Harness IP

We’d like to thank Intellectual Property & Technology Journal for sharing a recent article from St. Louis-metro Principal Kisuk Lee explaining expedited utility patent application options. Lee shared the application requirements, regulatory incentives and limitations of utilizing the four remaining patent application options.

To learn more, click here: https://www.harnessip.com/news-and-awards/post-accelerated-examination-landscape/

This past week, our Troy team gathered for our annual company picnic — and it couldn’t have been a more beautiful day to celebrate together!

Our Troy office has been home to Harness IP for more than 35 years, and it’s always special to bring colleagues together in the place where so much of our history has been made. From great food to laughter with friends and co-workers, the day was a perfect reminder of the strong community we’ve built here.

As we look forward to our move to Bloomfield Hills, we carry with us the same spirit of connection, collaboration, and shared success — both in and out of the office.

Harness IP is proud to share that St. Louis–based Principal Joel Samuels has been selected as a mentor for the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Success in Law School Mentoring Program.

In this role, Joel will work one-on-one with a first-year law student from a diverse background, offering guidance, support, and encouragement throughout their first year of law school. This program is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in the legal profession by connecting experienced attorneys with the next generation of leaders.

We applaud Joel’s commitment to giving back and know his mentorship will have a long-lasting impact.

Learn more about the program here: https://www.lcld.com

We're excited to announce that a team of Harness IP attorneys will be attending the BioNTX 2025 iC³ Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit taking place September 16–17 in Dallas. This year’s focus on artificial intelligence in life sciences will bring together thought leaders, researchers, and innovators from across the region.

Representing Harness IP at iC³ this year are:

Chris Miller
Chris Cauble
Scott Yackey
Alexandra Fuchs
Michael Doerr
If you’ll also be at iC³, we’d love to connect. Reach out to our attorneys ahead of time or find us onsite to discuss how an intellectual property strategy can support your innovation and growth. Meet our attending attorneys: https://buff.ly/9AQINBP

Register for the Summit https://buff.ly/uUlW110

Let’s connect at IPO 2025!

Harness IP is proud to be participating in the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO) 2025 Annual Meeting, taking place September 7-9, 2025, in San Diego. This premier gathering of IP professionals brings together leaders from around the world to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and strengthen the future of intellectual property law.

Representing Harness IP this year will be:

Leanne Rakers, Principal

Christopher Cauble, Principal

Michael Gamble, Principal

Colleen Shovlin, Of Counsel

Brent Seitz, Principal

Robert (Bob) Siminski, Principal

Christopher Clayton, Associate

Keith Driscoll, Associate

Our team looks forward to connecting with peers, gaining new insights, and bringing fresh perspectives back to our clients. If you’ll be attending, we invite you to reach out and arrange a meeting during the conference.

📄 Meet our attending attorneys: https://buff.ly/9AQINBP

Harness IP is proud to announce that 51 of our attorneys have been honored in the Best Lawyers® 2026 listings.

In our St. Louis, Washington D.C., and Dallas Metro-based offices, 20 attorneys earned recognition across multiple intellectual property practice areas in The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. We’re especially proud of Douglas Robinson (St. Louis), who was named “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation – Intellectual Property.

Because Best Lawyers® is based solely on peer review, this recognition shows the high regard our colleagues in the legal community have for our team’s work. Congratulations to all!

To view the full list of Harness IP attorneys recognized in our Detroit, St. Louis, Washington D.C., and Dallas Metro offices, visit our website:https://buff.ly/fQJSIrA

St. Louis Metro:
Matthew L. Cutler
Anthony G. Fussner
Michael P. Kella
Greg W. Meyer
Brian G. Panka
Leanne M. Rakers
Douglas A. Robinson
Joel R. Samuels
Michael L. Smith
Michael J. Thomas
David J. Tucker
Joseph E. Walsh Jr.
Andrew C. Wegman
Bryan K. Wheelock

Washington D.C. Metro:
Paul Baszner
Peter Firey
Daniel Kim
Evan Liebovitz
Alexandra Fuchs

Dallas Metro:
Gerald T. Welch

Thank you to The National Law Review for sharing an article written by St. Louis Patent Agent Jordyn Grawe and Principal Leanne Rakers covering recent case rulings that have impacted Obviousness-Type Double Patenting. They shared the outcome of these rulings and how patent holders can best set themselves up for success.

To learn more, click here: https://buff.ly/31Rkg1N

We’re excited to celebrate Jerry Welch’s retirement after an incredible 45 years in intellectual property law! Jerry — a true pioneer — led the launch of Harness IP’s metro Dallas office 10 years ago and was instrumental in growing our footprint in Texas. His dedication, trusted advice, and client-first mindset have made a lasting difference for everyone he’s worked with.

Please join us in wishing Jerry all the best as he begins this new chapter beyond the legal world!

https://buff.ly/3ebwAWF

We’re proud to share that Bob Siminski, Detroit-based Principal, has been named a founding member and vice chair of the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO) Wellness Committee.

Bob’s commitment to fostering well-being in the IP community reflects our firm’s dedication to supporting both professional excellence and personal wellness. The IPO Wellness Committee is dedicated to promoting mental health, resilience, and a supportive culture across the intellectual property field.

If you're interested in learning more about the committee, feel free to reach out to Bob directly or visit the IPO Wellness Committee page.

You’re also invited to attend the Wellness Committee meeting (date TBD) during the IPO Annual Meeting, taking place September 7–9, 2025, in San Diego, CA.