Michael M. Morris

Mike brings a unique combination of technical expertise and genuine client understanding to intellectual property law, grounded in core values of integrity, competency, and service to others. As a former industry professional and inventor with an issued U.S. Patent, Mike approaches each client relationship with honesty and sincerity, drawing from his firsthand experience navigating the challenges clients face in protecting and commercializing their innovations.

Mike’s practice encompasses all areas of intellectual property law with a commitment to doing things well and continuously improving his service to clients. He specializes in identifying, procuring, and enforcing patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, with particular depth in preparing and prosecuting medical device and mechanical patent applications in the U.S. and abroad. His competency extends to providing comprehensive freedom-to-operate, infringement/non-infringement, and invalidity/validity opinions, while maintaining vigilant monitoring of competitor intellectual property and products. Mike serves as U.S. counsel for numerous international companies and regularly assists attorneys worldwide on U.S. intellectual property practice and law, demonstrating his commitment to helping others succeed in complex IP matters.

As Chairman of the Firm’s Patent Prosecution Practice Group, Mike leads initiatives focused on excellence and consistent improvement in patent prosecution strategies. His dedication to competency drives him to stay at the forefront of evolving IP law and emerging technologies, ensuring clients receive the most current and effective counsel.

Prior to joining the Firm, Mike worked in the medical device industry, helping some of the world’s largest medical device companies manage their IP portfolios and monitor competitor activity. He designed comprehensive strategies to identify competitors’ infringing products and collaborated with engineers and researchers to develop innovative solutions that design around competitors’ patents. His earlier experience includes conducting materials science research at Los Alamos National Laboratory and working in manufacturing, providing him with deep technical insight that enhances his legal practice.

Mike’s commitment to family and community extends far beyond his professional life. He and his wife, Kathy, exemplify the values of mutual support and growth through their active involvement in the foster care system, where they currently support several foster families after having served as licensed foster parents to numerous children. This dedication to helping vulnerable families reflects Mike’s broader commitment to improving society and assisting others in need.

Mike also volunteers as a coach and practice judge for the IU Maurer School of Law national IP Moot Court teams as well as a guest lecturer at the law school, where he helps develop the next generation of intellectual property attorneys, embodying his values of helpfulness and competency through mentorship and education.

Attorney News

Professional Affiliations

• American Intellectual Property Law Association
  • Chair, Patent Law IDS Subcommittee
• Indiana University Maurer School of Law
  • Coach and Practice Judge, IU Maurer School of Law IP Moot Court Teams 2011-present
  • Volunteer Recruiter, Indiana University Maurer School of Law 2011
• Indianapolis Bar Association
  • Bar Leader Series, Class XIII
• International Trademark Association
• The S. Jay Plager Intellectual Property American Inn of Court
  • Group Program Leader, 2025-26 season

Speaking Engagements

• Presenter, Ethics and Intellectual Property, Inn of Court CLE, November 15, 2023
• Presenter, Importance of 3D Printing and Product Development, MakerStudio: 3D Printing and Design Club Hussey - Mayfield Memorial Public Library, March 21, 2023
• Presenter, Intellectual Property Basics for Inventors, Indiana Inventors Association , March 7, 2023
• Presenter, Criminal Penalties in Intellectual Property Law, Inn of Court CLE, February 15, 2023
• Presenter, Recent Developments and Best Practices in Design Patent Law, 2021 Midwest Intellectual Property Summit, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, December 2, 2021
• Presenter, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) licensing Issues in Collegiate Athletics, Inn of Court CLE, October 20, 2021
• Presenter, Section 101 issues in patent litigation, Inn of Court CLE, March 17, 2021
• Presenter, Copyright Office Legislative and Regulatory Updates, The Indianapolis Intellectual Property American Inn of Court, October 23, 2019
• Presenter, Legislative and Supreme Court Case Updates, Inn of Court CLE, September 25, 2019
• Presenter, Trade Secret and Copyright Law Update, 2011 Midwest Intellectual Property Summit, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, November 17, 2011

Publications

• Co-Author, “USPTO Access to Relevant Prior Art Initiative Status Update,” AIPLA Patent Law Committee October 2020 Newsletter

Civic & Community Involvement

• Fox Hollow Neighborhood Association

  Member, Board of Directors, 2019-2023

• Indiana Department of Child Services

  Licensed Foster Parent, 2021-2024

• Indianapolis Zoo

  Logistics Chair, 2012 Elegant Vintages International Wine Auction

• One Fellowship Christian Church

  Member and Volunteer, 2022-present

• Scouting America (formerly “Boy Scouts of America”)

  Den Leader, 2024-present

• Traders Point Christian Church

  Drummer, 2013-2020