Intellectual property isn’t just about paperwork – it’s truly about Return on Innovation^®.  Registered Patent Attorney Mikal-Ellen (pronounced “Michael-Ellen”) helps clients do just that by protecting and maximizing patents, trademarks and intellectual property assets. From local startups to international businesses, she helps clients navigate and secure the complexities of their intellectual property portfolios on a global scale.

Mikal-Ellen’s diverse background makes her a uniquely versatile advocate. Armed with graduate-level training in biochemistry, as well as corporate defense and financial litigation experience, she looks at legal challenges from every angle. Her comprehensive intellectual property attorney practice spans the entire lifecycle of brand protection – from conducting thorough trademark clearance searches and IP audits and prosecuting trademark applications to responding to USPTO office actions and counseling businesses on patent infringement and long-term IP portfolio growth. She also acts as a vital transactional partner, drafting complex commercial, licensing, and manufacturing contracts that protect her clients’ operational and proprietary interests.

Deeply rooted in West Virginia, Mikal-Ellen earned her J.D. from WVU’s College of Law in 2005. Today, she leads the state’s Intellectual Property community as Chair of the West Virginia Bar’s Intellectual Property Committee. She frequently educates fellow attorneys and writes published pieces in the legal field, including articles on evolving legal sectors like sports wagering and marijuana legislation.

A true “sports nut” who loves a good statistics deep-dive, Mikal-Ellen is a passionate, lifelong follower of all things WVU Mountaineers. Her favorite downtime involves family, a great book, fresh air, and the company of her parents, her daughter and “granddog,” and her energetic Whippador.

Return on Innovation® is a registered trademark of Sand, Sebolt & Wernow LPA.  United States Trademark Registration No. 5,252,196.