Michael Lewis is an experienced leader, litigator and policy counselor with over sixteen years of experience protecting and enforcing the intellectual property rights of clients in diverse industry sectors.  Michael also provides advice and advocacy on cybersecurity matters as well as multiple intellectual property rights fields including copyright, trademark, trade secrets, patent and right of publicity. In his current role as Chief Counsel, Intellectual Property Protection and Security with the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), he manages a diverse team of lawyers, analysts and technology specialists to execute cybersecurity and content protection programs on behalf of ESA member companies.  This includes developing strategic initiatives, managing and implementing the organization’s cybersecurity issues, and leading working groups comprised of high-level representatives from ESA member companies. 

In Michael’s prior role as Senior Counsel at Nintendo of America, he managed brand enforcement, anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy programs for iconic brands (i.e., Nintendo, Super Mario and Pokémon) including managing outside counsel in key domestic and international markets. He worked closely with international law enforcement authorities on successful criminal cases and a won substantial copyright case where Nintendo was awarded over twelve million (CAD) in damages.  He also developed and implemented training programs for international customs and law enforcement authorities and liaised with various trade associations and government officials to advance industry policy priorities and objectives.

Michael also possess deep knowledge and understanding of domestic and international policy issues while working for the U.S. government for close to ten years.  During his role as the Regional Intellectual Property Attaché for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean based in the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, he was responsible for promoting high standards of intellectual property protection and enforcement and served as a resource for both U.S. government personnel and national governments within the region. He advised U.S. ambassadors on intellectual property protection and enforcement trends, and assisted with the formulation of U.S. IP and trade policy in the region. 

Previously, Michael served as Director and Intellectual Property Advisor in the Office of the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC), Executive Office of the President.  In this position, he was responsible for providing policy and legal guidance on a broad range of intellectual property matters to the IPEC, coordinating the development and execution of the Administration’s Joint Strategic Plan against Counterfeiting and Infringement, and facilitated the issuance of policy guidance to U.S. departments and agencies on intellectual property enforcement issues.  Prior to his service with IPEC, he served as Acting Chief of Staff and Associate Counsel in the Office of General Counsel at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) where he litigated employment disputes and negotiated complex government procurement contracts.  He also has extensive IP prosecution experience from his experience as a Trademark Attorney with the USPTO and a Copyright Examiner with the U.S. Copyright Office.