Stephen Kontos
Head of Intellectual Property / Patents / Trademarks
Leveraging my experience as outside intellectual property counsel to some of the largest companies in the world, I help in-house IP teams, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and startup founders strategically protect intellectual property that furthers business goals.
I have written and prosecuted over 500 patent and trademark applications in my career, most of which related to electronic or software-based technology.
Significant projects include:
- Patenting the autonomous vehicle platform of a large automotive company
- Securing patents related to fiber optic networks, satellite communication networks, media content delivery systems, and consumer products for major telecommunications companies
- Patenting medical sensors and surgical robots for medical device companies
I am a thought leader in various patent-related topics including subject matter eligibility issues under 35 U.S.C. § 101 and enablement issues under 35 U.S.C. § 112, particularly as they relate to electronics and software-based concepts. I actively participate in various national professional organizations and presently serve as the membership chair of the Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association (MIPLA).
- Wayne State University Law School
- J.D. (2008)
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- University of Detroit Mercy
- B.S. (2003) | Electrical Engineering
- Honors: Insignis Scholar, Eta Kappa Nu, Tau Beta Pi
- Activities: Fencing Team, Titan Pep Band
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- Head of Intellectual Property
- VELN
- - Current
- Founder & Lead IP Attorney
- PATENTXP PLLC Intellectual Property Law Firm
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- Partner / IP Attorney
- Bejin Bieneman PLC
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- Associate Patent Attorney
- Rader Fishman & Grauer PLLC (now Fishman Stewart PLLC)
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- The Founder's Guide to Intellectual Property Strategy: How Successful Startups Protect Great ideas to Secure a Competitive Advantage
- Choose the Right Business Name for Your Startup
- StartupNation
- Turning Inventions Into Unicorns
- 1 Million Cups
- Presentation on how startups can use intellectual property protection to increase the value of their business ahead of their exit.
- LGBT-Owned Law Firm
- NGLCC
- Super Lawyer (2019-2020)
- Super Lawyers
- Rising Star (2014-2018)
- Super Lawyers
- Pro Bono Recognition
- US District Court Eastern District of Michigan
- State Bar of Michigan # P71607
- Member
- Current
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- United States Patent & Trademark Office # 60337
- Registered Lawyer
- Current
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- Michigan
- State Bar of Michigan
- ID Number: P71607
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- USPTO
- ID Number: 60337
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- Free Consultation
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Intellectual Property
- Patents
- Patent Appeals, Patent Litigation, Patent Prosecution
- Trademarks
- Trademark Litigation, Trademark Registration
- Business Law
- Business Formation
- English: Spoken, Written
- Q. How do I know if my idea infringes on a patent? Patents are very complicated. Do I make an appointment with a lawyer?
- A: You should be working with a patent lawyer during the R&D process. In general, a patent lawyer can help you understand the scope of the patent, identify other patents in your technical area that might be of concern, and help you either design around any enforceable patents or seek a license from the patent owner. You should consult with a patent lawyer before you do anything that would be considered patent infringement.
DISCLAIMER I'm not your attorney. This is not legal advice. I do not guarantee any results.
- Q. Is it possible to obtain a patent for a [NEVER SEEN] wooden portable toilet paper tissue holder.
- A: Maybe. Patents are issued for inventions that are new, useful, and would not have been obvious. You may be able to secure a utility patent, a design patent, or both. A patent attorney can help you evaluate the likelihood of receiving meaningful patent protection during a private consultation. You should not publicly disclose any additional information about your concept.
DISCLAIMER I'm not your attorney. This should not be construed as legal advice. I do not guarantee any results.
- Q. Hi there, I am a content creator on Instagram. My content has been flagged for false DMCA and copyright strikes.
- A: Instagram should have provided you with instructions for submitting a counter-notification. Instagram should restore your content if the third-party doesn't reply, which it sounds like they won't since they used disposable domains.
DISCLAIMER I'm not your attorney. This isn't legal advice. I don't guarantee any results.
- Website
- VELN
Simple Patent Strategy for Startups
PatentXP PLLC is a patent law firm that safeguards technology of innovative companies with products that change the world. In this video, we discuss a few simple things startups should do...
Patent FAQs - Answers to common questions about the patent process
PatentXP PLLC is a patent law firm that safeguards technology of innovative companies changing the world. In this video, our founder & CEO Stephen J. Kontos answers some frequently asked questions...