Erin K. Bowles

Patent Prosecution & Post-Grant Proceedings

Michigan OfficeP (248) 226-2703

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Erin's practice involves counseling domestic and international clients from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies on their intellectual property portfolios, with a focus on obtaining domestic and foreign patents and handling patent prosecution procedures. Her practice also includes patentability investigations, infringement and right-to-use analysis, and intellectual property transactions and licensing agreements, trademark, trade dress, and copyright issues.

Erin has an expansive understanding of various mechanical and electromechanical technologies. In particular, she has experience representing clients and protecting intellectual property rights in the alternative energy, medical device, automotive technology, optics and lighting, aviation technology, and personal care product industries, among others.

Erin brings nearly a decade of engineering experience to her law practice. During this time, Erin gained technical experience in a broad range of positions including product design, manufacturing, program management and technical sales. These experiences provide Erin with an expansive understanding of broad range of technologies such as solar power, plastic injection molding, and complex automotive sensors and control systems. While working for major international companies, Erin's involvement extended beyond daily engineering activities and crossed international boundaries. For example, Erin managed the development of advanced components from a network of global facilities and coordinated with foreign subsidiaries to design and manufacture products for international programs.

Prior to joining Brooks Kushman, Erin worked at an intellectual property firm, as well as in the legal department of an automotive original equipment manufacturer. She also studied international patent law at the Max Plank Institute in Munich. While in Munich, Erin learned about the patent process at the European Patent Office and met with the intellectual property departments of several international companies.

This combination of diverse experiences provides Erin with an excellent understanding of the many aspects of intellectual property. Moreover, Erin's experience gives her insight into the intellectual property management challenges for both domestic and international companies in today`s global marketplace.

When she is not at the office, you are most likely to find Erin on the water paddle boarding, waterskiing, wake surfing, kiteboarding, or pretty much any water sport. She also enjoys travelling, and her goal is to visit a new country every year.

Organizations and Affiliations

Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO), Member of Women in IP Law Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Committee

Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, ’19 Fellow

State Bar of Michigan

Federal Bar Association

Oakland County Bar Association

Women Lawyer Association of Michigan

Press Releases

    Client Alerts

      Media Coverage

      Featured, “Ford Wins More Hybrid Vehicle Patent Appeal Board Reviews,” Law360, November 2015

      Featured, “USPTO Rules for Ford in Dispute Over Hybrid Vehicle Tech,” Law360, September 2015

      Publications

      Co-Author, “PTAB Remains Consistent from Institution to Final Decision in First Group of IPR’s Decided Together, Offering Important Lessons for Practitioners,” Law360, March 2014

      Presentations

      Speaker, “Don’t Let Your IP Go Up In Smoke!” Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) 4th Annual Marijuana Law Conference, October 2019

      Speaker, “One Spec to Rule Them All,” Association of Intellectual Property (APIF) Annual Meeting, September 2019

      Panel Speaker, “Practical Tips in US Prosecution,” Intellectual Property Resources’ Best Practices in Intellectual Property Conference, May 2016

      Speaker, “12 Intellectual Property Mistakes & How To Avoid Them,” Brooks Kushman Lunch & Learn, November 2013

       

      Education

      J.D., Wayne State University Law School, cum laude

      B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, cum laude

      Practice Area and Industries