Foley & Lardner LLP: Marcus W. Sprow

In today's rapidly evolving technological and manufacturing landscapes, innovation is the lifeblood of many businesses. For companies across Michigan, from the thriving automotive industry to cutting-edge technology and manufacturing sectors, safeguarding intellectual property (IP) is not merely a legal formality; it's a strategic imperative. When it comes to navigating the intricate world of patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and other IP concerns, having a highly specialized and experienced legal partner is essential. In the heart of Detroit, you'll find Marcus W. Sprow, a distinguished patent attorney and a key leader at the nationally recognized law firm Foley & Lardner LLP. This article will provide an in-depth look at Mr. Sprow's expertise and the comprehensive IP services offered by Foley & Lardner LLP, highlighting why they are a vital resource for innovators and businesses throughout the Wolverine State.

Marcus W. Sprow is a partner and registered patent attorney with Foley & Lardner LLP, where his leadership roles are extensive. He serves as vice-chair of the firm's Intellectual Property Department, the managing partner of the Detroit office, and leads the Intellectual Property practice for that office. Furthermore, he is a member of the firm's Business Practices Committee, a co-lead of the Electrified Mobility group, and a vital member of the Automotive, Technology, and Manufacturing Industry Teams. This impressive array of responsibilities underscores his deep expertise and strategic influence within the firm.

Mr. Sprow's technical background is exceptionally diverse, covering a wide range of disciplines crucial to modern industries. This includes batteries, capacitors, fuel cells, integrated circuit design and manufacturing, semiconductor fabrication equipment and technology, material synthesis and characterization, metal coatings, automotive systems and components, and power tools. He also possesses prior engineering experience in automotive brake formulation and production, as well as high-temperature metal alloys used in jet turbine engines. His particular strength lies in energy storage systems, batteries (lithium-ion, nickel-metal-hydride, lead-acid, metal-air), capacitor technology, and vehicle electrification. He has expertly assisted clients in protecting technologies related to chemistry, cell design, vehicle and system integration, thermal management, manufacturing techniques, and control software. Marcus has served as outside counsel to some of the world's largest automotive battery manufacturers, global medical device companies, and providers of energy storage solutions, showcasing his extensive client base and high-level engagement in critical sectors. Beyond managing vast IP portfolios, Mr. Sprow and his team provide comprehensive IP counseling, including due diligence, licensing, contract negotiation, bankruptcy and M&A IP considerations, and freedom-to-practice issues. His notable work in design patents, having helped clients pursue several thousand worldwide, further exemplifies his versatile and impactful practice, protecting creative endeavors for clients ranging from kitchen products to graphical user interfaces.

For businesses and innovators in Michigan, the physical location and accessibility of their intellectual property counsel are paramount. Foley & Lardner LLP's Detroit office, where Marcus W. Sprow is the managing partner, is strategically located in the heart of downtown Detroit, at 500 Woodward Ave STE 2700, Detroit, MI 48226, USA. This prominent address within One Detroit Center places the firm in the vibrant core of the city's business and financial district.

This central location offers significant advantages for clients across Michigan. It provides excellent connectivity to major roadways and is well-served by public transportation, facilitating convenient access for companies and individuals traveling from various parts of the metropolitan area and other regions of the state. The professional and state-of-the-art environment of their offices within a prestigious building ensures a conducive setting for confidential discussions regarding sensitive intellectual property matters. Its proximity to federal courthouses and other essential legal infrastructure in downtown Detroit also streamlines the legal process for IP-related litigation. This strategic placement underscores Foley & Lardner LLP's commitment to being a readily available and easily accessible resource for Michigan's diverse industrial and technological sectors, ensuring that clients can engage with their expert IP legal team without unnecessary logistical challenges.

Marcus W. Sprow, as a leader in Foley & Lardner LLP's Intellectual Property Department and the Detroit office managing partner, offers specialized and comprehensive legal services primarily focused on intellectual property, particularly for the automotive, technology, and manufacturing industries. The Detroit office, as part of a national full-service firm, can also provide broader business legal support. Key services offered by Marcus W. Sprow and his team include, but are not limited to:

• Strategic Patent Procurement and Portfolio Management: Assisting clients in obtaining and managing extensive patent portfolios, both domestically and internationally, to strategically protect their innovations.
• Trade Secret Protection and Enforcement: Providing counsel on identifying, protecting, and enforcing trade secrets to maintain competitive advantages.
• Patent Clearance and Freedom-to-Operate Analyses: Conducting thorough analyses to ensure clients' products and processes do not infringe on existing patents, mitigating legal risks.
• Intellectual Property Considerations in Business Transactions: Guiding clients on IP aspects during bankruptcy proceedings, mergers, acquisitions, and other business transactions, ensuring IP assets are properly valued and protected.
• Design Rights and Design Patent Prosecution/Enforcement: Expertise in obtaining and enforcing design patents worldwide for a diverse range of products, protecting aesthetic and functional designs.
• Intellectual Property Rights under U.S. Government Funding Contracts: Advising on the complex IP rights and obligations that arise from government-funded projects.
• Agreement Negotiation and Analysis: Drafting and negotiating critical agreements such as confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements, joint development agreements, consulting service agreements, and license arrangements.
• Intellectual Property Asset Valuations: Providing expertise in valuing IP assets for various business purposes.
• Risk Avoidance Strategies for Technology-Focused Companies: Developing proactive strategies to help technology and manufacturing companies minimize IP-related legal risks.
• IP Due Diligence: Conducting detailed IP due diligence for venture capitalists assessing investments in start-up companies.

• Specialized IP Expertise: Marcus W. Sprow is a highly specialized registered patent attorney with extensive experience across a wide array of technical disciplines, including cutting-edge areas like energy storage, batteries, fuel cells, and vehicle electrification.
• Leadership Role at a National Firm: As managing partner of the Detroit office and vice-chair of the national IP Department at Foley & Lardner LLP, Mr. Sprow brings the resources and collective expertise of a large, highly respected national law firm to Michigan clients.
• Industry-Focused Approach: His integral role in the Automotive, Technology, and Manufacturing Industry Teams means he possesses a deep understanding of the unique IP challenges and opportunities facing Michigan's core industries.
• Comprehensive IP Services: Beyond patent prosecution, Mr. Sprow provides end-to-end IP counseling, covering everything from strategic portfolio management and trade secret protection to IP due diligence in complex transactions and design patent enforcement.
• Proven Track Record: His success in helping clients protect their technology and manage vast IP portfolios, including serving major global manufacturers, demonstrates his effectiveness and trusted advisor status.
• Recognized Professional: Mr. Sprow has been recognized by prestigious publications like IAM Patent 1000 and DBusiness Top Lawyers, affirming his standing among the leading patent practitioners.
• Accessible Detroit Location: Located in a premier downtown Detroit building, the office offers convenient access for Michigan businesses and innovators seeking top-tier IP counsel.

As a leading attorney at Foley & Lardner LLP, a prominent national law firm known for its sophisticated and specialized legal services, Marcus W. Sprow's practice operates on a professional service model rather than offering retail-style "promotions" or "special offers." The firm's focus is on delivering high-value, strategic legal solutions for complex intellectual property and business matters that often involve significant innovation and substantial corporate interests.

The fees for such specialized legal services are typically determined by the extensive experience and expertise of the attorneys, the intricate nature of the legal issues involved, and the comprehensive resources required to effectively manage and protect clients' intellectual property assets. While direct discounts are not a standard offering, potential clients in Michigan who are interested in leveraging Mr. Sprow's unparalleled IP expertise are strongly encouraged to schedule an initial consultation. This meeting provides an invaluable opportunity to discuss specific intellectual property challenges, gain a preliminary understanding of potential strategies, and clarify the firm's approach to engagement and fee structures. Directly contacting Foley & Lardner LLP's Detroit office is the most effective way to learn more about how Mr. Sprow and his team can assist with your unique IP needs.

For businesses, innovators, and individuals in Michigan seeking expert intellectual property legal guidance from Marcus W. Sprow and the team at Foley & Lardner LLP, the contact details for their Detroit office are as follows:

• Address: 500 Woodward Ave STE 2700, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
• Phone: (313) 234-7150
• Mobile Phone: +1 313-234-7150

Reaching out via phone is the most direct way to initiate contact, discuss your intellectual property concerns, and inquire about scheduling a consultation to explore how their specialized expertise can benefit your innovations and business operations.

For Michigan businesses, particularly those in the automotive, technology, and manufacturing sectors, and for innovators seeking to protect their intellectual property, Marcus W. Sprow at Foley & Lardner LLP's Detroit office is an exceptionally suitable and strategic choice for legal counsel. The state of Michigan is a hub of industrial and technological advancement, and protecting the innovations born here is paramount to competitive advantage and economic growth. Mr. Sprow's deep, specialized expertise in areas like energy storage, batteries, and vehicle electrification directly aligns with the core industries driving Michigan's economy. This means that local companies can access legal advice from an attorney who not only understands IP law but also speaks the language of their specific technical and market challenges.

His leadership roles within a national firm like Foley & Lardner LLP provide Michigan clients with the best of both worlds: localized, dedicated attention within Detroit, backed by the vast resources, collective knowledge, and global reach of a top-tier legal institution. For companies navigating complex patent applications, defending against infringement claims, conducting IP due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, or securing trade secrets, having a managing partner of the Detroit office and a vice-chair of the national IP department on their side is a significant advantage. This level of expertise ensures that Michigan's innovative spirit is legally well-protected, allowing businesses to thrive and expand with confidence. Marcus W. Sprow is not just an IP lawyer; he is a strategic partner for Michigan's industrial and technological future, offering the precise legal acumen needed to safeguard valuable intellectual assets.