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Michael Hassel Trenholm, Copyright Attorney in Palo Alto, California

Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Copyright, IP, and Patent · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratKnobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

Palo Alto, CA

Practicing copyright in Palo Alto since 1992.

34+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Michael Hassel Trenholm is a partner based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Copyright, IP, and Patent. Michael has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Palo Alto, CA
Experience
over 34 years
Known for
Copyright · IP · Patent
  • Handles Copyright, IP, and Patent matters from Palo Alto, CA.
  • Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

About Michael Hassel Trenholm: Michael Hassel Trenholm is a partner based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Copyright, IP, and Patent. Michael has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Michael's practice areas in Palo Alto

Michael concentrates on copyright, ip, patent, real estate, and trademark. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Copyright cases in Palo Alto, California

Michael takes copyright matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

IP cases in Palo Alto, California

Michael takes ip matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Patent cases in Palo Alto, California

Michael takes patent matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Palo Alto, California

Michael takes real estate matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Trademark cases in Palo Alto, California

Michael takes trademark matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

Michael Hassel Trenholm, copyright attorney serving Palo Alto

Michael Hassel Trenholm is a partner based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Copyright, IP, and Patent. Michael has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Michael works from Palo Alto, California and takes on copyright matters across the region.

Michael Hassel Trenholm is a lawyer practicing intellectual property, patents, trademarks and 3 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S.E.E. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1987, and has been licensed for 34 years. Michael practices at Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP in Palo Alto, CA.

How Michael handles copyright matters

Michael Hassel Trenholm is a lawyer practicing intellectual property, patents, trademarks and 3 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S.E.E. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1987, and has been licensed for 34 years. Michael practices at Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP in Palo Alto, CA.

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for copyright, ip, and patent matters in Palo Alto and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Michael studied and practices

  • McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific

    J.D. · 1992

  • University of California at Los Angeles

    B.S.E.E. · 1987

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • California U.S. Dist

    1992 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.S.E.E. in University of California at Los Angeles.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.S.E.E. in University of California at Los Angeles. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Michael's legal honors and published work

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Riverside County and San Bernardino County Bar Associations State Bar of California

    membership

Locations

Michael Hassel Trenholm's office in Palo Alto

Michael's primary office is at 2040 Main St., 14th Fl., Palo Alto, CA, 92614. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

2040 Main St., 14th Fl.

Palo Alto, CA 92614

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Hassel Trenholm — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing copyright attorneys in Palo Alto.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Hassel Trenholm claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Hassel Trenholm — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new copyright attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a copyright attorney in Palo Alto, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many copyright matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael

Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in copyright practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every copyright matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many copyright practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael Hassel Trenholm

  • How much does it cost to hire Michael for a copyright case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Michael offer a free consultation?

    Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some copyright attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

  • How long do copyright cases in California typically take?

    Simple copyright matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Palo Alto?

    Michael is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Michael accepting new copyright clients right now?

    Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Copyright attorneys serving Palo Alto, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Michael handles copyright matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified copyright attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these copyright attorneys in Palo Alto handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.