michael was recognized as a Michigan Go To Lawyer for Intellectual Property Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

He is a member of the Michigan Bar Association and the Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association.

Education

Michael received a J.D., with high honors, from the Michigan State University College of Law in 2006. He earned his M.S. in Electrical Engineering in 2001 and B.S. in Electrical Engineering, summa cum laude, in 2000 from the University of Michigan.