Steven B. Walmsley

Biography

Steve’s vast experience covers almost every aspect of IP matters. He is an experienced automotive engineer, and his technical expertise includes mechanical, electro-mechanical, electrical, and software technologies. He has prepared and prosecuted more than 500 original utility and design patent applications protecting complex mechanical and electrical devices, manufacturing systems and methods, computer-implemented systems, and consumer product designs.

Steve’s IP proficiencies also include negotiating and preparing technology agreements, conducting clearance investigations, and rendering opinions on patent infringement, validity, and novelty. His trademark skills include procuring registrations worldwide, rendering opinions on availability and registrability, producing cease & desist correspondence, and negotiating licensing and settlement agreements. Steve particularly enjoys helping inventors flesh out inventions to add value to patents and assisting clients in designing around competitors’ patents. He regularly interviews patent and trademark office examiners to facilitate prosecution and has an exceptional record on appeal.

Steve has a Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from the General Motors Institute, now Kettering University.

Bar Admissions

• State of Texas
• State of Michigan
• District of Columbia
• Commonwealth of Virginia
• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• U.S. District Court

Distinctions

• IAM 1000 – World’s Leading Patent Professional
• Super Lawyers® Rising Star – 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13
• Inventor of U.S. Patents: 6,196,682; 6,679,604; 6,857,738

Education

• Wayne State University Law School, Juris Doctor, 2001
• Kettering University, Bachelor of Science, Engineering, 1993
  • Tau Beta Pi
  • Scholar, National Society of Professional Engineers

Memberships and Associations

• American Intellectual Property Law Association
• Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association
• State Bar of Michigan, Intellectual Property Law Section

Professional Experience

• Associate at Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering (now Wilmer Hale)
• Patent agent of VanOphem Meehan & VanOphem
• Engineer at Ford Motor Company
• Intern at General Motors Corporation
• Patents procured:
  • Powertrain and drivetrain systems, components, and controls
  • Vehicle exteriors, interiors and electronics
  • Fuel cells
  • Fluid controls
  • Glass container manufacturing systems
  • Aerospace equipment
  • Electric fuel pumps
  • Nano-technology microscopes and software
  • Speech recognition and vehicle telematics