Michael Springs​
Chief IP Counsel, Associate General Counsel 2, and Senior Vice President – Truist Bank

 

Description of field of expertise

Michael is a strategic legal advisor with almost 25 years of experience in the financial services industry.  He joined Truist Bank’s Legal Department in November 2021 and oversees the Intellectual Property Legal function.  He is leading the charge to develop Truist’s IP strategies and has designed and successfully launched the Bank’s Patent Program.  Michael routinely advises the C-suite executives on sensitive intellectual property matters in the areas of patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights, domain names, technology, asset acquisitions, contracts and litigation. 

Previously, Michael worked as the Chief Patent Counsel with Bank of America Corporation where he originated the patent program and played a vital role in cultivating a large patent portfolio.  He also managed high profile patent litigations, led IP monetization efforts and advised senior leaders on emerging IP issues.  

Michael taught law at his alma mater, North Carolina Central University School of Law, and is a former Manager and Engineer with Hughes Aircraft Company (now Raytheon Company) where he helped to design radar systems and data link technologies for the United States military. 

Michael is a registered patent attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and has a Juris Doctor, MBA, and Electrical Engineering degree. 

 

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Attorneys interested in intellectual property law should get involved in organizations such as the National Bar Association, American Intellectual Property Law Association, local and state bar IP and Business Law sections, and keep abreast of the activities with the USPTO.   New attorneys should look for opportunities to gain exposure in all facets of IP in order to discover the practice areas that provide the most passion.  

As with any law practice, building relationships is critical to career advancement.   Relationships combined with hard work and taking on stretch assignments is one way to open doors for new opportunities and advancement.   It is very important to develop a personal career building plan that includes good mentors and consistent networking.