McDonald Hopkins welcomes Michael Centa to Intellectual Property Department
McDonald Hopkins is pleased to announce the addition of Michael Centa as an Associate in the firm’s Intellectual Property Department. Michael brings significant experience in patent prosecution, specializing in securing and protecting intellectual property rights across a broad range of technological fields, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and software systems.
Michael expressed his enthusiasm for joining McDonald Hopkins, describing the firm as his top choice to further develop his skills and legal acumen.
“McDonald Hopkins’ dedicated business development and mentorship programs stood out among the firms I considered. The Intellectual Property Department and the firm, as a whole, have an impressive client portfolio and have demonstrated strong, sustained growth. I am particularly drawn to the technical subject matter that many of McDonald Hopkins’ clients present,” he said.
Michael has successfully prepared and prosecuted numerous patent applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He assists clients at every stage of the patent process, from responding to office actions to managing the prosecution of related foreign patents. Additionally, Michael has experience conducting patentability searches, preparing legal opinions on non-infringement and validity, and providing strategic counsel on all aspects of patent law.
"We are thrilled to welcome Michael to our Intellectual Property team," said David Cupar, Chair of McDonald Hopkins’ Intellectual Property Department. "Michael’s expertise in both the legal and technical dimensions of intellectual property, coupled with his dedication to understanding client needs, makes him a fantastic addition to our team. His passion for innovation and his ability to translate complex technical concepts into effective legal strategies will undoubtedly benefit our clients."
Michael’s clients range from individual inventors and startups to established engineering firms and research institutions. He is committed to deeply understanding each client’s unique technological innovations.
“I love learning about the mechanics behind new technologies and how they work, especially in areas like medical devices, advanced mechanical systems, quantum technologies, and sophisticated software applications in AI. Patent prosecution offers a continuous learning curve that feeds this quest for knowledge,” he shared.
Michael earned his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University, focusing on Intellectual Property law. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Management from the University of Cincinnati. He will be based out of McDonald Hopkins’ Cleveland office.
