Michael N. Spink is a member and co-chair of Dickinson Wright’s Patent Prosecution Practice Group, based in Ann Arbor. He works with companies of all sizes to manage and protect intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, with a focus on aligning IP strategy with broader business goals.
With more than 25 years of experience, Mike brings a practical, business-minded approach shaped in part by his time serving as in-house IP counsel for an automotive supplier during a restructuring. He regularly advises on portfolio development, licensing, and intellectual asset management, helping clients understand and leverage the value of their IP.
His practice is global in scope, with experience managing IP across industries such as automotive, medical devices, and consumer products, and he frequently works with clients operating in Europe and Asia.
Education & Credentials
Education
The John Marshall Law School
J.D., 1999- cum laude
The University of Michigan
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, 1996- cum laude
Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) Magazine
- IAM Strategy 300 Leading Intellectual Property Strategist, 2014, 2017-2022, 2025-2026
- IAM Patent 1000 - Prosecution: Recommended, 2024-2026
- Leading Lawyers
- Copyright & Trademark Law, Intellectual Property Law, Patent Law, 2021
- Certified Licensing Professional (CLP) 2010-2021
- Law Bulletin Publishing Company
- Leading Intellectual Property Lawyer
- Leading Lawyers Network, 2016
- Michigan Super Lawyers®
- "Rising Stars," Intellectual Property, 2010-2014
Prominent Assignments
- Represented clients in trademark opposition proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, securing favorable outcomes
- Handled trademark, copyright, and unfair competition litigation for clients in federal court, resolving disputes through negotiated settlements
- Represented a global automotive supplier in a bankruptcy-related patent dispute
- Advised clients on the development, management, and protection of large-scale intellectual property portfolios
Professional Involvement
- Licensing Executives Society; Co-chair of Michigan chapter 2014-2019
- Intellectual Property Owners Association; Management Committee, 2014-2015
- American Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section
- American Intellectual Property Law Association
Court Admissions
- U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
- U.S. Dist. Court, N.D. Illinois
- U.S. Dist. Court, E.D. Michigan
Publications/Presentations
- "U.S. Supreme Court Decision Eases Restrictions on Domain Trademarks," Detroit Legal News, July 10, 2020
- “Recent Licensing Decisions," Brinks Learn & Links, Dearborn, Michigan, June 6, 2017
- Federal Circuit Says "Teaching Away" Must Cover the Entire Claim Scope, October 23, 2017
- Client Alert: Brexit's Impact on Intellectual Property Rights in the United Kingdom, July 14, 2016
- “Two Brinks attorneys discuss trademarks at WCBA event," Washtenaw County Legal News, Troy, Michigan, March 28, 2016
- "Introduction to Non-Traditional Trademarks," A2Y Chamber, Early Edition, Ann Arbor, Michigan, November 18, 2015
- "Intellectual Property Agreements and Licensing," University of Michigan- Dearborn, Product Realization Technology Commercialization Program, February 6, 2010
- "Corporate IP Conference" Law Bulletin Seminars, July 15, 2009