Michael J. Allan

Michael Allan has a broad practice that involves the prosecution and defense of trademark, copyright, trade secret, false advertising, publicity rights, and patent claims. He has successfully litigated numerous intellectual property and other complex commercial litigation cases on behalf of his clients in the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, fashion, music, entertainment, and financial services industries.

He appears regularly in federal district and appellate courts throughout the country, as well as in administrative proceedings at the International Trade Commission (ITC) and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).

Mike has particular experience representing rights holders in the anti-piracy and anti-counterfeiting space. He represents clients in a broad range of issues relating to the transfer, exploitation, preservation, and protection of their rights in copyrightable works, as well as the prosecution and defense of trademark, trade dress, and trade secret infringement claims.

Mike also has substantial experience both prosecuting and defending Section 337 investigations before the International Trade Commission. Most recently, Mike served as lead counsel in defending a major Chinese steel manufacturer against Lanham Act (false designation or origin) and antitrust allegations.

In a matter that was closely watched by both the trade and international press, the Steptoe team prevailed on all claims resulting in termination of the investigation by the Commission. Mike has also brought and enforced trademark infringement claims at the ITC on behalf of Louis Vuitton and Clorox.

In addition, Mike is actively involved in counseling clients on intellectual property rights and enforcement strategies. Specifically, he has drafted and negotiated intellectual property agreements as well as counseled clients on due diligence reviews and intellectual property licensing and transfer agreements.

Mike serves as chair of Steptoe’s Copyright practice and as co-chair of the Trademark group.