Thomas D. Helmholdt

I am the founding member of HELMHOLDT LAW PLC, which is located in Rochester Hills, Michigan.  I concentrate my practice on patent searches, patent application preparation and filing, patent application prosecution, validity studies, infringement opinions, freedom to operate studies, trademark searches, trademark application preparation and filing, trademark prosecution.  My experience includes mechanical devices, control systems, and electrical technologies, including automobile parts, automobile assembly and paint lines, robots, semiconductor fabrication equipment, piezoelectric actuators, natural resource conservation equipment, sporting goods, medical devices, and electronic communication equipment.  I frequently manage the filing of international and foreign patent applications.  I seek to understand my clients business as well as their technology.  My approach is to work as a strategic partner to my clients, helping them to acquire intellectual property rights that provide economic advantages and create meaningful barriers to competition.  I am a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan.  Prior to becoming an attorney, I worked as an engineer in the construction industry, and as a plant engineer.  I have worked closely with automotive companies, international automotive OEM and after market parts suppliers, international assembly line suppliers, automotive robotic painting and welding equipment suppliers, semiconductor fabrication equipment suppliers, as well as smaller companies and research universities.