Chuck Burpee has been practicing patent law for three decades. “I like people, I like technology and I like strategy. My practice is a dream come true,” he says. Chuck is adept at helping clients develop a legal strategy that aligns with their business strategy. Then he becomes a staunch and knowledgeable advocate for their position – be it in the Patent and Trademark Office or with opposing counsel. Chuck chairs the firm's Technology and Intellectual Property Group.

Representative Experience

  • Advises clients in the development and execution of intellectual property strategy
  • Counsels clients regarding the management and maintenance of their intellectual property portfolios
  • Identifies opportunities for obtaining patent and trademark protection
  • Obtains patent and trademark registrations throughout the world
  • Evaluates the validity and scope of patents and trademarks
  • Aggressively represents clients in intellectual property disputes
  • Challenges and defends patents in post-grant proceedings such as U.S. reexaminations and European oppositions
  • Represents clients in technology transfers, including assignments, licenses, joint development agreements and joint venture agreements
  • Conducts intellectual property due diligence in conjunction with mergers and acquisitions
  • Representative technologies include medical, automotive, building products, lighting, color measurement, plastic injection molding, die-casting, inductive power, touch screens, haptics and control systems
  • Represented an individual in the development and sale of a patent portfolio to a Fortune 10 company.

Honors and Awards

  • Best Lawyers in America, Copyright Law, Patent Law, Trademark Law, 1995-2012 
  • Listed in Who’s Who in American Law
  • Fellow, American Bar Foundation
  • Fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation
  • Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honorary)
  • Eta Kappa Nu (Electrical and Computer Engineering Honorary)
  • Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman Honorary)
  • James B. Angell Scholar

Bar Associations

  • American Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association
  • Federal Circuit Bar Association
  • State Bar of Michigan
    Intellectual Property Law Section, Chairperson (1990-91), Council Member (1985-92)
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association
    Library Committee, Chairperson (1984-85)

Publications

Professional Affiliations

  • American Intellectual Property Law Association
    Law Practice Management Committee, Chairperson (1997-99)
  • Michigan Patent Law Association
  • National Council of Intellectual Property Law Associations
    Councilperson (1991-92)
  • Phi Alpha Delta Law Service Fraternity
    Treasurer (1978-79)

Community Affiliations

  • Boy Scouts of America, Gerald R. Ford Council
    Board of Directors (2006-11)
  • Clark Retirement Community
    Board of Directors (2008-Present)
  • East Grand Rapids School Foundation
    Board Member (1997-98)
  • Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
    Board of Directors (2008-Present)
  • Grand Rapids Economic Club
    Essay Committee (1990-93)
  • Michigan Technology Council
    West Michigan Chapter, Board of Directors (1992-94) and Chairperson (1993-94)
  • Planned Parenthood West and Northern Michigan
    Board of Directors (2005-09, 1992-98), Board Chair (1996-98)

News

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