About Michelson IP
We are Committed to Democratizing Access to Intellectual Property Education.
Intellectual property (IP) is intangible creations of the mind, which are invaluable in today’s innovation economy. The Michelson Intellectual Property Institute (Michelson IP) empowers students, educators, budding inventors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and creators with a working knowledge of intellectual property (IP) topics.
Working alongside a network of IP subject matter experts and mission-aligned institutions, Michelson IP provides high-quality resources that can serve all learners, especially those from historically underrepresented communities, for whom IP can provide a means for social justice and the creation of multi-generational wealth.
Our Impact
Our History
Dr. Michelson’s vision is to inspire and support the next generation of innovators, ensuring that they have the knowledge and resources to protect their ideas, just as he did.
As an independent inventor driven by the love of problem-solving, Dr. Gary K. Michelson knew he could make spinal surgery far less invasive and far more effective for patients. A board-certified orthopedic spinal surgeon, Dr. Michelson spent 20 years developing new implants, surgical procedures, and the instruments required to carry them out, leading to many technological breakthroughs in the medical community.
In the early 2000s, Dr. Michelson faced a significant legal challenge involving a major medical device company, highlighting the critical role that intellectual property law would play in defending his inventions. This experience fueled his desire to empower others, especially those who might lack the resources to safeguard their own innovations.
In 2016, Dr. Michelson founded the Michelson IP Institute as an initiative of the Michelson 20MM Foundation. Michelson IP provides free IP educational resources, equipping inventors and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to secure their creative work and navigate the complexities of IP law.
Today, Dr. Michelson stands as one of the most prolific inventors in medical history, with over 950 issued patents worldwide. His contributions have earned him rare distinctions, including induction into both the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the National Academy of Inventors.