Metro Detroit patent attorney Michael Taylor is the focus of a new “Get to Know” article appearing in the Detroit Legal News.

Taylor, a Grand Rapids native, has been with Harness IP for more than 20 years. His practice focuses on obtaining patents and conducting freedom to operate analyses for companies in the medical device, biotechnology, chemical, and mechanical fields.

Detroit Legal News: Why did you become a lawyer?

Taylor: I have always enjoyed arguing, in a good way. I like to develop arguments and support them in a convincing and clear manner. I enjoy using those skills, especially to assist my clients.

What advice do you have for someone considering law school?

Learn all you can now, but understand that the application is far different than the knowledge. The law is about the application, and understanding the application is more important. More immediately, law school may be harder than prior educational experiences, but it is, in many cases, simpler than practicing law as a lawyer.

What’s your proudest moment as a lawyer?

I was working with a small business owner attempting to protect an invention aimed at making commercial kitchens and food preparation locations safer and cleaner. I was able to get the patent issued in a shorter time span, allowing the client to get the product to the market faster so the company could start making money. I enjoy working with small business owners because they are often excited and invested in the patenting process. It’s also a good feeling to see their business grow as a result of their innovative ideas and hard work.

What do you do to relax? I enjoy spending time with my children, helping with their classwork or just hanging out. I also enjoy precision sports, golf, and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking.

What other career path might you have chosen?

Medicine or medical research would have been my other top choices. I like the process of discovery and working with others to better our lives as a whole.

…

Read full article.