J. Michael Hurst

Mike Hurst is a partner in the firm's Business Representation and Transactions Group, a member of the firm's Intellectual Property Group, and co-leader of the firm's multi-disciplinary Cannabis & Craft Beer Teams. His practice is concentrated in the area of non-patent intellectual property law. He has extensive experience in the following areas:

• Trademark prosecution and maintenance
• Trademark enforcement, both in the federal courts and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), as well as internationally
• Brand and portfolio management, both in the U.S. and internationally
• IP and Technology development, licensing, and commercialization
• IP and Technology transactions
• Advertising and Marketing
• Social Media, Influencer Marketing, and Internet
• Copyright and domain name enforcement, including arbitration proceedings before the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO)
• Entertainment and Media
• Computer Software and SaaS
• Anti-counterfeiting
• Merchandise Licensing

Mike also has extensive experience in the following industries:

• Alcohol and Tobacco
• Apparel and Fashion
• Architecture
• Consumer Products
• Banking and Financial
• Cannabis and Craft Beer
• Early-Stage and Start-Up Companies
• Emerging Technology
• Facility Services
• Food and Beverage
• Home Furnishings
• Hotel and Resort, Travel and Leisure
• Insurance
• Manufacturing
• Mobile Apps and Augmented Reality
• Music and Entertainment
• Professional Sports
• Video Games and Competitive Wagering

Prior to joining Keating Muething & Klekamp, Mike served as Corporate Counsel-IP at Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, Illinois where he was responsible for global management and enforcement of Caterpillar’s trademark portfolio and the legal aspects of Caterpillar’s multi-million dollar licensed merchandise business.

Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, 2014-2024

Named to Ohio Leading Lawyers, 2024

Listed in Chambers USA: America's Leading Business Lawyers, 2019-2023

Named "IP Star" by Managing Intellectual Property, 2013-2025

Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio, Hall of Fame Inductee, 2025

What is the best advice you've ever received?
Early is on time; on time is late; late is unacceptable.

Where/how did you meet your significant other?
My wife and I were good friends in high school. I had a crush on her then, but I was afraid to ask her out. 30 years later, we reconnected, and I finally found the courage to ask her out. She said, "Yes."

What is your favorite book/music/movie?
Anything sci-fi. I am an enormous sci-fi nerd.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I enjoy painting 32mm-scale sci-fi miniatures with really small paintbrushes and a magnifying glass, and I actually find this to be relaxing.