Michael A. Tomasulo
Partner
Described by clients as “an excellent strategist” and “always thinking of creative ways to achieve clients’ objectives,” Mike Tomasulo is a powerhouse in intellectual property litigation and artist representation. With more than two decades as a partner at top-tier firms like Winston & Strawn, Jones Day, and Reed Smith, Mike has built a formidable practice focused on high-stakes disputes and cutting-edge legal strategies.
Since 1994, Mike has been a practicing patent litigator, leading more than 70 major cases across the country. His courtroom footprint spans the Federal Circuit, key district courts nationwide, and specialized forums like the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and the U.S. International Trade Commission.
In addition to his tech-sector expertise, Mike has become a trusted advocate for artists and creatives, taking on some of the most complex royalty and copyright disputes. Currently, he’s representing clients in a major battle with Kanye West and Universal over profits from the blockbuster “Donda” album. His artist representation practice focuses on safeguarding the rights and interests of creators, offering them strategic counsel in navigating both contractual disputes and broader IP issues.
Mike is also at the forefront of emerging technology, where his knowledge of blockchain, NFTs, Web3, and DAOs has positioned him as a go-to advisor for companies innovating in these spaces. His work includes consulting, transactional support, and providing legal guidance on the intellectual property implications of smart contracts and tokenization.
Throughout his career, Mike has represented leading companies in industries ranging from videogames and cloud computing to medical devices and semiconductors. His broad technological expertise spans everything from networking technologies and flash memory controllers to consumer products like yoga pants.
Beyond patent litigation, Mike has served as lead counsel in high-stakes trade secret, copyright, and trademark disputes. He’s also taken the helm in major international arbitrations, including cross-border contract disputes that require deft navigation of both U.S. and international law.
A sought-after speaker and prolific author on intellectual property issues, Mike also dedicates time to serving as a court-appointed settlement officer for patent disputes in the Central District of California. This role, combined with his extensive experience, allows him to craft tailored, cost-effective solutions that align with his clients’ unique needs—whether they’re global tech giants or individual artists fighting for their fair share.
- University of Southern California, 1994, J.D. (Order of the Coif)
- University of California, Berkeley, 1990, B.S. (manga cum laude)
- Admitted to practice in the state of California
- Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- U.S. District Court – Central District of California
- U.S. District Court – Northern District of California
- U.S. District Court – Southern District of California
- Federal Circuit Court of Appeals
- U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court – New Mexico
- U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court – Western District of Texas
- U.S. District Court – Western District of Virginia
- International Asset Management IAM Patent 1000 (2014-2022)
- Managing Intellectual Property “IP Stars” (2012 and 2014-2020, 2022-2023)
- Super Lawyers, Southern California Super Lawyer (2009-2016)
- Super Lawyers, Southern California “Rising Star,” (2004-2006)
“Performed well in…technically dense PTAB matters.” (IAM, 2019)
“Is never fazed, no matter what comes up.” (IAM Patent 1000, 2018)
“An excellent strategist who is always thinking of creative ways to achieve clients’ objectives” (IAM Patent 1000, 2017)
“He’s great at organizing a team around him so he can focus on the most important decisions” (IAM Patent 1000, 2015)
“Really understands what client service is all about [and] saves his clients considerable money” (IAM Patent 1000, 2015)
“Great at dealing with opposing parties and sets a civilized tone” (IAM Patent 1000, 2014)
“Fully appreciates what our engineers do and provides legal solutions that enable us to compete effectively in our marketplace” (IAM Patent 1000, 2014)