Michael G. Monyok

Partner

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Areas of practice

Education

  • J.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Law
  • B.S., Carnegie Mellon University

Bar Admissions

  • Pennsylvania

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (registered patent attorney)
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania

Biography

Michael Monyok focuses his practice on intellectual property matters and represents startups to large public companies in all aspects of intellectual property procurement, management, licensing, and litigation.  In addition, Michael assists startups and emerging businesses navigate the complex legal issues that often face new ventures, from entity creation to a successful exit.  Beyond patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, Michael’s work extends to all facets of the law involving technology.  With a background in engineering, Michael brings an engineer’s problem-solving mindset to complex, technical legal matters.

Professional/Community Involvement

  • American Intellectual Property Law Association, Member
  • Pittsburgh Intellectual Property Law Association, Member
  • Meritas – Global Information Technology Group
  • The Q. Todd Dickinson Intellectual Property American Inn of Court, Barrister
  • Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association, Member
  • Three Rivers Venture Fair, Coach’s Committee
  • Penn State Venture and IP Conference, Coach’s Committee
  • Carnegie Mellon University Venture Challenge, Judge
  • Sewickley Valley YMCA – Volunteer Coach

Additional Information

Michael is a native Pittsburgher and currently resides in Sewickley with his wife and children.  As a former swimmer and captain of his college swim team, Michael can be found at the local YMCA volunteering with his kids’ swim team when he is not immersed with the latest inventions.

Representative Matters

  • Working with inventors in preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the U.S., Europe, Japan, Canada, Australia, China, and several other countries.
  • Assisting clients in legal matters involving complex technologies, including machine-vision guidance systems, human/computer interaction, robotics, data processing, and nano-materials.
  • Representing client at the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board.
  • Drafting license agreements involving patents, sponsored research, emerging technology, name/image/likeness, and other IP rights.
  • Litigating patent, trademark, and copyright infringement matters.
  • Counseling clients seeking venture funding.
  • Advising clients experiencing a cybersecurity breach or data security issues.
  • Has secured over 50 patents for clients.

Education

  • J.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Law
    • IP and Technology Law Certificate
  • B.S. in Chemical Engineering and in Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University

Communications

Publications

  • “There Are Limits to Flag Designs in Registered Trademarks,” MUS Blog. June 26, 2019.
  • “Protecting Client Data is Key – But Don’t Forget Employee Data,” Accounting Today, April 22, 2019.
  • “A Global Roadmap to Personal Data Protection – Asia Pacific, Europe & USA, 1st Edition”, Meritas, September 2018.
  • “Are Company Board Members Doing Enough to Stop Cybercrime?” The Colorado 100, November 27, 2017.
  • “Construction Could Be the Next Target for Cyberthreats,” Property Casualty 360°, September 2017.
  • “Construction Could Be the Next Target for Cyberthreats,” The Legal Intelligencer, August 2017.
  • “Congress Aims at Protecting Small Businesses From Cyberthreats,” The Legal Intelligencer, June 2017.
  • “Foreign Direct Investment: A View from the Inside”, Contributor, The Global Legal Post, 2016.
  • “Five Key Aspects of New Federal Trade Secret Protection Law,” MUS Client Advisory, May 13, 2016.
  • “3-D Printing Creates new Dimension of IP Concerns,” The Legal Intelligencer, April 2015.
  • “Business Workshop: Consumers, Not Judges, Get to Decide Trademarks,” Pittsburgh Post- Gazette Business Workshop, March 3, 2015.

Speaking Engagements

  • “A Primer on NFTs: What Do You Really Own?” The Legal Intelligencer. May 26, 2021.
  • “Intellectual Property: What You Need to Know,” Presenter, The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University, June 19, 2018.
  • “Cybersecurity Guidelines,” Presenter, consortium of trustees for municipal pensions, May 23, 2018.
  • “Cybersecurity and the Construction Industry,” Presenter, Advisory Board Meeting of a Fortune 500 company, May 9, 2018.
  • “Business Practices & Considerations for a Healthy Business,” Presenter, The Institute For Entrepreneurial Excellence at The University of Pittsburgh, September 11, 2017.
  • “The Second Step: Practical Legal Considerations for Your Growing Business,” Presenter, The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University, April 12, 2017.
  • “Legal Basics Bootcamp,” Presenter, The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University, September 22, 2016.
  • “Legal Considerations,” Speaker, The Author’s Zone Writers Conference, September 10, 2016.