Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione Attorney Named a Leader in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly

ANN ARBOR – February 16, 2012 - Steven L. Oberholtzer, the managing partner of the Ann Arbor office of Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the U.S., has been named one of Michigan’s 25 Leaders in the Law by the legal trade publication Michigan Lawyers Weekly.  Mr. Oberholtzer and his fellow honorees from throughout the state’s legal community will be celebrated at an awards luncheon on March 15^th at the Marriott in Troy.

Oberholtzer was instrumental in establishing the Ann Arbor office of Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, Brinks’ only Michigan office, in 2001. Since that time, he has built and mentored an entirely new staff and leads 15 attorneys and 15 support personnel. Several of the attorneys Oberholtzer has mentored in the Ann Arbor office now play prominent roles firm-wide. Currently, shareholders in the Ann Arbor office serve as chair of several practice groups, including Nanotechnology, Patent Reform, Intellectual Asset Management, Green Technology and the Licensing group. Additionally, an Ann Arbor shareholder co-chairs the firm’s Biotech & Pharmaceutical practice. Moreover, the Ann Arbor attorneys hold key positions in the broader legal community, serving in such positions as Chair of the State Advisory Committee for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, executive committee member of the Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI), Representative Assembly, 22^nd Circuit, and Secretary Treasurer, State Bar of Michigan - Intellectual Property Law Section.  Oberholtzer also served two consecutive terms on the Brinks’ Board of Directors. His leadership abilities not only strengthen the quality and integrity of Brinks’ attorneys and their work, but ultimately, the Michigan legal community as a whole. 

Oberholtzer’s practice focuses on patent and trademark counseling, corporate intellectual property policy development and administration, technology licensing, joint development and joint venture relationship agreements.  He provides opinions regarding infringement risks; design-around projects and patentability; litigation; and handling intellectual property issues involved in merger and acquisition transactions.  He has extensive experience and expertise in the intellectual property legal issues of the automotive industry. Oberholtzer has a lifelong interest in the industry and products, and was employed as a senior project engineer with General Motors and as in-house patent counsel for a Tier 1 supplier prior to private practice. At Brinks, Oberholtzer acts as primary outside counsel for a number of Tier 1 and lower Tier suppliers, often assuming worldwide responsibility for all intellectual property issues and management of attorney teams for all facets of these matters.

Oberholtzer is the author of a primer on intellectual property entitled, The Basic Principles of Intellectual Property Law, which published its second edition in 2009 and is set for a third edition in 2012. He received his J.D. from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University and his B.S. in mechanical engineering from Kettering University, formerly known as the General Motors Institute. He is involved in civic and professional activities including the Licensing Executives Society, the Michigan Patent Law Society and the Washtenaw County Bar Association.  He is “AV" Peer-Review rated, the highest ranking for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability, by Martindale-Hubbell and a multi-year “Best Lawyers in America” honoree.

Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States and serves the intellectual property needs of clients around the world. Brinks has 140 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents who specialize in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark and copyright law. The firm also advises on issues relating to intellectual asset management, trade secret, unfair competition, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely handles assignments for companies in the electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering sectors; the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and nanotechnology industries; and for companies whose work relates to Internet and computer technology law. The firm’s trademark practice works on behalf of clients who deal in a wide variety of products and services. Founded in 1917, Brinks is based in Chicago and has five additional offices across the country, including Ann Arbor. More information is available at www.usebrinks.com.

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