Michael Harris is an experienced trial attorney and strategist with a focus on complex matters for industry-leading clients, including high-stakes intellectual property and antitrust lawsuits.
He has successfully tried cases before juries and judges in federal district courts and at the International Trade Commission, and has appeared before numerous federal appellate courts. He also practices before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
Throughout his career, Michael has provided clients with strategic guidance and direction on intellectual property and antitrust matters worldwide; litigated and tried a diverse caseload of intellectual property and antitrust lawsuits around the world; prepared intellectual property licenses and agreements; assisted in due diligence reviews and acquisitions; and managed a global trademark portfolio consisting of thousands of trademarks.
He is a contributing author of the Patent Litigation Strategies Handbook, Third Edition, and its yearly cumulative supplements. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago.
Michael has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Clients describe Michael as "simply the best!" An "intelligent but humble lawyer" who "can explain complex legal and technical topics to a Fortune 500 CEO or a kindergartener.”
Experience
- Nike v. lululemon (Southern District of New York ) – Obtained a favorable jury verdict for Nike in a lawsuit involving multiple patents related to footwear technology
- Investigation No. 337-TA-936 (International Trade Commission) – Obtained a favorable verdict and General Exclusion Order for Converse and its trade dress related to its Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers
- Nike v. MSCHF Product Studio (Eastern District of New York) – Obtained a temporary restraining order and favorable outcome in a trademark dispute for Nike with a Brooklyn-based artists collective MSCHF over claims that consumers would be duped into thinking Nike was affiliated with Lil Nas X's "Satan Shoes"
- Nike v. Warren Lotas (Central District of California) – Obtained a preliminary injunction in a trademark infringement, dilution, and unfair competition case against Los Angeles streetwear designer Warren Lotas
- Copperweld Bimetallics v. Cerro Wire (Northern District of Alabama) – Representing Cerro Wire in a lawsuit involving numerous antitrust and false advertising claims
- RSCC Wire & Cable v. Prysmian Cable and Systems (District of Massachusetts) – Obtained a favorable outcome for RSCC Wire & Cable in a lawsuit involving patents related to electrical cable technology
- RLS v. Conex Universal Limited (Southern District of Illinois) – Obtained a favorable outcome for RLS in a lawsuit involving patents related to fittings for HVAC/R applications
- Harley-Davidson v. RJS Originals (Eastern District of North Carolina) – Obtained a favorable outcome for Harley-Davidson in a lawsuit involving patents related to motorcycle components
- Investigation No. 337-TA-1289 (International Trade Commission) – Obtained a favorable outcome in a six-patent investigation at the International Trade Commission over knitted footwear technology.
- Nike v. La La Land Production & Design (Central District of California) – Obtained a favorable outcome for Nike in a lawsuit involving trade dress and trademark rights
- Kathrein-Werke v. Radiacion Y Microondas (Northern District of Illinois) – Obtained a favorable outcome for Kathrein-Werke in a lawsuit involving patents related to base station antenna technology
- Nike v. BAPE (Southern District of New York ) – Obtained a favorable outcome for Nike in a lawsuit involving trade dress and trademark rights
- Hitel Technologies v. Nike (Western District of Texas) – Obtained a favorable outcome for Nike in a lawsuit involving patents related to e-commerce technology
- Beverage Dispensing Solutions v. Cornelius (Northern District of Illinois) – Obtained a favorable outcome for Cornelius in a lawsuit involving patents related to beverage dispensing technology
- Akeva v. Nike (Middle District of North Carolina) – Obtained a favorable outcome for Nike in a lawsuit involving patents related to footwear technology
- EcoWater Systems LLC v. Poole Soft Water & Refrigeration (District of Idaho) – Obtained a favorable outcome for EcoWater Systems Nike in a trademark infringement lawsuit
- Triple Tee Golf v. Thomas Stites and Nike (Northern District of Texas) – Obtained a favorable judgment for Mr. Stites and Nike in a trade secret lawsuit
- Nike in successfully enforcing its trade dress rights in several of its iconic sneakers designs, including its famous Air Jordan 1, Air Force 1, and Dunk sneaker designs.
Perspectives
Recognition
"IP Star" (Illinois) (2018–2023)
"Practitioner of the Year (Litigation)” (Illinois) (2021)
Credentials
Education
- J.D., University of Illinois College of Law, cum laude, Internet Editor, The University of Illinois Journal of Law Technology & Policy
- B.S.E.E., Electrical Engineering, Valparaiso University, summa cum laude
Admissions
- Illinois
- District of Columbia
- Missouri
- Supreme Court of Illinois
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri