A History of Representing Innovation

In 1865, returning Civil War Colonel Thomas Sprague founded the first patent practice in Michigan. In 1891, the successors of that practice helped found the Detroit College of Law, predecessor to the Michigan State University College of Law. So began our long history as academic thought leaders in intellectual property law. In 1913, our members cofounded the Michigan Patent Law Association, known today as the Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association (MIPLA).

Our firm was there for the advent of the automotive industry and the rise of mass production, and we took part in many of their most pivotal moments. Some of the pioneers we worked with include:

• Elijah J. McCoy—19th-century African-American inventor whose widely sought-after method for lubricating train engines is the origin of the phrase “the real McCoy.” The Elijah J. McCoy Midwest Regional USPTO is also named for him.
• Ransom E. Olds—Designer of the first commercially successful mass-produced automobile and namesake to the Oldsmobile brand.
• David D. Buick—Inventor of the seminal overhead valve engine and founder of the Buick Motor Company.
• Michael J. Owens—Manufacturing pioneer who invented an automated way to make glass bottles.

We are proud to still represent some of the namesakes and successors of these luminaries and to help carry on the tradition of bold innovation that they began.