Houghton, MI – The Michigan Tech Enterprise SmartZone has partnered with Brooks Kushman of Southfield, MI to provide patent assistance to high-tech entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Upper Peninsula under a grant from Michigan`s Technology Tri-Corridor Fund (MTTC). The new program will provide entrepreneurs and businesses in the U.P. with local access to a full-service and well-known intellectual property (IP) firm. Brooks Kushman will travel to Houghton quarterly to conduct seminars related to IP followed by meetings with individual businesses and entrepreneurs to assist them with IP strategies, patent applications, trademark and copyright issues, license negotiations, etc. The SmartZone will schedule those meetings and subsidize some of the associated costs.
“We are pleased to partner with such an experienced and respected firm as Brooks Kushman”, the SmartZone`s Project Manager Jonathan Leinonen said. “Any business will be able to take advantage of what will effectively be Brooks Kushman`s local office without the time and expense required to travel out of the area to meet with patent attorneys. The firm is a great fit, demonstrating flexibility in working with entrepreneurs and small businesses, coupled with experience in Michigan`s Technology Tri-Corridor and related fields.”
William Abbatt of Brooks Kushman said, “I am delighted that we will be working with the SmartZone. We are very interested in working with entrepreneurs and companies in the U.P. and supporting the economic growth of the region.”
About the Michigan Tech Enterprise SmartZone
The Michigan Tech Enterprise SmartZone is a 501 (c) (3) private non-profit corporation and has as its mission the growth of the high-tech job base in the Upper Peninsula by commercializing technology, supporting and mentoring the growth of technology companies currently located in the region, and attracting technology companies to the area (www.mtecsmart.com). IP Law & Business magazine lists Brooks Kushman as one of the top 10 IP firms according to the Fortune 250 in the Who Protects IP America survey (brookslaw.wpengine.com). Governor Granholm established Michigan`s Technology Tri-Corridor to foster growth in life sciences, advanced automotive technologies and homeland security industries through funding and resource collaboration.
About Brooks Kushman PC
Founded in 1983 by five intellectual property attorneys, Brooks Kushman has grown significantly, gaining a global reputation as a leader in cutting-edge, timely, and cost-effective IP counsel. Their growth and continued success emanates from their commitment to excellence and superior client service. For more information, please visit brookslaw.wpengine.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jonathan Leinonen
Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation
(906) 487-7004
jleinonen@mtecsmart.com
*SmartZone and Michigan Tech Enterprise SmartZone are service marks of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
