Michele Herman is the founder of JusTech Law, concentrating on IP transactions, standards, and open source. Her practice specifically focuses on emerging technologies especially involving software, AI and standards. She has held senior and executive positions in both small and large companies in business and legal roles. She has also represented technical collaborative communities such as standards organizations, as well as entities of all sizes on a range of IP issues including standards engagement and licensing.
Previously, Michele provided strategic counsel and negotiated complex IP transfer and licensing deals for new technology companies spun out by The Invention Science Fund, an Intellectual Ventures innovation fund, where Michele served as Chief Counsel. Michele also formed and managed both the Corporate Standards Strategy and Intellectual Property Strategy teams at Microsoft, where she held several positions including that of Associate General Counsel in Microsoft’s IP and Licensing Group, and Senior Director of Intellectual Property Strategy in the office of the CTO.
Michele has held numerous leadership roles in IP professional organizations and has taught classes on standards at law schools in the Seattle area. She regularly presents on topics such as standards, open source, licensing and AI. She has served as an expert witness in standards essential patent litigation and is a trained mediator. Through JusTech Law, Michele offers FRAND negotiation skills workshops to attorneys, policymakers, and licensing executives. Michele’s technical background is in electrical engineering, and she is registered to practice before the USPTO.