Fishman Stewart co-founder credits firm-wide excellence for national recognition
Media Contact: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; barbara@eafocus.com ; 248.260.8466
Troy, Mich.—July 21, 2025—Michael B. Stewart, managing partner and co-founder of intellectual property law firm Fishman Stewart PLLC and a global leader in IP, has been included on Forbes inaugural list of Best-In-State Lawyers for 2025. Forbes’ Best-In-State Lawyers list is created through a rigorous, multi-stage process of researching, evaluating and rating thousands of candidates across all 50 states and dozens of practice areas. Stewart has the distinction of being the only intellectual property attorney in Michigan named to the list.
In commenting on the award, Stewart said that while he may have been the individual recognized, it is actually a reflection of the exceptional work done firm-wide to build awareness of Fishman Stewart’s subject matter expertise and ultimately bring it to the attention of Forbes.
“I view the Forbes Best in State honor as a firm honor,” Stewart said. “I must credit the achievements and contributions of the entire Fishman Stewart team: our attorneys for their outstanding legal work for clients and engagement with the profession, and the dedication and consistency of our support staff – their contributions are foundational to everything we do and are an essential part of this success.”
Stewart also applauded his colleagues’ commitment to the firm’s mission of increasing understanding of the role and power of intellectual property in business and pop culture.
“We not only educate, we have fun in the process – and so do the thousands who follow our commentary in the weekly Fish Tank® newsletter, the travels of our whimsical firm mascot, Finny, quick-read white papers, Finnyettes, and the other communication tools and outreach we use to inform and entertain.
These efforts, individually and collectively, create a multiplier effect that not only strengthens our reputation externally but also reinforces the culture of excellence within Fishman Stewart.”
Stewart is a master’s level experienced engineer and valued strategic adviser to CEOs and senior executives across the globe. He develops IP management strategies for U.S. and foreign-based companies, from middle market to Fortune 500, to safeguard their business assets throughout the world. He has substantial experience managing, administering and conducting worldwide projects involving updating ownership records of large intellectual property portfolios and applying a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary approach to maximize the scope of intellectual property protection and beneficial usage. His litigation experience includes both trials and oral arguments before the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and he is admitted before the United States Supreme Court.
Stewart is a frequent speaker on IP topics and a recognized leader in the legal profession. He is a member of the standing committee directed to Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) of the international Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI), a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA), and the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) including acting as co-chair of the organization’s first ever leadership forum earlier this year and as chair of its PCT Issues Committee. A full list of memberships can be viewed here.
In addition to the 2025 Forbes list, Stewart was also recently named to the
IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals – 2025 list for his success in patent litigation and patent prosecution. His IAM Patent 1000 profile notes that he “strives to maximize and maintain the scope of protection for his patrons, from strategic planning and portfolio management to defending their interests in court.” Stewart has previously been honored on the IAM Patent 1000 list multiple times. Other legal awards include repeat honors as an IP Star, Best Lawyer and Michigan Super Lawyer.
Stewart holds a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Michigan Law School, and three additional degrees from the University of Michigan: an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, B.S. in English, with distinction, and a B.S.M.E, magna cum laude.
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.
credits firm-wide excellence for national recognition
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