LeeAnn Ford

Of Counsel / Detroit Metro Office

LeeAnn Ford is an intellectual property attorney who helps companies protect and advance innovation across a wide range of mechanical and technology-driven industries. She focuses her practice on the preparation and prosecution of patent and trademark applications in the United States and internationally, working closely with inventors, engineers, in-house counsel, and business leaders to align intellectual property strategy with commercial objectives.

With nearly two decades of experience, LeeAnn advises clients ranging from global corporations to emerging businesses on building and managing intellectual property portfolios that support product development, manufacturing, and market expansion. Her work spans utility, design, and international patent applications, as well as trademark prosecution and copyright matters. She regularly analyzes USPTO office actions and develops strategic responses designed to protect core innovations while accounting for business priorities, timelines, and cost considerations.

Key Matters
Background

Key Matters

Highlights & Representative Results

Prepares and prosecutes U.S. and international utility and design patent applications across predominantly mechanical technologies.
Coordinates global patent prosecution, including PCT applications and collaboration with foreign associates on national-stage entry and office action responses.
Advises clients in automotive, manufacturing, medical device, packaging, consumer products, and hospitality industries on intellectual property protection strategies.
Drafts and prosecutes trademark applications and responses to office actions, statements of use, and renewals before the USPTO.

Background

BACKGROUND

LeeAnn’s professional background includes engineering and project management roles in the automotive industry. She worked as a Senior Material Handling Engineer at Johnson Controls, Inc., supporting advanced manufacturing initiatives and new product launches, and prior served as a Project Manager at I*LOGIC, Inc., managing containerization development and quality assurance for vehicle launches across the United States and Canada.

MEMBERSHIPS

State Bar of Michigan, Intellectual Property Law Section
State Bar of Michigan, Animal Law Section

CIVIC & CHARITABLE

Volunteer, animal welfare organizations
Animal Friendly Attorneys®, a national designation recognizing attorneys who support animal welfare through service, education, and advocacy.