admin Michael Kaminski is a seasoned intellectual property attorney with extensive experience in litigating, prosecuting, and advising clients, particularly in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and chemical engineering sectors. He has a strong track record of leading “first chair” litigation in Federal District Court and possesses valuable appellate court experience.
Michael’s legal practice spans a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, LEDs, automotive safety devices, radiological contrast agents, paint spray booth additives, distillation column packing, sports equipment, and food technologies. His involvement in ANDA litigation and other complex litigations underscores his deep expertise in intellectual property law.
In addition to his litigation work, Michael serves as the co-managing partner of the firm’s Tokyo office. He previously held the role of operations chair for the IP Department, where he was responsible for overseeing the department’s support structure, implementing best practices, and driving quality assurance initiatives and training programs.
“At Foley and Aoyama & Partners, we transcend legal boundaries to address the ever-changing needs of our clients, acting as trusted advisors to deliver innovative, practical, and effective solutions.”
– Michael D Kaminski
Michael is an integral member of the firm’s IP Litigation, Mechanical & Electromechanical Technologies, and Chemical, Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Practices. His background as a research chemical engineer for a major oil company and chemical company prior to entering law school provides him with a unique perspective and valuable insights into the technical aspects of his legal practice.
Specializations and Education
Michael Kaminski is a distinguished attorney specializing in various practice areas, including Chemical, Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical law, IP Asset Management, IP Due Diligence, IP Litigation, ITC Section 337 Proceedings, Intellectual Property law, Mechanical & Electromechanical Technologies, PTAB Trials, and Patent Litigation. His extensive expertise also extends to the Japanese legal landscape.
Michael holds a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from the University of Michigan Law School, where he served as the executive editor of the Michigan Yearbook of International Legal Studies. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering, a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, and a Bachelor of Arts in communications, all with high honors, from the University of Michigan.
Awards and Recognition
- Professional designation of “Master Advocate” by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA®)
- Peer Review Rated as AV Preeminent®, the highest performance rating in Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review RatingsTM system, for 20 years including currently
- Named as a Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific (2020)
- Selected to appear in IP Stars from Managing IP (MIP) magazine for his intellectual property work in Japan since 2015 and in Washington, D.C. since 2014
- Recognized in the Chambers Global 2014 and 2015 guides for his extensive knowledge of US IP law and matters pertaining to the chemical, pharmaceutical and chemical engineering arenas and was praised for the skilled and experienced approach he takes to handling matters
- Recognized by The Legal 500 for his work in intellectual property in the area of international firms and joint ventures in Japan (2010, 2011) and in the area of corporate mergers & acquisitions: Japan: International firms and joint ventures (2011)
- Selected among America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® for Washington, D.C. (2019 – 2020)
Affiliations
Michael has served on the board of directors of the AIPLA. He has been an adjunct professor of law at The American University, George Mason University, and Temple University (Tokyo) law schools. Additionally, he has taught at the John Marshall School of Law and the University of Michigan, both at the undergraduate and law school levels. Michael has chaired the American Chemical Society’s Division of Chemistry and the Law and received the ACS’s Middlekauf Award. He has also been recognized as a Fellow of the AIPLA and served as an “Invited Research Scholar” at Japan’s Institute of Intellectual Property.
Presentations and Publications
“Our team is our greatest asset, and their excellence, innovation, and commitment are essential to our achievements.”
– Michael D Kaminski
Michael has authored over four dozen articles on patent prosecution and litigation, which have been published in esteemed periodicals such as the Journal of the Patent and Trademark Office Society, Patent World, and the American University Law Review, as well as in various AIPLA publications. He has also served on the editorial boards of the AIPLA Quarterly Journal, IP World, Patent World, and IP Strategy & Management. Furthermore, Michael has edited books on patent law and is a frequent speaker on patent litigation and patent law topics.
Admissions
Michael Kaminski is admitted to practice law in Illinois and before the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. He is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. District Court for the Districts of Nebraska, Connecticut, and Northern Texas. Additionally, Michael is a member of the Trial Bar and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Magazine 
