Michael J. Swope

Partner

Seattle
T +1.206.332.1386
F +1.206.624.7317

Overview

Mike Swope represents and has represented clients for more than 25 years in the acquisition, enforcement and licensing of their intellectual property rights. Mike represents U.S. and international clients in technologies such as Internet-based communications, machine learning, data analytics, cloud computing, semiconductor manufacturing and various aspects of computer software such as database technology, computer graphics and security. He has also been involved in several high-tech litigation matters.

Michael earned a master's degree in computer science and concentrated in digital systems design, and subsequently worked for several years for well-known companies in the high-technology industry. While working for General Electric's Astro-Space Division, he was part of a team that developed the Mars Observer spacecraft, and he developed data warehousing technology when he worked at Apple Computer. 

Select Experience

  • Represented a leading provider of Internet services to the hospitality industry in licensing dispute.
  • Represented a large technology client in the acquisition of a portfolio of patents from another company. Analysis provided support for the acquisition valuation.
  • Represented a software company in the preparation and filing of inter partes reexamination resulting in rejection of claims asserted in corresponding multidefendant litigation.
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Experience

  • Represented a leading provider of Internet services to the hospitality industry in licensing dispute.
  • Represented a large technology client in the acquisition of a portfolio of patents from another company. Analysis provided support for the acquisition valuation.
  • Represented a software company in the preparation and filing of inter partes reexamination resulting in rejection of claims asserted in corresponding multidefendant litigation.
  • Co-authored an amicus brief arguing for appropriate tests to apply in determining the patentability of computer software inventions. The brief was filed with the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on behalf of the Washington State Patent Law Association.
  • Represented a semiconductor equipment manufacturing company in an infringement lawsuit brought by a nonpracticing entity. Negotiated a settlement that resolved the litigation.
  • Represented a leading provider of Internet services to the hospitality industry in an infringement lawsuit brought by a competitor. Negotiated a settlement that resolved the litigation.
  • Supported a patent infringement litigation brought against a large software company directed to database technology. Worked with multiple experts to prepare the expert reports on invalidity and noninfringement.
  • Represented a telecommunications equipment provider in a patent infringement litigation brought against a competitor company. The result was a settlement of $35 million in favor of the client.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • Managing Intellectual Property "IP Star" in Washington
  • IAM Patent 1000: The World's Leading Patent Practitioners
    • Washington: Recommended for Patent Prosecution (2014 to 2021)
    • Washington: Recommended for Patent Litigation (2020 to 2021)
    • Washington: Recommended for Patent Transactions (2021)

Memberships

  • Washington State Intellectual Property Law Association
    • Past President
    • Former Board Member
  • American Intellectual Property Law Association
  • King County Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section

Industries

Prior Positions

  • Woodcock Washburn LLP: Prosecution and Transaction Group Chair
  • Apple Computer: Software Engineer
  • SmithKline Beecham: Software Engineer
  • General Electric: Software Engineer, Astro-Space Division
  • Singer Kearfott: Software Engineer

Admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Registration No. 38,041
  • Washington
  • Pennsylvania [Inactive]

Education

  • J.D., Temple University Beasley School of Law, cum laude, Temple Law Review
  • M.S., Computer Science, Stevens Institute of Technology
  • B.S., Electronics Engineering, The College of New Jersey, cum laude