Stites & Harbison, PLLC

Randy Michels' practice is focused on the litigation of patent, copyright and trademark matters. Randy has experience representing plaintiffs and defendants in various phases of litigation, from pre-trial investigations through appeals. In addition to litigation, Randy advises clients in connection with the selection, clearance, registration, maintenance and protection of trademarks. Randy also helps clients recover domain names that have been pirated.

Recent Cases

• Southwest eFuel Network, L.L.C. v. Transaction Tracking Technologies, Inc.(U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas) Obtained judgment as a matter of law for Transaction Tracking Technologies, Inc. in patent infringement action brought by Southwest eFuel Network, L.L.C. concerning a method and system for issuing, tracking and reconciling financial instruments and coupons.
• Wacoh Company v. Chrysler LLC, et al.(U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin) Obtained dismissal with prejudice for Akebono Brake Company in a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Wacoh Company concerning a method for testing a sensor with a particular testing feature.
• Microsoft v. Advanced Computer Corp., et al. (U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee) Obtained permanent injunction for Microsoft Corporation in action for trademark and copyright infringement against Advanced Computer Corporation.
• Refinishing Specialties, Inc. v. Advance Stores Company Inc. (U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky) Obtained settlement for Refinishing Specialties in action for trademark infringement and unfair competition.
• Static Control Components Inc. v. Lexmark International, Inc., et al.(U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky) Obtained dismissal with prejudice for Pendl Companies, Inc. in patent infringement action brought by Lexmark International, Inc. concerning repair of toner cartridges for certain Lexmark laser printers.
• Microsoft v. Sellers, et al. (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee) Obtained summary judgment, permanent injunction, and monetary damages for Microsoft Corporation in action for trademark and copyright infringement against Sellers.

Recent Speaking Engagements

• "Development and Protection of Intellectual Property," Belmont University, November 2009
• "Careers in Trademark Law," Vanderbilt University Law School, April 2009

More than Stites & Harbison

Randy is President of the Kappa Sigma Alumni Association (Kappa Chapter) and he is the alumni advisor to the Kappa Sigma chapter at Vanderbilt University. He also recently served on the Nashville Vanderbilt Club Board and the National Commodore Club 2020 Advisory Committee.

Besides Stites & Harbison

Randy passionately supports Vanderbilt athletics.  Vanderbilt's win against Boston College in the 2008 Music City Bowl helped ease the pain and humility associated with the previous 20+ consecutive losing seasons.  Randy and his wife recently welcomed a little Commodore into this world, and they look forward to grooming him to be the next Vanderbilt superfan.