Paul B. Stephens’ practice involves all aspects of patent law relating to the electrical and mechanical arts, including prosecution, counseling, opinions and litigation. His experience covers a wide array of technologies, including:
- Computer hardware and software
- Wireless and wired communications (devices, backbone infrastructures, ASICS, and signal processing)
- Photonics and laser systems
- Imaging systems
- Semiconductor devices and fabrication techniques
- Display technology
- Medical devices, sensors, and imaging equipment
- Various mechanical devices, including pumping systems, actuators and material handling and dock-related products.
While broad in scope, Mr. Stephens’ prosecution practice has particular focus in the optical, laser and photonic arts, where he has represented clients in technologies including optical flip-chip devices, holographic and adaptive optics, spectroscopy, imaging, optical switches, optoelectronic sensors, thin films, and short-pulse laser systems.
Within his litigation practice, Mr. Stephens has represented clients in patent, trademark and trade dress litigation. Mr. Stephens has managed the technical aspects of the liability phases of numerous litigation matters. Mr. Stephens has served as second chair in a patent infringement jury trial, and has extensive experience in depositions, motion practice, and expert witness preparation.
Mr. Stephens manages the firm’s pro bono committee and is a longstanding member of the firm's recruiting committee.
Mr. Stephens received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1998. Mr. Stephens received his M.S.E. in Electrical Engineering and his B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering, magna cum laude, both from the University of Michigan College of Engineering. Mr. Stephens' graduate research was performed at the National Science Foundation Center for Ultrafast Optical Science in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
