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Michael Essien

also known as Mike
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2018. Read more
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Avvo Rating5.1
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About Michael

Experienced intellectual property attorney (also an inventor), in chemical and mechanical arts.  Trademark and copyright protection and infringement issues for both individual and corporate clients. Licensed to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Practice areas

BusinessIntellectual propertyTrademark applicationPatent application
  1. Patent application: 30%

    Patent prosecution, invention counseling and strategic planning

    22 years

  2. Trademark application: 25%

  3. Intellectual property: 25%

    Patent prosecution, opinions, trademark, copyright, due diligence, licensing, infringement, product clearance

    22 years

  4. Business: 20%

    Contracts, Licenses, Incorporation and Dissolution, Counseling

    20 years

Languages spoken

French, Spanish, English

Photos and videos

1795856 1238595492

Contact

2147 University Avenue West
address map

Essien Law Office, PLLC

2147 University Avenue West
Suite 109
St Paul, MN, 55114

3936 Hwy 52 North
Suite 212
Rochester, MN, 55901

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
MNAuthorized to Practice200212/17/2020

Professional misconduct


This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority.

  • Suspension/Probation
    issued in MN, 2018

    updated on 08/13/2019

    This type of suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time, and must meet State ordered requirements. While on probation, the State monitors the lawyer's activities in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Avvo Contributions
Legal answers295
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Alumni Award of MeritWilliam Mitchell College of Law2002
License to Practice Before USPTOUS Patent and Trademark Office2002
Staff member - Law ReviewWilliam Mitchell College of Law2001
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
IP Institute Advisory BoardMitchellHamline School of Law2019 - Present
Adjunct ProfessorUniversity Of Minnesota2018 - Present
Adjunct ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin, Stout2014 - Present
Attorney/PrincipalEssien Law Office, PLLC2010 - Present
IP Attorney, PartnerFondungallah Kigham & Essien, LLC2006 - 2010
Patent AttorneyBlackwell Igbanugo PA2004 - 2006
IP AttorneyLarkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren2002 - 2004
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Minnesota Association of Black LawyersImmediate Past President2018 - Present
Minnesota State Bar AssociationDiveristy & Inclusion Council2017 - Present
Books for AfricaAdvisory Board - Law and Democracy Initiative2017 - Present
NIDO AmericasLegal Adviser2014 - Present
Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality AllianceLegal Counsel2004 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember2002 - Present
Minnesota State Bar AssocationMember2002 - Present
Minnesota Association of Black LawyersMember2002 - Present
Minnesota Intellectual Property Law AssociationMember1998 - Present
Minnesota Association of Black LawyersPresident2016 - 2018
Minnesota Association of Black LawyersVice President2015 - 2016
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
MIPLA New MatterImplementation of the Madrid Protocol2003
MN LawyerUS Accedes to the Madrid Protocol2002
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
William Mitchell College of LawJuris Doctor2002
University of OklahomaB.S.ChE1987
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
NIDO Calgary Professional DevelopmentSkills Development and Enhancement2015
DEED - Doing Business in NigeriaGood Governance - Basis for Sustainable Democracy2014
Doing Business in NigeriaLegal Aspects of Doing Business in Nigeria2013
Business IncubationReviewing Nigeria's IP Rights in Business Incubation and IT2011
AUST PresentsTechnology Transfer and IP rights2009
Minnesota IP InstituteIntellectual Property Ethics2008
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
DDBH, LLC, et .al. v. JODOCOAM, LLC et.al.Not yet resolved
Seahawk Logistics, Inc. v. Sanya Imports, LLCNot yet resolved
Last v. TLC Milimeter Wave ProductsSettled
Sunrise Development, LLC v. United Solar Consultants, INcSettled
Crutchfield Dermatology, P.A. vs. Sensus Healthcare, LLCSettled
Skyline Displays, Inc. d/b/a Skyline Exhibits v. Hangzhou Skyi Display Equipment Co., Ltd.Domain Name transfer affirmed

Reviews

(6)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Michael Essien

Branch retail store in US

Posted by

We discussed about my goal to open the branch retail store in US with mike. He is really nice person. Thanks!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Owner / Operator

Posted by

My attorney has been a blessing and enlightenment for my business. For this the business has received guidance, assistance and opportunities that was revealed through Mr.Michael Essien. Thank you, Peace & Prosperity, Monique Hair Company Yvette
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Brilliant Mind

Posted by

Mike is very knowledgeable in basically all aspects of law, but a brilliant mind in the areas of contract and patent law. Smart and unassuming. Soft spoken, direct with no pretensions. In my opinion, a legal luminary. Will recommend him anytime.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Top Notch Attorney

Posted by

Mike has been our legal counsel for more than 5 years. He has filed trademarks applications, assisted with immigration filings, reviewed all of our contracts and drafted confidentiality/non disclosure documents for us to use with our consultants. He is timely, fair priced and thorough. I could not be more satisfied with the work he has done for us over the years. He continues to be our legal counsel.

A remarkable lawyer with great expertise and insight in what he does. He is one to review any contract. Ask him before you sign.

Posted by

Mr. Mike Essien has been a wonderful resource with a very balanced approach and expertise in a wide range of legal matters. He is able to discern the areas most people would easily overlook. He does leave you with peace of mind knowing that in this uncertain world of ours, someone is got your back. I continue to work with him and would hire him again.

Knowledgable Attorney that can get the job done!

Posted by

He has submitted a ptent for me when I had little time to get it done. I will use him for all my companies needs.

Attorney endorsements

(8)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Brian Freeman, Patent application Attorney on May 27, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Emem Akpabio, Intellectual property Attorney on Nov 28, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Smart and hardworking attorney. Will fight hard for your case. I endorse this attorney.

Maria Mitchell, Business Attorney on Feb 15, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. This lawyer has excellent skills in the area of non-profit law and foundations. He is a pleasure to work with and knowledgeable.

Tatiana Kadetskaya

Excellent lawyer. Well respected.

Michael Doland, Corporate and incorporation Attorney on Apr 29, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I just finished reading an answer of Mr. Essien. It was accurate, analytic and very much customized to the needs of the Avvo asker. These are exactly the qualities that every client would be looking for when hiring an attorney.

Alicia James, Corporate and incorporation Attorney on Mar 6, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Paschal Nwokocha, Intellectual property Attorney on Mar 1, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mike is a very dedicated professional, thorough and a high achiever. He has the respect and admiration of his colleagues I strongly endorse him.

Michael Fondungallah, Intellectual property Attorney on Feb 25, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.