Legal People

Bliss McGlynn PC joined Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC effective July 1, 2013. Founded in 1994, Bliss McGlynn PC will carry on under the Howard & Howard name. With this merger, the firm welcomes Daniel H. Bliss and Gerald E. McGlynn III. Both will practice out of the firm's Royal Oak Office. Bliss has a background in law and business operations management with transactional and litigation experience in a range of legal fields, including intellectual property, contract, and corporate legal issues. Bliss manages all phases of intellectual property litigation, including case preparation, analysis, and execution. He works with multinational corporations and consortiums in obtaining, managing, evaluating, and licensing intellectual property. His scope of expertise spans a wide range of technology including mechanical, electrical, chemical, materials, computer software, and business methods. Bliss also focuses on trademark rights. He has experience managing a number of international trademark portfolios and excels in trademark management, protection and prosecution strategies. He has extensive experience in preparing trademark opinions and prosecuting trademark applications in the U.S. He has also handled oppositions and cancellations of trademark applications and registrations in the U.S. Bliss has international trademark experience and counsels clients on the advantages and disadvantages of foreign registration and on the selection of foreign counsel. He works with foreign counsel regarding search results, prosecuting trademark applications, potential disputes, and all registration matters, ensuring the enforcement of trademark rights after registration. Bliss served as an expert on patent law and patent office procedure on several occasions. He testified as an expert on patent law and patent office procedure at trial in connection with Sundance, Inc. and Merlot Tarpaulin & SideKit Mfg. Co., Inc. v. DeMonte Fabricating Ltd. and Quick Draw Tarpaulin Systems, Inc. and Walter DeMonte, Civil Action No. 02-73543, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He also has experience appearing before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and other various federal courts throughout the United States. Bliss was retained by an automotive original equipment manufacturer to protect multiple inventions embodied in a new electronically-controlled automatic transmission under very short notice. This project resulted in 50 patent applications that were all filed on the same day. One of these patent applications produced the patent that won invention of the year in 1990 by the Intellectual Property Organization. He also managed a team of attorneys that prepared and filed over 50 patent applications for a hybrid vehicle for an automotive original equipment manufacturer. Under his leadership, the team obtained the disclosures from a contract supplier, drafted the patent applications and then filed them all on the same day. Bliss is a past president for the Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association, past chair for the Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, past president for Michigan State College of Law Alumni Association, and past secretary and treasurer for the Michigan Technological University Alumni Association. He has served as a director on various boards including corporations, associations, and non-profits. Bliss is admitted to practice in Michigan, and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He is also admitted to practice before the Eastern and Western Districts for the State of Michigan, the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. McGlynn concentrates his practice in the area of intellectual property law including all phases of the preparation and prosecution of patent applications, trademarks and copyrights in the United States and foreign countries, including intellectual property licensing, and litigation before various federal district courts throughout the Unites States. In this capacity, he oversees worldwide patent and trademark portfolios owned by his clients. In addition to his litigation experience, McGlynn has served as both a facilitative mediator and expert witness in numerous cases including United States Patent Office procedural matters related to the infringement and validity of patents. In 1984, McGlynn earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. His undergraduate studies included an emphasis in advanced thermodynamics, gas turbine theory and design, internal combustion engines and nuclear power. While pursuing his undergraduate degree in engineering, McGlynn was employed by Pontiac Motors in Product Engineering as a member of the Intake, Exhaust, Emission and Fuel Design Staff. Thereafter he was employed full time at a intellectual property law firm. During this period, he also attended Detroit College of Law. He earned his law degree from Detroit College of Law in 1988. In 1994, he co-founded the firm of Bliss McGlynn PC. McGlynn is admitted to practice in Michigan, and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He is also admitted to practice before the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit as well as several district courts throughout the country. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Oakland County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association, and the American Intellectual Property Law Association. * * * Rodney C. Ploucha has joined Honigman, Miller, Schwartz, and Cohn LLP as an attorney in its Real Estate Department. He will be located in the firm's Detroit office. Ploucha will assist with commercial real estate transactions, purchase agreements and land contracts. He earned his law degree from Wayne State University School of Law and a B.A. in economics from the University of Michigan. He comes to Honigman from Seyburn, Kahn, Ginn, Bess and Serlin PC in Southfield. For the sixth consecutive year, Honigman's Real Estate practice is the only one in Michigan to receive the highest ranking in the 2013 Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, a well-recognized client and peer review publication. Some of the firm's national clients include The Taubman Company, Ramco-Gershenson Properties LP, Village Green, and Meijer. In addition, Honigman is pleased to announce that Chauncey C. Mayfield II, an attorney in the firm's Corporate Department, has been named to the Lawyers of Color's inaugural "Hot List" for the Midwest region. Mayfield is one of 100 early-to-mid career minority attorneys under 40 from the Midwest to be selected for this honor. Mayfield concentrates his practice on acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, secured and unsecured financings, commercial agreements and general corporate law. He earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.A. in political science from Purdue University. Lawyers of Color, which was founded as On Being A Black Lawyer, has been recognized by the American Bar Association, National Black Law Students Association and National Association of Black Journalists. Founded in 2008 as a news and resource center, the company has grown into a social media firm providing research, career development, and brand marketing opportunities to clients. * * * Butzel Long has added 13 attorneys in its Washington, D.C. office, according to Butzel's President and Managing Shareholder Justin G. Klimko who recently made the announcement. The total number of Butzel attorneys in Washington increases to 14, enhancing Butzel's presence in the nation's capital and augmenting the capabilities of its other offices. The added attorneys previously practiced with the firm Butzel Long Tighe Patton, a firm in which Butzel Long has been a member. The two firms established a joint venture in April 2009 under the Butzel Long Tighe Patton name, operating from offices at 1747 Pennsylvania Avenue. Effective Aug. 1, Butzel Long Tighe Patton ceased rendering services separately. "This is a natural evolution of our relationship and strengthens our full-service representation throughout our various offices," said Klimko. According to Klimko, the additional attorneys enhance Butzel's expertise in federal regulatory matters, public contracts and procurement, immigration, business litigation, insurance, criminal defense and investigations including white collar defense, securities compliance and telecommunications. "Our expansion enables us to further develop our automotive, aerospace and defense, healthcare and other practice areas," he noted. * * * Gov. Rick Snyder recently announced the appointment of Alyssa Martina to the Michigan Women's Commission. The 15-member board works to improve the quality of life for Michigan women, including providing support for female veterans, fighting human trafficking and assisting women business owners. Martina is the CEO and publisher of Metro Parent Magazine. She has experience in the areas of business, law, corporate governance, innovation and entrepreneurship, publishing, niche marketing, negotiation, and journalism. She also currently serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Michigan Law School, Gabelli Business School at Fordham University, and School of Business Administration at Wayne State University. Martina earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Michigan, a law degree from Wayne State University Law School, a graduate master's certification in parenting and coaching from Seattle Pacific University and an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Appointees will serve three-year terms expiring July 15, 2016, and their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate. * * * Miller Canfield senior counsel Steven F. Stapleton and CEO Michael P. McGee, a longtime member of the firm's Public Finance Group, will participate in a panel discussion as a moderator and panelist, respectively, on "Emergency Manager Laws as an Alternative to Bankruptcy in Local Government," at the American Bar Association (ABA) State and Local Government Law Section's annual meeting, Aug.10 in San Francisco, Calif. The session will focus on Michigan's use of emergency managers and the options available to a distressed municipality, the anticipated legal challenges, and practical experiences of an Emergency Manager. The panel includes Michigan's state treasurer, Andy Dillon. Stapleton has experience in commercial litigation, including complex breach of contract claims, business disputes, municipal litigation, condemnation actions and employment litigation. He represents clients in arbitrations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. He earned his B.A. from Grand Valley State University and law degree from the University of Detroit. Prior to becoming Miller Canfield's CEO in April, McGee was integral to the firm's Public Finance Group, with nearly three decades of public policy experience and primary responsibility for general obligation and revenue bond issues amounting to more than $3.5 billion. He played a major role in the drafting of Michigan's emergency management law. Before becoming CEO, he represented several municipalities operating under emergency management, including Detroit. He recently served as a panelist on "Local-Government Oversight" at The Bond Buyer's 2nd Annual Symposium on Distressed Municipalities. He earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, M.P.P. from the Institute (now Ford School) of Public Policy Studies, and an A.B. from the University of Michigan, with an emphasis on economic analysis. * * * Dickinson Wright attorney Scott A. Petz was named by the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Barristers Section as the recipient of its 2013 "One to Watch" award. The annual award is presented to young attorneys based on their professional accomplishments that demonstrate not only their legal acumen and talent, but also their potential for future professional growth and achievements. Petz received his award at this year's Outstanding Young Lawyers Awards ceremony on July 18. Petz is a litigation associate in the firm's Detroit office. He focuses his practice in the areas of commercial and business litigation, class and collective actions, labor litigation, consumer protection, and condemnation and land use. Petz has collected a number of early career achievements such as serving as lead defense counsel on behalf of a Fortune 500 company in a bench trial, which resulted in the dismissal of plaintiff's claims. Petz is a member of the American Bar Association, the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, the Oakland County Bar Association, and the Eastern District of Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Petz has presented and published in the eDiscovery area and is a member of the firm's LitTech and LPO Consulting Team. Petz earned his B.A. from Kalamazoo College and his law degree from The John Marshall Law School. * * * Oakland County Circuit Judge Michael Warren recently addressed a gathering of public officials and business leaders at Fort Mackinac. Held for attendees of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce's Policy Conference, the reception was hosted by Patriot Week Inc. Warren spoke on the vital importance of renewing the spirit of America through Patriot Week. "America is the exceptional nation in world history." Warren remarked, "And it is only by understanding and celebrating our founding First Principles, key documents, and our Founding Fathers and other great Patriots can we hope to survive as a free people." University of Michigan Professor and former astronaut, Tony England also addressed the gathering by emphasizing the need to reform K-12 education to integrate engineering into the curriculum. "Today America is facing a huge economic crisis." England stated. "We will lose our ability to be a leader in the global economy if we fail to spark the imagination of our students and encourage them to pursue engineering and other science careers." England was involved in the Apollo program, flew on Space Shuttle, Space Lab 2, led field parties in Antarctica, and has developed satellite technologies to monitor climate change. England is a leading voice to advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Michigan K-12 education. Warren noted that the space program and American innovation in technology was perhaps the finest example of what Americans can do when their talents are unleashed and focused on a critical mission. "Oakland County and the Detroit region have all the potential in the world to lead America in an education, technology and business renaissance, while also leading the nation in renewing the American spirit." The message of England and Warren was well received. The reception included a historic rifle demonstration, a Civil Air Patrol Oakland Composite Squadron, and canon firing. The title sponsor was Talmer Bank, with additional sponsorship from the Ambassador Bridge Company. * * * Jackson Lewis LLP is pleased to announce Detroit associate Kimberly A. Yourchock has been recognized as the "Barrister of the Year" by the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association (DMBA) at its recent Summer Breeze Event. Yourchock received the "Barrister of the Year" award for her service as part of the DMBA's Barristers Section for young attorneys. During the past year, Yourchock co-chaired the 2012-2013 Barristers' School Partnership Program (SPP), which connects Detroit area attorneys with high school students in Detroit public schools and other local schools to provide mentorship and educational opportunities. In this role, she expanded the SPP relationship with Teach for America, increasing the reach of the program. She also redesigned the SPP schedule resulting in a more efficient use of technology and enhanced relationships between students and attorney volunteers. Yourchock focuses her practice on defending employers in single and multi-plaintiff actions in state and federal court involving discrimination, sexual harassment, breach of contract, retaliation, whistleblower, wage and hour, family medical leave, wrongful discharge, and related tort claims. Yourchock also advises employers on issues such as best practice employment policies, disability management, reductions in force, privacy in the workplace, terminations, restrictive covenants, and performance management. She was named a Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2012. * * * Southfield-based Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer, & Weiss PC recently announced that Peter M. Falkenstein will serve a three-year term in the State Bar of Michigan's Representative Assembly. Jaffe CEO Bill Sider made the announcement. An active member of the organization, Falkenstein currently serves on the State Bar's Character and Fitness Committee (District G). In addition to his involvement with the State Bar, he also recently served as President of the Washtenaw County Bar Association; and he is a plenary member of the Thomas M. Cooley Law School's Professionalism Advisory Committee. A partner at the firm, Falkenstein is a member of the Intellectual Property & Information Technology, Litigation, and Emerging & Growth Business practice groups. His practice focuses on trademark and copyright litigation, licensing and registration, e-commerce, cyber law and general commercial litigation. Prior to joining Jaffe, he served as a full-time faculty member at Hofstra University School of Law where he taught sports law, appellate practice, and litigation skills. Falkenstein has received seven consecutive Michigan Super Lawyer Awards for intellectual property law, as well as a DBusiness Top Lawyer award in 2013. An alumnus of the University of Michigan, Falkenstein continued his education at the University of Michigan Law School. Published: Mon, Aug 12, 2013