Client Visits, Cutting-Edge Ideas, and the Curiosity That Drives George Patsarikas
Inspired by the IP firm’s distinctive fly-to-client service approach, The Flight Crew highlights the people who shape the firm and deliver the in-person relationships that define Burris Law.
When Burris Law IP attorney George Patsarikas travels to meet with clients, inventors, and engineering teams, he often begins with a strong understanding of the written materials. But seeing an invention in person and understanding the environment in which the innovation was developed changes his entire perspective and helps George build stronger patent strategies.
“Seeing the technology firsthand gives me perspective that is difficult to gain from documents alone,” George said. “It helps me understand why the invention matters, what should be protected, and how to develop a patent strategy that advances the client’s broader goals.”
For George, that experience captures what makes Burris Law’s fly-to-client service model so effective. It also reflects one of the reasons he continues to enjoy patent law: every client, every invention, and every new technology give him another opportunity to learn.
“My practice is incredibly intellectually stimulating,” George said. “I truly enjoy learning, staying curious, absorbing new things, building relationships with my clients, and showing up to help inventors navigate the next steps in protecting and advancing their innovations through the patent process.”
A First-Generation Path to Patent Law
George’s path to patent law began with a love of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). A first-generation college graduate, George grew up in metro Detroit in a close-knit family with Greek heritage that pushed him and his siblings to pursue educational opportunities that previous generations did not have.
After his freshman year at Oakland University, a family friend who was an attorney took George to lunch and asked about his strengths and goals. George told him he was excelling in math and science but was also interested in law. The attorney suggested that he look into patent law.
George went home that night and researched patent law. That was all it took, he quickly realized it was “a good blend of things I’m interested in, things I’m good at, and things I want to do.” George said that night, ‘I’m going to declare my electrical engineering major, and I’m going to go to law school to be a patent attorney.”
George did. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 2014 and then received his Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University College of Law in 2017, specializing in Patent Law.
Today, George focuses his practice on patent preparation and prosecution, counseling clients on inventions related to electrical engineering and computer-implemented technologies. Recently, George was recognized by his peers in Best Lawyers in America®: “Ones to Watch” for Intellectual Property Law, an honor that reflects his growing reputation in the field.
His work includes patents involving automotive control systems, machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies, acoustic systems, semiconductors, semiconductor processing systems, robotic systems, heating systems, and medical devices.
“In a single day, I might find myself studying acoustics in the morning, diving into autonomous vehicles by midday, and shifting gears that same afternoon to focus on a medical device,” George said. “It’s the breadth and the diversity of technology that fuels my desire to learn and make me a better attorney.”
Why Showing Up Matters
Since its founding 2016, Burris Law’s fly-to-client service model has differentiated the firm among its competitors. Founder Kelly Burris pilots her own Daher TBM 940 aircraft to meet with clients and develop stronger patent strategies, and she encourages attorneys to fly out to clients, either with her or commercially, to experience the inventions they’re protecting.
George has accompanied Kelly to visit one of Burris Law’s largest clients Watlow, an electric manufacturing company in St. Louis, where he worked with inventors on Industry 4.0 technologies. He has also traveled to other parts of the nation as he continues to see the value of meeting clients face to face.
“From day one, Kelly gave me the opportunity to interface directly with clients, which is normally reserved for more senior attorneys,” George said. “Having that kind of client exposure so early in my career was incredibly valuable, and it is very unique to experience in a law firm.”
Soccer, Fishing, Family, and Detroit Sports
Outside the office, George is a husband, father, soccer player, fisherman, and loyal supporter of his hometown Detroit sports teams.
He plays in various recreational soccer leagues, often with much younger players that he jokes he has “no business” trying to keep up with. But he loves the game for more than the exercise.
“It really helps me disconnect,” George said. “There is a cerebral part of the game — reading how players are positioned, anticipating the next pass or run, and recognizing which space will open two or three moves before it happens. That’s an aspect I really enjoy.”
Fishing became a major hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many of his usual athletic activities were not available. Since then, George has fished wherever he can — from remote wooded areas in Northern Michigan, to the warmer waters of the Florida Keys and the Mediterranean, to lakes covered in thick ice.
“Whether it’s deep in the woods where there isn’t a soul nearby, or on a local inland lake where I’m drilling through 12 inches of ice using a hand auger and crammed into a shanty with great company, I love it.”
Family is central to George’s life. He and his wife have two sons – one recent newborn – and George looks forward to sharing his hobbies with his boys.
“That’s my dream,” George said. “My little soccer and fishing buddies.”
