Media Contact: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; barbara@eafocus.com; 248.260.8466
Troy, Mich.—December 8, 2025—Intellectual property law firm Fishman Stewart PLLC is pleased to announce that firm partner and co-founder, Michael Stewart, is among the honorees recently recognized by the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) with the 2025 Pro Bono Award at the AIPLA annual conference in Washington D.C.
The recognition is sponsored by the AIPLA Pro Bono Committee and is given to select AIPLA members who have contributed at least 50 hours to the USPTO Pro Bono Program. While Stewart was highlighted as an AIPLA member, he acknowledges the tremendous efforts of Fishman Stewart colleagues and peer firms who provide pro bono services through a joint program with the USPTO’s Detroit office and the State Bar of Michigan’s Patent Pro Bono Project. The project provides free legal assistance with the patent application process to low-income, independent inventors and small businesses.
“I view this award as a celebration of the collective efforts of attorneys at Fishman Stewart and other Michigan-based IP law firms who are dedicated to the Michigan Pro Bono Project. Every hour adds up in assisting the creative efforts of inventors who might not otherwise have access to legal representation to file a patent that protects their intellectual property,” Stewart said. “It must also be noted that the State Bar of Michigan does an outstanding job managing the program. I believe it is the gold standard of pro bono patent programs nationwide.”
Stewart is a globally recognized intellectual property attorney, thought leader and speaker on IP legal matters. Long known for his contributions to the legal profession and the advancement of IP education, he was instrumental in promoting the initial World IP Day programs throughout the United States, working in tandem with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the USPTO. World IP Day has been celebrated every year on April 26 since 2016. Stewart also played a key role in the establishment of the Public Educucation Committee within the AIPLA. More recently, he has been involved with the Engineering Society of Detroit’s annual writing contest for aspiring engineers, which Fishman Stewart sponsors.
About Fishman Stewart PLLC
Fishman Stewart helps turn client creativity into valuable intellectual capital. Since its founding in 1996, the firm has obtained tens of thousands of patents and trademark registrations and represented clients in hundreds of cases in Federal Court. As strategic advisers to CEOs and senior executives, Fishman Stewart attorneys develop IP management strategies for U.S. and foreign-based companies to safeguard their business assets throughout the world. To discover how Fishman Stewart leverages intellectual property to effectively increase enterprise value, visit fishstewip.com.
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