Biography Photo of William J Hurles

William J. Hurles

Member

William has more than ten years of experience in all facets of intellectual property law, encompassing both domestic and international matters related to patents, trademarks, and copyrights. He has extensive expertise in filing and prosecuting patent and trademark applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Additionally, he advises clients on how to navigate competitor intellectual property rights when launching new products. His representation also includes handling patent invalidity challenges, such as inter partes review and ex parte reexamination proceedings, as well as assisting clients with Amazon® product listings, including proceedings under the Amazon Patent Evaluation Express (APEX) program.

William’s client work spans a diverse array of technology sectors, including automotive products, medical devices, consumer goods, software and sporting equipment.

Beyond his primary practice, William dedicates his time to supporting start-up companies, non-profit organizations, and students with intellectual property issues. He also actively represents the firm’s pro bono clients.

Education & Credentials

Education

Michigan State University

B.S., Mechanical Engineering, 2008

Wayne State University Law School

J.D., 2014
  • Dean’s Scholar Scholarship recipient

Bar Admission

  • Michigan
  • USPTO

Acknowledgements

  • Best Lawyers in America®
    • "Ones to Watch," Intellectual Property, 2024-2025

Prominent Assignments

Patent application preparation and prosecution worldwide, including significant experience in various technologies, including the following:

  • Automotive systems including powertrain, suspension, brake, closure, cooling and HVAC systems
  • Car wash systems
  • LED lighting systems
  • Medical devices, including cancer detection systems and catheters
  • Consumer products
  • Houseware products

Amazon product listing guidance, including the Amazon Patent Evaluation Express (APEX) program

Patentability searches and opinions

Patent freedom to operate/clearance opinions

Patent validity opinions

Patent infringement opinions

Ex Parte Reexamination proceedings

Inter Partes Review proceedings

Patent litigation support

Trademark opinions and applications

Copyright opinions and applications

Intellectual property portfolio management

Professional Involvement

  • Registered patent practitioner 

  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association (MIPLA), Secretary

Prior Professional Experience

  • Dickinson Wright PLLC; Intellectual Property Academy; 2010-2014
  • Siemens Energy, Inc.; Engineering Development Program - gas and steam turbine service engineering; 2009-2010
  • Chrysler, LLC; Manufacturing Engineering Intern; Summers of 2006, 2007 and 2008

Publications/Presentations

  • Author, "Accelerating Innovation for New Inventors: Inside the First-Time Filer Expedited Patent Pilot Program,” Dickinson Wright IP Blog, April 2024
  • Presenter, “Intellectual Property Basics for Small Businesses,” Goldman Sachs 10KSB Legal Clinic Alumni Event, Goldman Sachs / Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, August, 2023
  • Author, “A Seller’s Guide to Navigating Intellectual Property Law on Amazon,” Dickinson Wright Client Alert, Apr 2023
  • Panelist, “Goldman Sachs 10KSB Legal Clinic,” discussion on intellectual property strategies for small business owners, Goldman Sachs / Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 2022-2023
  • Presenter and panelist, “Accelerating Startup Partnership and Investment Readiness” event, intellectual property business strategy topics for medical technology startup companies, ASPIRE / Venturewell, Detroit, MI, November, 2017–2021
  • Author, “Amazon’s New Utility Patent Neutral Evaluation Process," Dickinson Wright IP Brief Blog, December 2020
  • Presenter and panelist, “Fortify Writers Retreat,” Intellectual Property topic discussion for writers, Write-A-House, Detroit, MI, 2018
  • Presenter, "Design Patent Challenging Tools," Dickinson Wright clients, Troy, MI 2018
  • Presenter, “Intellectual Property for Engineers & Entrepreneurs,” Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 2014–2015
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