Michael DiNardo | Woodland Hills Intellectual Property Lawyer

• State Bar of California | Member
• Virginia State Bar | Member
• American Bar Association | Member
• American Intellectual Property Law Association | Member
• Los Angeles Intellectual Property Law Association | Member

I recently helped a client obtain a patent to protect a novel concept for using dielectric materials to generate electrical current using natural or artificial fluid flows or fluctuations. The client had tried unsuccessfully on his own to prosecute the patent. After reviewing his historical applications and the prior art cited by the patent office, I was able to prepare an updated continuation application and submit a set of claims that received a notice of allowance after minimal review by the patent office.

Throughout my twenty-plus years, I have endeavored to listen to the wants and needs of my clients, so that I can provide responsive and timely service. In addition to the wants and needs of my clients, I also consider and explain the estimated costs of such service and explain that in relation to the benefits the client is likely to receive. I have found this approach fosters confidence in my advice and work, as most of my clients stay with me long-term.

A lawyer that is honest and explains not only the work that that meets the client's needs, but also the cost of the work in relation to the client's budget.

My IP work mostly relies on Federal law, where local knowledge is not as important. However, some aspects, such as state trademark registrations for goods and services that cannot be registered under Federal law, rely on state procedures for such protection. We are familiar with those state procedures and have successfully obtained registrations for client's in such areas.

Initial phone consultations are typically only for introduction. However, such phone consultations can move into substantive areas where we actually discuss the client's needs, outline possible services, and summarize estimated costs. Most of our non-litigation IP services are billed on a quasi-flat fee basis, meaning the scope of work is presented with an estimated attorneys fees range (and all out-of-pocket expenses). The initial phone consultation would be included in this estimate and there would be no charge if we don't do the work. Litigation work is typically billed hourly, but the initial consultations are typically no charged.

Generally, we need to know about the client. his/her business, the IP to be protected, and any potential enforcement needs. Although not necessary, it is usually helpful to receive an IP disclosure in the initial consultation (particularly for patent work), but we understand if the client wants to wait for a later consultation.

I believe that my willingness to explain the possible benefits (or absence of benefits) to a client, even at the expense of not getting the business.

I find it very rewarding to help a client build a portfolio of IP registrations (patents, trademarks, and copyrights) that add value to their business. This portfolio either enables to the clients to enforce their IP rights or sell the IP portfolio for a greater price.

I enjoy reading and writing science fiction and fantasy stories. I also enjoy being in nature - hiking, camping, or the beach.

I am involved in my son's school activities. Throughout elementary and middle schools, I worked with the drama programs helping to build stage sets twice a year for their big shows.