Atty. Michael B. Harlin
Mike is a patent attorney who helps clients protect their complex technologies and innovations through representation on all aspects of patent law, including patent counseling, advice and prosecution, transactions, contested proceedings, and opinion preparation. He manages nationwide patent prosecution efforts for assorted technologies, overseeing similar efforts internationally, and counseling clients on the development and implementation of long-term patent portfolio strategies.
Litigation Intellectual Property & More Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL
Profile Summary
About Michael B. Harlin at a Glance
Michael B. Harlin is a ip attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP. Admitted to practice in Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association. Educated at Chicago-Kent College of Law at IIT (J.D., 1996) and Yale University (B.S., 1990). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Patent Law (2026). Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael B. Harlin
- Mike is a patent attorney who helps clients protect their complex technologies and innovations through representation on all aspects of patent law, including patent counseling, advice and prosecution, transactions, contested proceedings, and opinion preparation
- He manages nationwide patent prosecution efforts for assorted technologies, overseeing similar efforts internationally, and counseling clients on the development and implementation of long-term patent portfolio strategies
- He is registered to practice before the U.S
- Patent and Trademark Office and has prepared numerous patent applications, responses and appeals
- He also represents clients in numerous vital matters that profoundly affect their portfolios and operations, including assessing competitor technologies, negotiating and preparing licenses and transfers, assisting with corporate transactions involving patent issues, conducting due diligence to support patent licenses, preparing patent opinions, and representing clients in adversarial proceedings before administrative agencies and courts throughout the country
- Mike has a sophisticated background in chemistry that enables him to develop patent portfolios covering a variety of products in the life sciences industry, including pharmaceuticals, biologics, diagnostics, genetics, and laboratory instruments and reagents
- He brings unique insights and experiences to other chemical industries and products, such as coatings and composites, skin care, renewable fuels, and health foods
- He has developed a well-earned reputation for providing helpful and practical advice on multimillion-dollar acquisitions and collaborations, including conducting risk assessments and preparing agreements that include intellectual property, corporate, antitrust and regulatory components
- Clients often have intellectual property situations that require creative solutions to ensure their portfolios are comprehensive and achieve their maximum potential
- Mike is a problem solver who excels at satisfying these needs, including identifying inspired ways to differentiate similar products to avoid infringement, and guiding researchers in the design of new products that are currently unavailable in the marketplace
Practice Areas Explained
Michael B. Harlin's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael B. Harlin handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Chicago.
Intellectual Property in Chicago
IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.
Michael B. Harlin is one of 105,285 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in Illinois →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Chicago
Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Chicago Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Chicago-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.
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Common Questions About Michael B. Harlin
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Chicago Choose Michael B. Harlin
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael B. Harlin's practice in the field of ip.
Focused IP Practice
Concentrating on ip means Michael B. Harlin's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Chicago
A Chicago-based practice means Michael B. Harlin attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Michael B. Harlin Handles in Chicago
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael B. Harlin has experience with under Illinois law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael B. Harlin directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Michael B. Harlin Online
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Michael B. Harlin's Practice Areas & Specializations
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