Michael R Annis

Career

Mike takes a holistic approach, digging deep to understand the totality of circumstances surrounding each case and the specific impact on a client’s existing business and future plans.

With 25-plus years’ experience in intellectual property consultation and litigation, Mike protects critical assets and business information for clients nationwide. His pragmatic approach involves partnering with clients to thoroughly evaluate cases and, when possible, avoid disputes – and the courthouse – altogether.

Mike advises clients on patent infringement, trade secret misappropriation, trademark and service mark infringement, unfair competition and false advertising claims. Leader of the firm’s Animal Health & Production team and co-leader of the Alcohol & Beverage team, Mike represents clients in industries including biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, food and beverage products and processing, cannabis and industrial hemp, agricultural and construction equipment, building materials, consumer products, fashion and apparel, electronics and telecommunications.

His primary focus is defending and prosecuting claims of trade secret misappropriation and patent infringement and validity in the civil courts, as well as post-grant proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Mike also represents a number of nationally recognized entities in consumer class actions alleging deceptive and false advertising practices. He also has substantial experience before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) in opposition, cancellation and contested concurrent-use proceedings. Mike also has experience with alcohol beverage labeling regulations through the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau of the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Professional Memberships

American Bar Association: Intellectual Property Litigation Committee, Trade Secrets and Interferences with Contract Committee, IPR Practice Committee, and Advisory Board

American Intellectual Property Law Association, IP Insurance and Trade Secret Subcommittees

Illinois State Bar Association

Licensing Executive Society, St. Louis Chapter Founder; Chair, 2013-2014; Education Chair, 2015

The Missouri Bar

Oklahoma Bar Association

PTAB Bar Association; Ex Parte Appeals Committee

St. Louis Agri-Business Club

United States Animal Health Association