Michael D. Wiggins (Mike)

Principal / Detroit Metro Office

Mike leads an experienced team of electrical patent attorneys at Harness IP. Mike and his team prosecute patent applications involving diverse technologies, including engine/transmission control systems, autonomous vehicles, cloud computing architectures, microprocessor and memory architectures, semiconductor processing equipment, signal processors, transceivers, and telecommunication systems. Mike is also called upon to handle special situations including standards-related issues such FRAND licenses, high-profile clearance opinions, and competitive landscape studies.

Able to interface with inventors and business executives alike, both at their level and in their language, Mike and his team prepare concise patent applications involving highly complex subject matter. Reliability, attention to detail, and a multi-dimensional understanding of complicated technologies have allowed Mike and his team to maintain high allowance rates in the U.S., Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, and Europe, which is why clients such as General Motors, Marvell Semiconductor, Lam Research, and Maxim Integrated rely upon Harness IP to prosecute their most important innovations.

Before focusing on patent prosecution, Mike was involved in patent and trademark litigation. As a result, he is acutely aware of what it takes to defend an existing patent, which gives him insight into prosecuting them. In addition to practicing law, Mike worked as an Engineer for IBM and General Motors. Mike also gained experience in business while working as a Vice President for Michigan CAT, a heavy equipment distributor of Caterpillar products, where he was directly responsible for parts and service divisions having combined annual revenues of over $200 million.

awards/Distinctions

  • Best Lawyers, Patent Law, 2022
  • Managing Intellectual Property, “IP Stars,” 2014-2021

 

Education

J.D., DePaul University, 1992

B.S., Electrical Engineering, Michigan State University, 1988

Bar & Court Admissions

California

Michigan

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

San Diego Federal District Courts