Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted IP Law Partner in Fargo, ND
Founded in 1998, Neustel Law Offices specializes in intellectual property law, offering tailored legal solutions for small to mid-sized businesses and independent inventors. Our firm combines extensive experience in patent and trademark prosecution with proprietary technology to deliver cost-effective services. With over 1,000 patents and 700 trademarks secured, we prioritize direct communication, flat-fee pricing, and global representation through a network of U.S.-based attorneys. Our team includes seasoned litigators and prosecutors who provide strategic guidance on IP portfolio management, infringement avoidance, and dispute resolution. We empower clients through responsive service, transparent billing, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by innovators. Our proprietary software streamlines IP management, ensuring efficiency and reducing overhead costs. Clients benefit from our nationwide reach, with attorneys located in major cities across the U.S., and our commitment to maintaining U.S. registration standards for all practitioners.We avoid outsourcing, ensuring all work is handled by qualified professionals within the United States. Our focus on niche expertise in IP law allows us to deliver specialized services without the overhead of large firms. Recognized for our client-centric approach, we offer flexible engagement models, including trial projects to demonstrate our value. Testimonials highlight our ability to handle complex cases globally while maintaining personalized service. We actively participate in USPTO programs and file documents electronically to ensure timely submissions. Our dedication to innovation extends to our own processes, including e-communications and online forms for client convenience.
Services
Patent Prosecution
Trademark Registration
Patent Litigation
Trademark Infringement Litigation
IP Portfolio Management
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs for most services.
- Our attorneys are registered with the USPTO and based in the U.S.
- We've secured 1,000+ patents and 700+ trademarks for clients.
- Proprietary software streamlines IP management and reduces costs.
- Direct communication with attorneys, no third-party intermediaries.
Associations and certifications
- U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO)
What people say
Tremendous resource
Competent and easy to work with
Professional and excellent communicators
Global IP needs expertly handled
No unwelcome surprises
Services
Patent Prosecution
We handle all aspects of patent applications, including patentability searches, utility and design patents, and international filings through PCT applications. Our process includes portfolio analysis to identify protectable innovations and strategic guidance on maintenance fees. With over 1,000 patents granted, we combine technical expertise with cost-effective prosecution through proprietary software tools.
Trademark Registration
Our trademark services include availability searches, federal registration, and enforcement strategies. We help clients build strong brand protection through comprehensive portfolio analysis and opposition proceedings. With 700+ trademarks registered, we provide ongoing monitoring and enforcement solutions tailored to business growth objectives.
Patent Litigation
We represent clients in patent infringement cases, post-grant reviews, and inter partes reviews. Our approach focuses on cost-effective resolution through early invalidity assessments and strategic settlement negotiations. For complex cases, our experienced litigators leverage technical expertise in mechanical, electrical, and software innovations to protect client interests.
Trademark Infringement Litigation
Our team handles trademark disputes including opposition proceedings, cancellation actions, and infringement litigation. We develop proactive enforcement strategies while providing risk assessments for potential conflicts. Services include cease-and-desist campaigns and courtroom representation for both plaintiffs and defendants in brand protection matters.
IP Portfolio Management
We help businesses maximize IP value through strategic portfolio development, licensing agreements, and technology transfer solutions. Our proprietary software enables efficient tracking of filings, deadlines, and maintenance requirements. Services include patent fence strategies against competitors and redesign solutions to avoid infringement while preserving product functionality.
People
Michael S. Neustel
Founder & U.S. Patent Attorney
Michael focuses on patent and trademark litigation, prosecution, and portfolio management. With experience from large law firms, he brings strategic IP counsel while prioritizing work-life balance at Neustel. His technical expertise spans mechanical and software inventions, including holding his own patent for correcting patent figure orientation.
Kimberly Baxter
Of Counsel U.S. Patent Attorney
Kim specializes in patent prosecution, including application preparation and infringement reviews. Her practice emphasizes technical precision in patentability opinions and portfolio development. She contributes to Neustel's commitment to delivering quality IP services through direct attorney-client collaboration.
Michelle Breit
Of Counsel
Michelle is an experienced IP litigator handling complex patent, copyright, and trademark infringement cases. Her background includes representing clients in high-stakes disputes, aligning with Neustel's focus on protecting client assets through aggressive yet cost-effective litigation strategies.
Monte Bond
Of Counsel
Monte brings 30+ years of IP litigation experience, specializing in patent and trademark disputes. His extensive courtroom experience supports Neustel's capability to handle complex enforcement matters while maintaining the firm's commitment to accessible, small-firm service models.
John Behles
Of Counsel U.S. Patent Attorney
John focuses on patent prosecution, including application preparation and infringement analysis. His practice supports Neustel's core mission of providing direct attorney access for technical IP matters, leveraging his experience in strategic patent portfolio development.
Questions
What areas of intellectual property do you handle?
We specialize in patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, including prosecution, litigation, and portfolio management for domestic and international clients.
How do you determine patentability of an invention?
We conduct comprehensive patentability searches analyzing prior art, then provide detailed opinions on likelihood of success before filing applications.
What's your approach to trademark infringement cases?
We offer both enforcement strategies for trademark owners and defense solutions for accused infringers, including cease-and-desist campaigns and courtroom representation.
Do you handle international IP protection?
Yes, we coordinate foreign patent and trademark filings through trusted associates in multiple jurisdictions while maintaining direct client communication.
How are your legal fees structured?
Most services are offered on flat-fee basis with advance quotes, avoiding hourly billing surprises while maintaining transparent cost structures.
What technology advantages do you offer clients?
We use proprietary IP management software and electronic filing systems to reduce costs and improve efficiency in patent and trademark prosecution.
