Lawrence G. Almeda

Principal and Chief Diversity Officer

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Lawrence G. Almeda

Principal and Chief Diversity Officer

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Contact Information

Email: lalmeda@vivacqualaw.com
Office: 734-418-3142
Fax: 734-418-3320

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Education

  • LL.M. in Intellectual Property, The John Marshall Law School (1999)
  • J.D., University of Detroit Mercy Law School (Law Review, 1997)
  • B.S., Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, (1991)

Admissions

  • State of Michigan
  • United States Patent and Trademark Office

Overview

With over 20 years of experience in intellectual property law, Lawrence G. (“L.G.”) Almeda has helped secure and protect the innovations of the world’s largest corporations and the newest technology-based startups. L.G. focuses his practice on patent opinions and prosecution in the automotive, medical, chemical, nanotechnology, oil, alternative energy, and mechanical arts. He also counsels clients on patent infringement investigations, patent invalidity opinions, patent landscape investigations, and licensing agreements.

Having a background in chemical engineering, L.G. held technical positions in the petroleum and plastics sectors prior to his legal career. This direct industry experience has proven to be extremely valuable, especially in managing his teams charged with maintaining and leveraging his clients’ patent portfolios. L.G. understands both the technical and business challenges his clients face as they strive to succeed in competitive markets. As such, he always thinks forward, anticipating his clients’ needs and assessing the impact of the patent solutions he develops for them today on their future operations.

Clients have voiced their appreciation to L.G.’s A+ quality work product, high responsiveness, and full attention to detail. For L.G., it is imperative that he knows a client’s business thoroughly in order to provide tailored counsel that meets their unique business goals. He puts the same effort into developing and leading his client teams, choosing members who provide the best mix of legal talent and experience. In this way, L.G. serves his clients as a true partner, making their goals and challenges his own.

Prior to joining Vivacqua Crane, L.G. was a partner at one of the nation’s largest intellectual property law firms. There, he prepared and prosecuted patent applications, counseled clients on patent infringement investigations, drafted invalidity opinions, conducted patent landscape investigations, trained several patent practitioners, chaired a number of firm committees, and led numerous client teams to provide outstanding client service.

Additionally, L.G. continues to serve the community in a number ways. Over the years, L.G. has served as President of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Board Member for the Washtenaw County Bar Association (WCBA), and Chair of the State Advisory Committee for the United States Commission on Civil Rights, to name a few. Currently, L.G. serves as Chair of the Intellectual Property Law Section of the WCBA.

Residing in Plymouth with his kids, L.G. is a novice chef and holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Practice Areas

  • Patentability opinions
  • Patent preparation and prosecution
  • Patent non-infringement and invalidity opinions
  • Patent landscaping
  • IP portfolio management
  • Patent strategic planning
  • Licensing and agreements
  • Trademarks

Technology Sectors

  • Automotive systems and components
  • Medical devices
  • Fuel cells and advanced batteries
  • Wind turbines
  • Adhesives and sealants
  • Combustion systems
  • Oil & gas systems
  • Chemical processes
  • Nanotechnology
  • Alternative Energy
  • Composite materials
  • Lithium ion batteries
  • Refrigeration systems

Honors & Awards

  • Managing IP Patent Stars, 2014 – 2019
  • Michigan Leading Lawyers, 2012 – 2019
  • Super Lawyers, 2009 – 2011
  • Michigan Leader in the Law, 2011