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Kevin J. Heinl

Patent Prosecution, Patent Portfolio Management, & Patentability Opinions

Michigan

(248) 226-2756

  • Overview
  • Background
  • Featured Content
  • Insights
“To best support and represent my clients, I gain an in-depth understanding of their inventions, technologies, and business interests then execute a strategy to help them achieve their goals.”

Industries

  • Automotive
Kevin Heinl is an experienced patent attorney who is diligent in advising his clients in all aspects of the patent prosecution process. With 30 years of experience in patent enforcement and protection, Kevin prosecutes and litigates intellectual property cases in the mechanical arts. He counsels clients on a full range of patent and intellectual property matters, including trademark, prosecution, and enforcement as well as licensing and copyright issues. Kevin believes the best way to represent a client is to develop an in-depth understanding of how an invention works and how it impacts the business to which it pertains. To that end he tries, whenever possible, to visit clients at their plants, observing manufacturing processes and learning the intricacies of mechanical devices. This helps him develop a detailed understanding of an invention and the problem the invention has solved, which in turn allows him to more fully meet the client`s needs. The desired outcome is a clear, understandable description of an invention, which streamlines the examination process and makes the issued patent more easily understood by a judge or jury. Kevin also encourages his clients to actively participate in the patent prosecution process, which helps to assure enforceability of the patents eventually obtained. Kevin's prior industry work experience as a supervisor in a metal fabrication plant allows real-world insight into manufacturing operations. This background has proven especially helpful to clients in the automotive industry for whom Kevin has prosecuted patents involving manufacturing processes, vehicle interior components, transmissions, and convertible tops. He has also secured patent protection for clients in other industries, including for mechanical components in computer systems. Kevin's litigation clients benefit from his broad range of experience, as well. As in his patent practice, Kevin strives to take whatever reasonable measures are necessary to thoroughly understand the impact of an infringement or invalidity claim on its business. He advises clients to fully consider all possible dispute resolution options available, so they do not rush into litigation. Kevin has successfully represented a variety of clients in both asserting patent infringement claims and defending against such claims made by others, at both the trial court and appellate court level.

Education

J.D., University of Detroit

B.S., Mechanical Engineering, General Motors Institute

Organizations & Affiliations

State Bar of Michigan

Small Business Association of Michigan

Industries

  • Automotive

Publications

Author, “Significant Patent Law Reform Legislation Pending,” Michigan Lawyers Weekly, June 2005

Insights

Press Releases

Brooks Kushman Shareholder Kevin Heinl Featured on Podcast for Small Businesses

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Press Releases

Shareholder Kevin Heinl Publishes Article in Small Business Association Magazine

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Media Coverage

Brooks Kushman Shareholder Featured in Crain’s Detroit Business

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Press Releases

Why Policing Your Intellectual Property on the Internet is More Important Than Ever

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Publications

Significant Patent Law Reform Legislation Pending

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