Michael J. Steger

Michael J. Steger is a Partner at Hauptman Ham, LLP, focusing his practice on intellectual property law with an emphasis on patent prosecution and strategy. With a career built on precision, depth of knowledge, and a practical approach to complex legal and technical challenges, Michael has become a trusted advisor to clients ranging from individual inventors to multinational corporations.

Michael’s work spans all stages of the patent lifecycle, from early-stage invention disclosure and application drafting to prosecution and appeals before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Michael has drafted hundreds of patent applications and successfully prosecuted countless more, helping clients secure meaningful protection for their innovations across a broad spectrum of technologies. He also provides strategic counsel regarding patentability, infringement, and freedom-to-operate issues, and regularly advises on the development and management of patent portfolios aligned with business goals. Additionally, Michael has experience helping clients with transactional and licensing matters, as well as in post-grant proceedings including inter partes review (IPR), post-grant review (PGR), supplemental reexamination, ex parte reexamination, and reissue matters.

Known for having a broad technical fluency, Michael has parlayed his educational background in mechanical engineering and microelectronics into a flourishing legal career in which he engages deeply with a wide variety of technical subject matter.

Michael’s experience includes work on telecommunications and mobile technologies, including signal processing, device architecture, and network optimization. He has advised on the design and implementation of complex networking systems and cloud-based infrastructures, supporting clients developing scalable and secure computing environments. Michael has worked extensively with algorithmic design, data encryption, and behavioral modeling – technologies that are foundational to cybersecurity, personalization systems, and intelligent automation.

He also represents clients whose innovations involve technologies such as interactive media, video game development and social networking platforms, as well as in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and financial technology. Some of his recent work has involved innovations associated with machine learning models, neural networks, blockchain platforms, payment systems, and algorithmic trading technologies. Michael’s ability to connect core technical principles with evolving commercial applications makes him a valuable partner for clients operating at the forefront of innovation.

In addition to his practice experience and expertise in various computing and software-related areas, Michael has significant patent experience in hardware technologies including advanced data processors and embedded systems, semiconductors, optoelectronic devices, display technologies, and circuit design. Michael also has substantial patent experience in automotive technologies such as vehicle frames, engines, controls, batteries, braking systems, airbags, seating, tires, and autonomous driving. Additionally, Michael has advised clients in patent matters related to baby strollers, travel systems, and other baby-related products, printing systems, HVAC systems, home automation, multi-surface floor cleaners, golf equipment, transmissive films, filtrations, and adhesives.

Michael is passionate about strong attorney-client relationships and ensures clients fully understand the legal and technical issues at hand, as well as the complexities of dealing with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office – making him a valuable member of the Hauptman Ham team and an asset to every client he serves.