Jonathan P. O’Brien named one of Michigan Lawyers Weekly's “Leaders in the Law”

Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP is pleased to announce that its Partner Jonathan P. O’Brien, chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department and leader of its Patent Practice Group, has been named one of 30 “Leaders in the Law” for 2014 by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. An editorial panel selected the honorees based on criteria that included the ability to achieve success, display strength of character, show passion for the law and the profession, and solve problems while reflecting great integrity.

O’Brien concentrates his practice on life sciences (pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device), industrial chemistry, battery technology and nanotechnology. He provides clients with global IP strategies related to IP procurement and enforcement, product clearance, and various transactional and regulatory issues.

Since O’Brien became chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department, it has quadrupled in size to more than 75 legal professionals with experience in patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret services. O’Brien, along with Phillip D. Torrence, the Kalamazoo office managing partner, opened Honigman’s Kalamazoo office in 2008 with 14 attorneys, staff and professionals. That total is now 55.

O’Brien played an important role in a recent precedential ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit finding that the United States Patent and Trademark Office failed to follow federal statute when determining the extension of patent term due to government delay. This decision will have a significant impact on the life science industry.

He has been named in The Best Lawyers in America for 2012 and 2013, in Michigan Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” in 2011 and 2013, and by Business Review as a “Business Leader Under 40” in 2007. O’Brien also was named an “IP Star” by Managing Intellectual Property magazine in 2013.

He earned a J.D., magna cum laude, from Michigan State University College of Law. O’Brien also received a Ph.D. in chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a B.S, cum laude, in chemistry from Hope College.