Biography

Mike Hurst is a partner in the firm's Business Representation and Transactions Group, a member of the firm's Intellectual Property Group, and co-leader of the firm's multi-disciplinary Cannabis & Craft Beer Teams. His practice is concentrated in the area of non-patent intellectual property law. He has extensive experience in the following areas:

  • Trademark prosecution and maintenance
  • Trademark enforcement, both in the federal courts and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), as well as internationally
  • Brand and portfolio management, both in the U.S. and internationally
  • IP and Technology development, licensing, and commercialization
  • IP and Technology transactions
  • Advertising and Marketing
  • Social Media, Influencer Marketing, and Internet
  • Copyright and domain name enforcement, including arbitration proceedings before the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO)
  • Entertainment and Media
  • Computer Software and SaaS
  • Anti-counterfeiting
  • Merchandise Licensing

Mike also has extensive experience in the following industries:

  • Alcohol and Tobacco
  • Apparel and Fashion
  • Architecture
  • Consumer Products
  • Banking and Financial
  • Cannabis and Craft Beer
  • Early-Stage and Start-Up Companies
  • Emerging Technology
  • Facility Services
  • Food and Beverage
  • Home Furnishings
  • Hotel and Resort, Travel and Leisure
  • Insurance
  • Manufacturing
  • Mobile Apps and Augmented Reality
  • Music and Entertainment
  • Professional Sports
  • Video Games and Competitive Wagering

Prior to joining Keating Muething & Klekamp, Mike served as Corporate Counsel-IP at Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, Illinois where he was responsible for global management and enforcement of Caterpillar’s trademark portfolio and the legal aspects of Caterpillar’s multi-million dollar licensed merchandise business.

Representative Work

Managed global trademark portfolios of Fortune 500 and private companies

Reacquired house brand of Fortune 500 company misappropriated by counterfeiter in China and Hong Kong

Created and supervised internal brand management committee for billion-dollar global manufacturing company

Developed and implemented anti-dilution and brand protection program for major consumer products company

Assisted with the development of AR / Hololens solutions for military and hospital physician training

Enforced snack company’s trademark rights in multi-jurisdictional injunction case

Defended bio-tech company in infringement and brand transition matter

Assisted app developer in software licensing and celebrity endorsement deals

Assisted video game developer in licensing and distribution deals

Counseled independent band on music publishing and record deals

Implemented a brand licensing program for a cannabis company

Handled IP aspects of acquisition and divestiture of assets for a cannabis company

Developed and engaged in program to reacquire client domain names misappropriated by third parties for Fortune 500 and private companies

Testified as company’s primary fact witness in anti-counterfeiting case in Singapore

Professional and Community Involvement

Patent & Trademark Clinic, University of Cincinnati College of Law, Co-Chair

Entrepreneurship & Community Development Clinic, University of Cincinnati College of Law

Pro Bono Partnership of Greater Cincinnati

Cincinnati Bar Association (Character & Fitness Reviews, IP Mentorship Program)

Official Liverpool Supporter’s Club (OLSC), Cincinnati Chapter – Vice President

International Trademark Association (INTA):

  • Data Protection Committee (2018-current)
  • Indigenous Rights Subcommittee (2014-2015)
  • U.S. Legislation Subcommittee (2010-2011)
  • Courts & Tribunals Subcommittee (2008-09, Chair; 2006-07, Member)
  • Lefkowitz Moot Court Subcommittee (2005-current, brief grader)

ArtWorks, Board of Trustees

Cincy IP

Cincinnati Academy of Leadership for Lawyers, Class XIII

Lookout Community Council, Board Member

Ohio State Bar Association

Awards & Recognition

Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, 2014-2024

Named to Ohio Leading Lawyers, 2024

Listed in Chambers USA: America's Leading Business Lawyers, 2019-2023

Named "IP Star" by Managing Intellectual Property, 2013-2018

  • 2023 Mike Hurst Chambers
  • Best Lawyers (Don't Delete)

News & Resources

Blogs

Blog Posts

Spotlight

Spotlight

What is the best advice you've ever received?
Early is on time; on time is late; late is unacceptable.

Where/how did you meet your significant other?
My wife and I were good friends in high school. I had a crush on her then, but I was afraid to ask her out. 30 years later, we reconnected, and I finally found the courage to ask her out. She said, "Yes."

What is your favorite book/music/movie?
Anything sci-fi. I am an enormous sci-fi nerd.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I enjoy painting 32mm-scale sci-fi miniatures with really small paintbrushes and a magnifying glass, and I actually find this to be relaxing.

Admissions

  • Ohio
  • California
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court, Central District of California

Education

J.D., University of Cincinnati College of Law, 1998, Order of the Barristers

B.S., Duke University, 1995

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