Getting to know: Jon Beaupre

An attorney with Brinks, Gilson, & Lione in Ann Arbor, Jon Beaupré practices all types of intellectual property law, including patent and trademark litigation, patent prosecution, and licensing work.

He practices in a wide array of forums, including federal courts, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, the International Trade Commission, and the United States Court of Appeals.

With a background in mechanical engineering, Beaupré  has experience in the fields of medical devices, wireless technology, software technology, business methods, and industrial mechanical devices.

Beaupré’s role as co-chair of the firm’s Post-Grant Patent Practice Group demonstrates his leadership in this burgeoning area of law.

In late 2012 Congress enacted the America Invents Act and created new types of proceedings through which petitioners could challenge the validity of patents through “AIA trials” at the Patent and Trademark Office.

Beaupré was lead counsel in several of the first petitions filed and has continued to serve at the forefront of this quickly expanding practice area.

Beaupré earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School, and a B.S., Mechanical Engineering, from the University of Michigan.


By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News

Residence: 
Ann Arbor.

What is your most treasured material possession?
My lucky shirt that I wear for Michigan football games.

What advice do you have for someone considering law school?
Network with your classmates and stay in touch after you graduate.

Favorite local hangouts?
Frita Batidos and Jolly Pumpkin.

Favorite websites?
MGoBlog.

Favorite app?
Overdrive (audio books).

Favorite CD?
“In Between Dreams,” Jack Johnson.

What is your happiest childhood memory?
Fishing for salmon on Lake Huron with my dad. 

What would surprise people about your job?
Patent attorneys often have a sense of humor. 

What do you wish someone would invent?
Anything – as long as they call me when they need a patent. 

What has been your favorite year so far and why?
Definitely the year that I got married (2007) and the years my three boys were born (2008, 2011, and 2015) and not the year that Michigan won the National Championship in football and hockey and the inaugural Big Ten Basketball Tournament (1997-1998). 

What’s your most typical mood?
Hard to narrow it to one thing – patent attorneys are very complex individuals.

Why did you become a lawyer?
I wasn’t ready to get a real job. 

If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would that be?
Barack Obama.

What’s the most awe-inspiring place you’ve ever been?
Island-hopping in the Philippines.

What would you say to your 16-year-old self?
Stop asking out your older sister’s friends – they aren’t interested. 

What’s your proudest moment as a lawyer?
It’s a tie between obtaining asylum for political refugees from Togo and successfully arguing summary judgment motions at an early stage in my career.

Favorite joke:
When my wife or kids roll their eyes at something corny I say or do, I love to say, “Are your eyes OK – are you having allergies?” 

What do you do to relax?
Play with my boys – especially things that make them laugh or smile.

What is your motto?
Go Blue!