Nixon & Vanderhye

overview

Michael J. Keenan

Mr. Keenan has over 35 years of experience in intellectual property matters, primarily in the mechanical and design fields. Mr. Keenan’s practice is focused on patent prosecution, patent law opinions, patent licensing and related matters for a variety of U.S. and overseas clients.

In addition to preparing and prosecuting hundreds of patent applications for filing in the United States, Europe and Asia, Mr. Keenan has extensive experience in reexamination proceedings, representing both patentees and third party requestors, as well as in the preparation of opinions relating to patentability, validity and infringement issues. Mr. Keenan has also provided litigation support in a variety of cases.

Prior to joining Nixon & Vanderhye in 1986, Mr. Keenan spent several years in the United States Patent & Trademark Office, culminating with his appointment to the position of Examiner-In-Chief on the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (1983-1986). During his stay at the USPTO (1969-1986), he quickly moved beyond his initial patent examination duties. He was selected for participation in the Department of Commerce, Science and Technology Fellowship Program (1975); served as a Law Clerk to the Deputy Commissioner for Patents (1976); served as Acting Director of the Office of Government Employee Inventions (1977); participated as a Staff Assistant for the Domestic Policy Review of Industrial Innovation (1978); and served as Acting Examiner-in-Chief (1980-1983).

Mr. Keenan is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and is a member of the bars of Virginia and the District of Columbia; he is also a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association and the American Bar Association.

Education

• University of Detroit (B.M.E., Mechanical Engineering, 1969)
• Georgetown University (J.D., 1974)

Direct Contact

• Phone: 1-703-816-4016
• Fax: 1-703-816-4100
• email: mjk@nixonvan.com

download vCard