For more than 20 years, Michael R. Graham has provided clients with wide-ranging counsel to advance and protect their trademark, copyright and other commercial and creative intellectual property rights. He works closely with each client to maximize the value of their assets and applies his knowledge in forward-thinking ways, as in his early recognition of opportunities to commercialize and protect trademarks and copyrighted materials on the Internet. He has achieved the highest rating for legal ability in Martindale-Hubbell and as a Leading Lawyer of 2009, Mr. Graham helps clients establish programs and strategies to establish and protect core business assets, and ensure and enforce his clients' rights.
Recent Client Work:
Successfully counseled clients in market and media research, consumer products, apparel and pharmaceutical industries on selection, development and registration of trademarks.
Guided market and media-research giant in rebranding program to capitalize on intellectual property assets; assisting them in gaining and protecting world-wide recognition and credibility for their brand.
Regularly alert clients to changes and conflicts relating to trademarks and domain names: negotiated effective licenses and other agreements to commercialize and expand their rights.
Guided marine equipment and software company in developing hybrid open source and commercial use software licensing program.
Conducted successful inter partes and litigation procedures to assert and defend trademark rights.
Representative Experience:
Mr. Graham has successfully handled IP matters for individuals, corporations, and associations in a wide range of industries, including:
Consumer products, apparel, and electronic products;
Pharmaceutical products;
Internet content providers and software developers;
Printing processes and equipment;
Artists, architects and designers;
Entertainment and media, including artists, musicians, writers and publishers;
Market and media research services.
Background and Credentials:
Mr. Graham focuses his practice on trademarks, copyrights, cyberlaw, licensing and intellectual property transactions and litigation. He provides clients with counseling related to all phases of trademark, trade name, domain name, copyright clearance, registration and protection.
He has extensive experience negotiating and preparing intellectual property and software licenses, assignments and other agreements, as well as assisting clients in developing trademark and copyright use and protection programs.
With respect to the Internet, Mr. Graham has successfully aided clients in protecting their rights in trademarks, copyrighted works, and agreements; and guided clients through Internet domain name disputes under ICANN's Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy. He has been one of the leading innovators in this area and remains so through his involvement in the International Trademark Association (INTA)'s Internet Committee.
Mr. Graham has also litigated trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and has litigated trademark, copyright and unfair competition cases before U.S. District Courts.
He regularly educates legal staff, marketing departments, and other employees on intellectual property issues and is a frequent speaker. He has written numerous articles and presentations on trademark, Internet, and copyright law.
Mr. Graham has achieved the highest rating for legal ability in Martindale-Hubbell, and recommended by his peers as a "Leading Lawyer." Mr. Graham was also named a "Super Lawyer" in the area of Intellectual Property.
He received his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 1986, his M.A. in English from Ohio University in 1978, and his B.S. in Education from Miami University in 1974.