John A. Waters, Copyright Attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Over 59 years of legal practice · focused on Copyright, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatOppenhuizen Law PLC
Grand Rapids, MI
Practicing copyright in Grand Rapids since 1967.
- 59+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you John A. Waters?
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Quick answer
John A. Waters is a member based in Grand Rapids, MI. The practice focuses on Copyright, General, and Litigation. John has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Oppenhuizen Law PLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Experience
- over 59 years
- Known for
- Copyright · General · Litigation
- Handles Copyright, General, and Litigation matters from Grand Rapids, MI.
- Over 59 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John A. Waters: John A. Waters is a member based in Grand Rapids, MI. The practice focuses on Copyright, General, and Litigation. John has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Oppenhuizen Law PLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
John's practice areas in Grand Rapids
John concentrates on copyright, general, litigation, patent, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Copyright
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General
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Litigation
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Patent
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Real Estate
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Trademark
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IP
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Copyright cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan
John takes copyright matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
General cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan
John takes general matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan
John takes litigation matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Patent cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan
John takes patent matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan
John takes real estate matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
John A. Waters, copyright attorney serving Grand Rapids
John A. Waters is a member based in Grand Rapids, MI. The practice focuses on Copyright, General, and Litigation. John has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Oppenhuizen Law PLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. John works from Grand Rapids, Michigan and takes on copyright matters across the region.
John A. Waters is a lawyer practicing patents, trademarks, copyrights and 4 other areas of law. John received a B.S.E.E. degree from University of Michigan in 1963, and has been licensed for 59 years. John practices at Oppenhuizen Law PLC in Grand Rapids, MI.
How John handles copyright matters
John A. Waters is a lawyer practicing patents, trademarks, copyrights and 4 other areas of law. John received a B.S.E.E. degree from University of Michigan in 1963, and has been licensed for 59 years. John practices at Oppenhuizen Law PLC in Grand Rapids, MI.
Who John represents
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for copyright, general, and litigation matters in Grand Rapids and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Credentials — where John studied and practices
University of Michigan
J.D. · 1967
University of Michigan
B.S.E.E. · 1963
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
Michigan registered
1973 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1967 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in University of Michigan and B.S.E.E. in University of Michigan.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in University of Michigan and B.S.E.E. in University of Michigan. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
John's legal honors and published work
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
Grand Rapids, Illinois State and American Bar Associations State Bar of Michigan
Member: Patent, Trademark and Copyright Section Inventor Liaison Committee, Chairman, 1992 Copyright Committee, 1977-1982 Trade Secrets and Unfair Competition Committee, 1975-1977 · membership
Locations
John A. Waters's office in Grand Rapids
John's primary office is at McKay Twr., 146 Monroe Ctr. N.W., Ste. 730, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Oppenhuizen Law PLC
McKay Twr., 146 Monroe Ctr. N.W., Ste. 730
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of John A. Waters — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing copyright attorneys in Grand Rapids.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John A. Waters claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John A. Waters — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new copyright attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a copyright attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many copyright matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in copyright practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every copyright matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many copyright practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John A. Waters
How much does it cost to hire John for a copyright case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some copyright attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do copyright cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple copyright matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Grand Rapids?
John is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new copyright clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Copyright attorneys serving Grand Rapids, Detroit and Southfield in Michigan
John handles copyright matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified copyright attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated copyright attorneys in Michigan
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these copyright attorneys in Grand Rapids handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





