Karl T. Ondersma

Karl T. Ondersma is a partner and registered intellectual property lawyer at Gardner, Linn, Burkhart & Ondersma LLP, who helps clients obtain and protect intellectual property rights. He focuses on patent procurement and litigation, using his legal knowledge and technical background to address inventions and disputes involving complex engineering concepts. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in Michigan state and federal courts.

Karl earned his J.D. from Michigan State University Law School, where he graduated first in his class. He received his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan and his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Calvin College. His education provides a strong foundation for evaluating technical innovations, preparing patent applications, and explaining complicated mechanical systems in legal proceedings.

Karl spent eight years in engineering positions with the Diesel Technology Company of Grand Rapids before beginning his legal career. He served as a group manager responsible for engineering and manufacturing operations in two production departments. He also worked as a resident engineer at a Daimler-Benz diesel engine production plant in Mannheim, Germany, and as a product engineer developing heavy-duty diesel fuel injection systems.

Karl concentrates on intellectual property matters, particularly patent procurement and patent litigation. He applies his engineering experience when assessing inventions, identifying protectable features, communicating with inventors, and developing arguments involving technical evidence. He also helps clients understand how intellectual property protection may support their products, competitive positions, and broader business objectives.

Karl T. Ondersma maintains active involvement in professional legal organizations connected to intellectual property and federal practice. He serves as chair ex officio of the Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, Grand Rapids Bar Association, and Federal Bar Association, including its Grand Rapids Chapter and Western District of Michigan. He brings technical experience, focused patent knowledge, and practical judgment to intellectual property protection and disputes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Gardner, Linn, Burkhart & Ondersma LLP
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Federal Bar Association, Grand Rapids Chapter
• Member, State Bar of Michigan
• Member, Grand Rapids Bar Association
• Member, Federal Bar Association, Western District of Michigan

Licensed State

• Michigan

Education

• Michigan State University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Michigan
  MS in Mechanical Engineering
• Calvin College
  BS in Mechanical Engineering

Awards & Badges