Steve Zeller is an experienced, registered patent attorney and a member in Dykema’s Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Litigation practice areas. Mr. Zeller focuses on patent, trademark and trade secret litigation, as well as strategic patent counseling, procurement and portfolio management for domestic and international companies.

Mr. Zeller has successfully litigated patent and trade secret cases regarding a wide variety of technologies, including internet commerce, in-vehicle infotainment systems, MEMS microphones, optical media, medical devices, edible oils, online training software, power meters, compact florescent lights and electronic ballasts. He has also represented both plaintiffs and defendants in trademark and unfair competition matters. Mr. Zeller litigates at various district courts across the United States, including in California, Illinois, Michigan and Texas.

Mr. Zeller also leverages his engineering background to secure both domestic and international IP protection for technology-oriented companies and entrepreneurs. He practices in a wide range of technology fields, such as speakers and microphones, MEMS devices, fuel injectors, ceramic capacitors, internet commerce software, medical guide wires, cable conduit, compact fluorescent lights and bicycle brakes and derailleurs.

Mr. Zeller's patent practice focuses on:

• Preparing, filing and prosecuting domestic and foreign patent applications.
• Patent reexaminations.
• Developing IP portfolios, audits and protection strategies.
• Counseling clients and providing legal opinions on third-party IP, including non-infringement, invalidity, and freedom-to-operate opinions. 
• Performing IP due diligence for corporate mergers and acquisitions. 

Mr. Zeller frequently speaks about IP law to audiences of in-house counsel, executives and students. He also is active in the Firm’s pro bono program, representing individuals in various litigation matters, including remedying mortgage fraud and redressing employment discrimination.

Bar Admissions

Illinois, 1996

Education
Northwestern University, J.D.

• Dean's List
• Law Review, Note & Comment Editor

Iowa State University, B.S.M.E.

• Dean's List
• Pi Tau Sigma

Professional Associations

• American Intellectual Property Law Association
• American Bar Association

"Coming to a state court near you! Could patent infringement matters really end up in state court?", Illinois State Bar IP Law Section Newsletter, Vol. 3, p.2 (2003)