Partner at Price Heneveld LLP

Michael Hages

Grand Rapids, MI

Follow
Contact

Stream
Portfolio
About

About

Developing innovative ways to integrate IP into the industrial design process. Recognized authority in the area of design patents. Expert in acquisition and management of IP rights, particularly in the patent area. Over ten years experience in helping clients obtain the best possible protection for products and brands in the consumer electronic, medical device, footwear, and automotive, industries (and more).

Thorough understanding of the design and innovation processes gained by studying industrial design at Pratt Institute and NYU. By combining design acumen with experience mechanical engineering and law, I am able to provide a unique approach to the practice of IP law focused on the unique ways in which designers create innovative products and services.

Articles:

"The Design of Design Patents" article series for Core77.com, viewable at http://bit.ly/SHvg05.

"The Other Side of Patents: What Design Can Gain from Looking Beyond the Lawsuits", dmi:review, vol.27, issue 4, p.20 (2017).
Education
- Pratt Institute
  
  2009 - 2010
- Professional Certificate Product Design
  
  New York University
  
  2008 - 2009
- J.D., cum laude Law
  
  University of Dayton School of Law
  
  2002 - 2005
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Mechanical Engineering
  
  University of Michigan
  
  1998 - 2002
Experience
- Partner / Attorney
  
  Price Heneveld LLP
  
  Dec 2013 - Present (8 years 5 months)
  
  I offer clients a comprehensive range of intellectual property services, including implementing design and utility patent strategies, drafting and prosecuting patent applications, providing written and oral opinions to clients regarding freedom-to operate, non-infringement, and invalidity. With my specialized understanding of design patent prosecution, I advise clients on design patent law and the effective use of design patent filings in advanced protection strategies.
  
  I am a registered patent attorney with substantial experience obtaining and enforcing patents for mechanical inventions. I draw from my legal and engineering experience to work with clients as they seek utility and design patents for mechanical technologies, such as consumer electronics, footwear, medical devices, motor vehicles, semiconductor packaging, drug delivery products, and food and beverage production devices. I studied product design at the professional and graduate levels, which has helped me develop an understanding of numerous aspects of product design, including visual and interaction design, design research, and strategic development.
- Associate Attorney
  
  Lerner David Littenberg Krumholz & Mentlik
  
  Sep 2010 - Dec 2013 (3 years 3 months)
  
  • Managed patent portfolios for product areas of large clients. Developed and implemented design and utility patent strategies for high-profile consumer products, medical devices, and footwear.
  • Engaged in patent and trademark counseling and prosecution for consumer electronics, footwear, medical devices, and semiconductor packaging.
  • Developed specialization in design patent law.
  • Publication: The Design of Design Patents was published by Core77.com in August, 2012.
- Intellectual Property Attorney
  
  Winston & Strawn LLP
  
  Aug 2007 - Aug 2009 (2 years)
  
  Provided legal services in all areas of Intellectual Property Law, focusing on the preparation, filing, and prosecution of U.S. and international patent applications.
Affiliations

American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) - Current Vice Chair for the subcommittee for education and event planning for the Industrial Designs Committee.
Industries
- Consumer Electronics
- Transportation
Skills
- Industrial Design
- Research
Elsewhere on the Web
- n
On Coroflot

@mhages, member since 2009
- Followers 4

Solar Jump Lamp

Solar Jump Lamp from Michael Hages

Solar Jump Lamp

Quality lighting is an important, yet underrated, component of a pleasant, productive work environment. Not only is lighting important for sight, but a well-lit environment can also enhance alertness and improve mood. The Jump Lamp provides much-needed lighting in a number of different situations via a LED light source powered by a adaptable combination of solar, battery, and outlet power. It can also be used as a portable power source for other electronic devices.

The development of the Jump Lamp’s function and features focused on the direct user experience by incorporating simple, intuitive controls and simple information displays. The +/- toggle control for the light, along with the dimmer meter and the charge indication are the result of this focus.

The development of the Jump Lamp’s function and features focused on the direct user experience by incorporating simple, intuitive controls and simple information displays. The +/- toggle control for the light, along with the dimmer meter and the charge indication are the result of this focus.
The product function had to be designed to also maximize the opportunity for the lamp to actually be used. Specifically, the lamp had to be designed to maximize its charging potential. This involved optimization of the solar collector placement as well as the incorporation and location of the charge indicator lights.

The Jump lamp includes both power input and output outlets. These outlets are mini-USB compatible to allow for maximum use with other devices.
The power input allows the Jump Lamp to be plugged into a wall outlet for emergency charging or on-demand power via an included adapter. The USB compatible input also allows the Jump Lamp to be powered from a computer’s powered USB port.
The power outlet allows the Jump Lamp’s solar collector cell to be used to power other devices.

Portability is the driving force behind the Jump Lamp’s design. However, portability was not allowed to compromise the aesthetics of the product. The folding arms tuck neatly beneath the base, preserving its top surface, and allowing the visibility of the arms to signal their function.

Solar Jump Lamp

Industrial Design

Share

R
7
n

Partner at Price Heneveld LLP Grand Rapids, MI