John W. Yakimow has over thirty-five years of experience in the practice of intellectual property law, including the preparation and prosecution of patent, trademark and copyright applications, as well as licensing of patents and trade secrets.  He has represented both domestic and international clients in the mechanical and hydraulic arts.  He also is experienced in the business operations of developing, marketing and selling automotive components and managing automotive-related businesses on a worldwide basis.  

Prior to joining Synnestvedt Lechner & Woodbridge LLP, Mr. Yakimow practiced law in Michigan and Illinois.  After working for four years with Amsted Industries, Mr. Yakimow was an Associate Patent Counsel for Eaton Corporation where he was, successively, Engineering & Marketing Manager for Fluid Power Operations, General Manager of the Supercharger Division, and General Manager of Corporate Research & Development.   

Mr. Yakimow earned both an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering (B.S.M.E., 1964) and a law degree (J.D., Law Review, 1967) from Valparaiso University.  Mr. Yakimow also attended Purdue University where he studied chemical and metallurgical technology.  

Mr. Yakimow is admitted to practice in Michigan and Illinois. He also is admitted to practice before the Western Michigan Federal Court. He is a member of the Michigan and Illinois Bar Associations and the American Intellectual Property Law Association.   

Year Joined Organization:

2004

Bar Admissions:

Michigan

Illinois

Education:

Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana, 1967
J.D.

Valparaiso University, 1964
B.S.M.E
Major:  Mechanical Engineering

Professional Associations and Memberships:

Michigan Bar Association
Illinois Bar Association
American Intellectual Property Law Association