Michael Cantor is a force for economic growth and development in Connecticut and a champion of innovation. As Founder of Cantor Colburn LLP, Michael grew a three-person patent law firm into one of the largest and most productive full-service intellectual property law firms in America. Cantor Colburn’s global clients include multinational corporations, mid-size companies, high tech start-ups, university technology transfer offices, and government research. Michael has represented companies in a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical devices, energy, consumer products, entertainment, and many more. He is a thoughtful leader and frequently invited to speak on intellectual property, innovation, and economic development.
Michael actively supports economic development and innovation in Connecticut. He is the Chair of Connecticut Innovations, the quasi-public agency charged with growing Connecticut’s economy by making strategic capital and other investments that encourage the development of high-tech industries within the state. He is the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History and a member of the Board of Directors for the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. He is a member of the Advisory Boards of the University of Connecticut School of Law and School of Engineering. Michael has received numerous honors, awards and recognitions from American Bar Foundation, UConn and other groups.
His wife Shari, the Mayor of West Hartford, is a UConn trustee. They have four sons and two granddaughters.