Michael J. Serra

Michael J. Serra primarily focuses on protecting, commercializing, and enforcing intellectual property.

From the inception of an idea, Mike collaborates with clients to develop protectable assets, such as product design, product packaging, and product/company names.  He also counsels on product claims substantiation and false advertising, works made for hire, and technology assignments and licensing.  This includes drafting and negotiating form and bespoke commercial agreements where issues like intellectual property and data ownership, exclusivity, and privacy are frequently involved.

When necessary, Mike resorts to dispute resolution through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.  Mike has litigated in state and federal courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the Federal Circuit.  He furthermore handles domestic and international enforcement against infringing or counterfeit content, domain name disputes, and trademark proceedings in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. 

While in law school, Mike served as Assistant Editor and Managing Editor of the Wayne Law Review.  He also served internships with the federal judiciary and Department of Justice and was awarded the Dean's Scholarship for full tuition and the Rakow Scholarship for outstanding work in corporate law classes. 

Mike is involved in many community and volunteer organizations.  He is especially proud of his work with the Donate Life Coalition of Michigan, which promotes organ donation throughout the state.  Mike serves on the Coalition’s planning committee for its annual ALIVE fundraiser.

Honors, Awards, and Recognition

• DBusiness Magazine "Top Lawyers" 2018, Copyright Law
• Michigan Lawyers Weekly "Up and Coming Lawyers," 2017
• Michigan Rising Stars 2016-2017, Intellectual Property

Civic, Cultural and Community Activities

• Donate Life Coalition of Michigan
  • ALIVE Fundraiser Planning Committee, Member, 2013-present

Professional Affiliations

• Detroit Bar Association (DBA)
• State Bar of Michigan

Publications

• "What Can the Hit TV Show "Empire" Teach Us About the First Amendment and Trademark Law?," Inter Alia (Winter 2017)
• "Don't Be Fooled By These Brand Protection Scams," 2 The Brand Protection Professional 18 (September 2017).
• Co-Author, "Sixth Circuit" chapter in ERISA Survey of Federal Circuits, 2016 Edition (Brooks R. Magratten ed., American Bar Association 2016). 
• "Avoiding an Ethical Iceberg: How Clawback Agreements are Altering the Attorney-Client Relationship," 58 Wayne L. Rev. 509 (2012).
• "Exhausting All Options: How Michigan Can Use Vehicle Idling Legislation to Combat Global Climate Change," Chicago-Kent College of Law, Journal of Environmental and Energy Law (Spring 2012).

Speaking Engagements

• Panel discussion on "Protecting Brands in E-Commerce," Michigan State University Law IP Day (April 2018)

Representative Matters

• Successful Outcome Alleging Secondary Liability for False Advertising and Trademark Infringement

  Gathered evidence, drafted briefs, and developed case strategy in legal action taken against an organization with distributors falsely claiming sponsorship by a Bodman client. Resulted in a favorable settlement including corrective advertising and attorney fees.

• Management of Global Trademark Portfolio for Leading Manufacturing Company

  Currently managing global trademark portfolio for a leading manufacturer.  Tasks include coordinating with foreign counsel for oversight and strategy in implementing country specific branding goals while facing challenges from foreign trademark offices and third-party oppositions.

• Leading Manufacturer in Trademark Dispute with Chinese Importer Over Use of Similar Trade Name

  Counsel for a leading manufacturer in a dispute with a Chinese importer over use of a confusingly similar trade name.  To date, successfully removed more than 1,000 infringing items from internet marketplaces such as eBay and Sears, as well as completely shutting down an infringer’s website.

• Management of National Financial Institution's Domain Disputes to Prevent Marks from Use in Phishing Scams

  Currently overseeing national financial institution’s domain disputes, which entails working with the World Intellectual Property Organization, Internet Service Providers, and Registrars around the world to prevent the institution’s marks from being used in phishing scams or in connection with false or misleading content.

Related News

• 08/07/2018Michigan Court of Appeals Chief Judge Michael J. Talbot (Ret.) Joins Bodman PLC as of Counsel
• 12/08/2017Michael J. Serra Named 2017 “Up & Coming Lawyer” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
• 11/09/201765 Bodman Attorneys Named “Top Lawyers 2018” by DBusiness Magazine
• 09/21/2017ARTICLE | Don't Be Fooled By These Brand Protection Scams
• 09/06/201750 Bodman Attorneys Listed in Michigan Super Lawyers 2017