How much does it cost to hire Michael for a copyright case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Michael offer a free consultation?

Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some copyright attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

How long do copyright cases in Wisconsin 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Milwaukee?

Michael is licensed in Wisconsin. Matters governed by Wisconsin law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael 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 Michael?

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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Michael accepting new copyright clients right now?

Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michael J. Gratz, Copyright Attorney in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Copyright, IP, and M&A · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Co-FounderatBoyle Fredrickson, S.C.

Milwaukee, WI

Practicing copyright in Milwaukee since 1995.

31+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Are you Michael J. Gratz?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Michael J. Gratz is a co-founder based in Milwaukee, WI. The practice focuses on Copyright, IP, and M&A. Michael has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Boyle Fredrickson, S.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Milwaukee, WI
Experience: over 31 years
Known for: Copyright · IP · M&A

Handles Copyright, IP, and M&A matters from Milwaukee, WI.
Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

Michael concentrates on copyright, ip, m&a, patent, and trademark. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Copyright cases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Michael takes copyright matters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

IP cases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Michael takes ip matters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

M&A cases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Michael takes m&a matters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Patent cases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Michael takes patent matters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Trademark cases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Michael takes trademark matters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Michael J. Gratz — copyright lawyer in Milwaukee

An honest, straight-forward client advocate, Michael is active in the Milwaukee and Madison communities serving on several non-profit boards and frequently lecturing on various IP topics. One of the co-founders of the firm, he is a past Vice President as well as a past President for the State Bar of Wisconsin’s IP Section and St. Thomas More Lawyers’ Society and past Chair of the Milwaukee Bar Association’s IP Section. Michael is also a published author, most recently co-authoring the chapters on patents and trade secrets for the Wisconsin State Bar’s Business Advisor Series. His clients have included high tech startups, entrepreneurs, physicians, manufacturers, medical device developers, NASA, NIST, the University of Wisconsin, the University of New Mexico, a Fortune 25 giant, a 300 year old Japanese company, private equity companies, famous consumer brands, and closely held family businesses.

Noteworthy Cases

Negotiations:

• Represented biotech start-up Agro Biosciences in sale to Church & Dwight for $100 million

• Negotiated patent license agreement for Milwaukee Inventor and Doctor with Boston Scientific for medical device netting millions of dollars in royalties

• Represented software start-up True Process in sale to Baxter International allowing several of the founding principals early and comfortable retirement

• Assisted with IP due diligence for software start-up Foundry Health’s Sale to iQvia

Litigation:

• Won Foamation vs. Wedeward Enterprises lawsuit (EDWI)

• Settled Prismagraphics vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers lawsuit (Florida)

• Settled SAS v. Khan, Napean et al. lawsuit (SDNY)

• Settled AEGIS FOOD TESTING LABORATORIES, INC., vs. AEGIS SCIENCES CORPORATION lawsuit (South Dakota)

• Won Hou vs. Posey Products lawsuit and got sanctions awarded from the Chinese Court (China)

Experience

• U.S. Air Force, Top Secret Clearance, 4th Satellite Communications Squadron, Space Systems Crew Commander and Flight Operations Control Officer

• Founder, Shareholder, Board Member, Vice President, and Secretary for Boyle Fredrickson Newholm Stein & Gratz, S.C.

- Wisconsin Air National Guard, 115th F-16 Fighter Wing, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate (JAG)

- Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C., Associate

- Nilles and Nilles S.C. , Associate

• New Berlin, WI School Board, Member and Board Clerk

- S.D.A.- Forest Products Laboratory, Intellectual Property Law Clerk

- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Intern for Judge Robert Warren

- Wisconsin Department of Justice, Public Intervener’s Office, Intern

- Wisconsin State Assembly, Sergeant at Arms’ Staff.

News & Publications

• Boyle Fredrickson Among Top Trademark Firms

• Boyle Fredrickson and Kikkoman Discuss International Relations

• Camp Invention Excites Children About Math and Science

• Intellectual Property Rights Up for Grabs In Cases of Bankruptcy

• State Bar of Wisconsin Business Advisor Series

• Anti-cybersquatting Protection Act, Business Law News, State Bar of Wisconsin

• “The Napster Controversy”, Milwaukee Bar Messenger

• “Inspiring Young Inventors”, Wisconsin School News,

• American Bar Association, Legal Arsenal

Awards & Recognitions

• Recognized in Best Lawyers in America for work in Trademark Law

• Rated AV Preeminent for Over 10 years– Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings

• Elite Lawyers award

• MMAC Member and Future 50 Business winner for three consecutive years plus “Master Mettle Award”

• Real Estate Holding at 840 N. Plankinton Awarded Milwaukee ”Mayor’s Urban Design Award” for bringing back 100 plus year old building along the Milwaukee River

• Awarded Unit and Headquarters Crew of the Quarter

• Awarded Company Grade Officer of the Quarter

• Awarded Combat Crew Badge

• Awarded US Air Force Commendation Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Force • Achievement Medal; Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Training Ribbon

• Awarded Outstanding Unit Award for the USAF’s 4SCS and WI Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing

• Served as an early warning missile detection officer in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm

Community Involvement

• Project Lead the Way, Catholic Memorial HS, Presenter and Sponsor

• Robotics 1732 Team, Marquette University HS, Presenter and Sponsor

• Head Coach

- New Berlin Athletic Association, Boys basketball; Boys baseball, Girls softball

- CYM, HS Boys Basketball

• Member and Volunteer- Holy Apostles Parish

- Parish/Pastoral Council Member and School Commission Member

- School High Interest Day and Parish Festival Volunteer and Sponsor

• Volunteer Presenter, Complex Issues in Copyright for Educators, New Berlin School District

• Camp Invention Volunteer, Sponsor and Presenter, New Berlin Public Schools, Summers

• Volunteer Presenter, Copyright Concerns for Health Professionals, St. Francis Hospital,

• Adult Youth Leader, St. Charles and St. Stephen’s Parishes, Confirmation Retreats

• Men’s Ministry Leader, Holy Apostles Parish; Men of Christ, Sponsor and Leader

• Milwaukee Guest House Sandwich Project, Volunteer and Supporter

• Blood Center of Wisconsin; American Red Cross, Supporter and Donor

Professional Activities

• Board of Trustees, St. Francis DeSales Seminary

• Elections’ Chair, New Berlin School District Board of Canvassers/Recount Commission

• New Berlin School Board Committee Member, Architect and Construction Manager Selection Committee, Orchard Lane

• Union Bargaining Team Member, School District of New Berlin

• Milwaukee Delta Upsilon Fraternity Club, 50 Year Chairman for Annual Dinner

• Uniform Computer and Information Technology Act Committee, State Bar of Wisconsin, Founding Member

• Information Technology & E-commerce Committee of the Business Law Section State Bar of Wisconsin

• State of Wisconsin Governor’s Economic Summit II, III Workshop Planner and Leader

• Wisconsin Innovative Service Center Conference on Innovation, Presenter and Sponsor,

• Caucus – The Association of High Tech Professionals, Presenter and member

• American Intellectual Property Law Association (Electronics and Computer Law, Emerging Technologies, Trade Secrets, and Licensing Committees), Member

• Wisconsin Intellectual Property Law Association, Member

• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), Member, 2002-present; Milwaukee Chapter Annual Student Night Host and Sponsor for area college and high school students

• Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Member, 2005- present.

• Paul’s University of Wisconsin Catholic Foundation, Board Member; Chair

• Buick Car Club of America, Member and Owner of 1965 Skylark Convertible

Working with Michael on a copyright matter

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Michael is experienced in all areas of intellectual property (IP) law including M&A due diligence, non-infringement and clearance opinions, IP in bankruptcy, licensing, patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret work. An honest, straight-forward client advocate, Michael is active in the Milwaukee and Madison communities serving on several non-profit boards and…

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for copyright, ip, and m&a matters in Milwaukee and the surrounding Wisconsin area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School
J.D. · 1994
University of Wisconsin-Madison
B.S. Mathematics · 1988

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

Wisconsin U.S. Court
1995 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School and B.S. Mathematics in University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School and B.S. Mathematics in University of Wisconsin-Madison. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Wisconsin is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Michael J. Gratz's office in Milwaukee

Michael's primary office is at 840 North Plankinton Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53203. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Boyle Fredrickson, S.C.

840 North Plankinton Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53203

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael J. Gratz — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing copyright attorneys in Milwaukee.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael J. Gratz claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael J. Gratz — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new copyright attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a copyright attorney in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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 Michael

Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael'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 Michael J. Gratz

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a copyright case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some copyright attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do copyright cases in Wisconsin 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Milwaukee?
Michael is licensed in Wisconsin. Matters governed by Wisconsin law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new copyright clients right now?
Michael'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 Milwaukee, Madison and Waukesha in Wisconsin

Michael handles copyright matters throughout Wisconsin. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified copyright attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these copyright attorneys in Milwaukee handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.