Spotlight on MichBio’s IP & Legal Affairs Committee
The IP & Legal Affairs Committee serves as a vital resource for thought leaders in intellectual property and legal services across Michigan’s biosciences industry. Committed to safeguarding innovation and navigating complex regulatory landscapes, the committee provides a platform to address key legal issues impacting life sciences organizations. Whether it’s protecting groundbreaking ideas or shaping policies, the group advances the business of biotech through collaborative expertise.
Have a question for the committee? MichBio members have access to our committee as an exclusive member benefit. Contact us at AskIPLegal@MichBio.org.
Meet the Committee
Ashley Sloat, Ph.D.
President and Director of Patent Strategy, Aurora Patents
Ashley leads Aurora Patents in building strategic patent portfolios for early-stage life sciences, medical device, and software companies. Aiming for strong and enforceable patent protection, her team provides patent drafting, prior art analysis, and lifecycle guidance to align IP strategies with clients' goals.
Melvin J. Muskovitz
Senior Counsel, Dykema
Melvin specializes in labor and employment law, advising employers on policies, agreements, and compliance. With decades of experience, he offers practical solutions for matters spanning pre-hire to post-termination, helping clients resolve disputes and avoid litigation.
Thomas T. Moga
Member, Dykema
Thomas, a seasoned patent attorney, brings over 30 years of expertise in domestic and international IP portfolio management and enforcement. Focused on biological sciences, he also oversees IP enforcement and anti-counterfeiting efforts in Asia.
Anupam Jhingran
Sr. Technology Manager, Michigan State University
Anupam leverages his life sciences expertise to guide IP protection, license negotiation, and startup creation for MSU’s technology transfer team. His portfolio includes diverse applications in health and AI/ML tools.
Kristen Pursley
President, Dobrusin IP Law
Kristen advises on global IP portfolios, specializing in patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Her clients span the automotive, medical device, and consumer product industries, where she excels in drafting, agreements, and dispute resolution.
Michelle Larkin
Director of Medical Device Licensing, University of Michigan
Michelle combines expertise in medical device development and university technology transfer to advance IP protection and licensing efforts, bridging academia with innovation.