“I take great pride in ensuring all of my client's business interests are considered and protected when litigation happens, and any issue they encounter is solved with forward-thinking and creativity.”
Practice Areas
Industries
Safe Driving Technologies, LLC v. Ford Motor Company (Patent Trial and Appeal Board): Served as Ford Motor Company’s litigation and Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) counsel, recently defended Ford in a patent infringement case filed by Safe Driving Technologies, LLC, which alleged Ford infringed four patents related to telematic safety features. Under Brooks Kushman’s direction, Ford filed Inter Partes Reviews (IPRs) against the four asserted patents. The PTAB ultimately held 43 claims unpatentable, with the plaintiff dedicating an additional 10 claims to the public. Brooks Kushman also represented Ford in the appeal, where the judgment was affirmed. Case No. 1:21-cv-00064
Lear Corporation v. NHK Seating of America Inc. (Settlement – E.D. Michigan): Only days into a federal jury trial, Lear Corp., represented by Brooks Kushman, and NHK Seating, informed a Michigan federal judge that the companies had reached a settlement in the patent infringement case involving headrest patents. Lear sued NHK Seating in 2013 saying the company infringed multiple patents for technology they used in their vehicle headrests. The case has been settled in its entirety.
Versata Software v. Ford Motor Company (E.D. Michigan and E.D. Texas): Lead counsel for Ford in lawsuits involving over 30 alleged trade secrets, 16 patents, 5 copyrights and 3 breach of contract claims relating to complex enterprise software for product configuration. Versata originally sought over $1.4 Billion in damages from Ford. After more than 8 years of litigation in federal courts in Michigan and Texas, more than 20 IPRs/CBMRs, over 60 depositions, over 1000 docket entries including multiple rounds of claim construction, summary judgment and Daubert challenges, and a three-week jury trial, John and his team held Versata to just $3 in nominal damages. Case No. 2:15-cv-10628.
Eagle Harbor Holdings/Medius v. Ford Motor Company (Jury Trial – W.D. Washington): Defended Ford in patent infringement trial in which plaintiff was asserting several patents against Ford’s SYNC infotainment system, and Ford’s automatic parking system. Plaintiffs sought damages of $250 million. Jury found patents not infringed, and awarded no damages to plaintiff. Jury also found that plaintiffs had misappropriated Ford trade secrets. Case No. 3:11-cv-05503
Maxchief v. Plastic Development Group (Settlement – E.D. Michigan) – Lead counsel for Defendant, Plastic Development Group (PDG) in a patent infringement matter regarding blow-molded tables. Successfully transferred the case to E.D. Michigan shortly after the Supreme Courts decision in TC Heartland. Also served as counsel to PDG during inter partes review proceedings to challenge the asserted patents validity. The Patent Trial and Appeal Board instituted on all grounds for all challenged claims. The case settled favorably shortly after transferring to PDG’s home forum and institution of the inter partes review. Case No. 2:17-cv-12662
WP Banquet, LLC et al. v. Target Corporation et al. (Settlement – C.D. California) – Lead counsel for furniture manufacturer Plastic Development Group and retailer Target accused of infringing four patents. Successfully moved to sever and stay the case for Plastic Development Group’s customer Target. Managed to secure a favorable settlement on behalf of Plastic Development Group shortly thereafter. Case No. 2:16-cv-02082
Kar Enterprises v. Ford Motor Company (Settlement – D. Massachusetts): Counsel for defendant Ford Motor Company in patent infringement lawsuit involving speed limiting system for a vehicle. The case concluded in a favorable settlement for Ford. Case No. 4:11-cv-11200
Ancora Techs. v. Apple, Inc. (Federal Circuit): Counsel for Ancora Technologies patent infringement action concerning computer software. Obtained a positive claim construction ruling for the patent holder on appeal to the Federal Circuit. Case No. 744 F.3d 732
AgentWare Systems, Inc. v. Ford Motor Company (Jury Trial – E.D. Michigan): Defended Ford in trade secrets case relating to computer software for assembly line visualization. AgentWare sought $400 million from Ford in damages. The court and the jury found for Ford, rejecting AgentWare’s claims. Case No. 02-cv-71959
Ford Motor Company and Greenleaf LLC v. Technology Solutions Company (Jury Trial – Wayne County Circuit Court ): Obtained a $2.3 million dollar verdict and judgment on behalf of Ford and a former Ford subsidiary in a breach of warranty action against a software supplier. Case No. 01:123853
z4 v. Microsoft and Autodesk (Jury Trial – E.D. Texas): Represented z4 in a patent infringement case involving two patents relating to technology for reducing software piracy. Infringing products included Microsoft’s Windows and Office software, and Autodesk’s AutoCAD software. Brooks Kushman secured a $133 million jury verdict, and a $25 million enhanced damages award for z4. The Federal Circuit affirmed the jury verdict. Case No. 507 F.3d 1340
Cheetah Omni LLC v. Verizon Services Corporation, et al. (Jury Trial – E.D. Texas): Represented Cheetah Omni in a patent infringement lawsuit concerning fiber optic switching technology. Secured a $5.4 million jury verdict. Case No. 6:11-cv-00160
Omega Patents, LLC v. General Motors LLC et al. (Settlement – N.D. Georgia): Counsel for defendants General Motors and Onstar in a patent infringement lawsuit involving vehicle remote systems. The case concluded in a favorable settlement for defendants. Case No. 1:12-cv-01192
Omega Patents, LLC v. Lear Corp. (Settlement – M.D. Florida): Counsel for defendant Lear Corporation in patent infringement lawsuit involving vehicle remote start technology. The case concluded in a favorable settlement. Case No. 6:07-CV-1422
ST Sales Tech Holdings, LLC v. Ford Motor Company (Summary Judgment – E.D. Texas): Lead counsel for Ford in successful defense of patent infringement action. Case No. CIV.A. 6:07-CV-346
J.D., University of Dayton
M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan, academic excellence
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Buffalo, cum laude
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
Pi Tau Sigma Engineering Honor Society
Federal Bar Association Eastern District of Michigan Chapter
United States Supreme Court
Intellectual Property Owners (IPO) Association – Open Source Committee
State Bar of Michigan
“Legal Lions of the Week”, Law 360, 2023
“IAM Patent 1000 Recommended Individual,” Intellectual Asset Management, 2017 – 2024
“Michigan’s Outstanding IP Litigator of the Year,” Managing Intellectual Property, 2018
“IP Star”, Managing Intellectual Property, 2016-2024
Best Lawyers in America, 2015-2025
“Leader in the Law,” Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2016
“Top Lawyer,” DBusiness Magazine, 2013, 2015-2017, 2019-2021
Michigan Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property, 2014-2018, 2020-2021
“Rising Star,” Michigan Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property, 2008-2010, 2012-2013
“Up & Coming Lawyer,” Michigan Lawyers Weekly, 2008
Eastern District of Michigan Pro Bono Service Recognition, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010 – 2012
Panelist, “The Evolving Licensing Landscape: SEP and FRAND”, Auto IP USA, IAM, May 2022
Panelist, “Global FRAND Issues: Precious Metals, Auto, and IoT,” Global Series Webinar, Federal Circuit Bar Association, October 2021
Panelist, “Billion Dollar Patent Verdicts: How, Why and Will the Federal Circuit Let Them Stand,” Patent Masters™ Litigation 2021, IPWatchdog, June 2021
Panelist, “FRAND and the Automotive Value Chain,” IPWatchdog SEP2020, November 2020
Moderator, “The SEP Landscape,” Auto IP Event, Intellectual Asset Management and Brooks Kushman P.C., September 2020
Co-presenter, “Year In Review: 2019 Intellectual Property Litigation,” BK Webinar, February 2020
Speaker, “You May Be Exhausted Over Standard Essential Patents (And Not Even Know It),” BK Video Presentation, December 2019
Co-Presenter, “Navigating License and Joint Development Agreements; Avoiding Litigation,” BK Webinar, September 2019
Speaker, “Creating Internal Open Source Compliance Strategies: What Every In-House Counsel Should Know,” Association of Corporate Counsel Webinar, July 2017
Speaker, “Open Source Software: What Every In-house Counsel Should Know,” Association of Corporate Counsel Webinar, February 2017
Panel Speaker, “Software Patentability,” United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) program at Lawrence Technical University, May 2015
Speaker, “Open Source Software – The Devil is in the Details,” Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ Big M Manufacturing Convergence, June 2014
Speaker, “Open Source: Its Free – Terms and Conditions Apply,” ARM TechCon, October 2013
Speaker, “Open Source Software in the Electric Vehicle,” Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Show, September 2013
Speaker, “Understanding & Managing Legal Obligations of Open Source Software,” SAE World Congress, April 2013
Speaker, “Legal Risks Associated with Open Source Software,” Licensing Executives Society: Software Committee, December 2011
Speaker, “What CIOs Need to Know About the Legal Risks Associated with Open Source Software,” ExecSense Webinar: Intellectual Property, August 2011
Co-Author, “AI Integration, Copyright, and Privacy: Navigating the Challenges in Software Terms of Service,” Brooks Kushman Trending IP Blog, September 2024
Co-Author, “Director Vidal Issues Favorable Ruling in Ford IPR,” Brooks Kushman Client Alerts, March 2024
Co-Author, “Taking the Initiative: Proactive Litigation Strategies in Intellectual Property Disputes,” Brooks Kushman Trending IP Blog, January 2024
Co-Author, “Court Enters Final Judgement for $3 in Versata Software, Inc. v. Ford Motor Company,” Brooks Kushman Client Alerts, November 2023
Co-Author, “Covered Business Method Patent Review Will End as of September 16, 2020.” Client Alert, August 2020
Co-Author, “Open Source Software (OSS) – What Every Attorney Needs to Know,” Association of Corporate Counsel, October 2014
Client Alerts
Brooks Kushman Secures Federal Circuit Affirmance for Ford Motor Company in Patent Dispute, Upholding PTAB Rulings that the Asserted Automobile Safety Patents are Unpatentable
Read MoreBlog
AI Integration, Copyright, and Privacy: Navigating the Challenges in Software Terms of Service
Read MorePress Releases
Eight Brooks Kushman Attorneys Ranked As 2025 Best Lawyers; Frank Angileri Recognized As 2025 Lawyer of the Year
Read MorePress Releases
Brooks Kushman Recognized In The Top Tier Of IP Firms In The Country By Managing IP; Eight Shareholders Named “IP Stars”
Read MorePress Releases
Brooks Kushman Recognized as Gold-Standard Firm By 2024 IAM Annual Patent 1000 For The Eleventh Year In A Row; Ten Attorneys Recognized as Top Practitioners
Read MoreBlog
Taking the Initiative: Proactive Litigation Strategies in Intellectual Property Disputes
Read MoreMedia Coverage
Brooks Kushman Featured in Law360 Article on Michigan’s Biggest Decisions Of 2023
Read MoreClient Alerts
Court Enters Final Judgement for $3 in Versata Software, Inc. v. Ford Motor Company
Read MorePress Releases
Five Brooks Kushman Attorneys Ranked As 2024 Best Lawyers; Frank Angileri Recognized As 2024 Lawyer of the Year
Read MorePress Releases
Brooks Kushman Recognized In The Top Tier Of IP Firms In The Country By Managing IP; Seven Shareholders Named “IP Stars”
Read MorePress Releases
Brooks Kushman Recognized as Gold-Standard Firm By 2023 IAM Annual Patent 1000 For The Tenth Year In A Row; Eight Attorneys Recognized as Top Practitioners
Read MorePress Releases
Brooks Kushman Recognized as Gold-Standard Firm By 2022 IAM Annual Patent 1000 For The Ninth year In A Row; Eight Attorneys Recognized as Top Practitioners
Read MorePress Releases
Co-Chair of Litigation John LeRoy Named One of Michigan’s Go-To Lawyers for Intellectual Property Law
Read MorePresentations
Co-Chair of Litigation John LeRoy Panelist in Federal Circuit Bar Association Global Series Panel on Global FRAND Issues
Read MorePresentations
Brooks Kushman Shareholder John LeRoy Panelist at IPWatchdog Patent Masters™ Litigation 2021 Event
Read MoreMedia Coverage
SEP Panel from Brooks Kushman’s Co-Hosted IAM Auto IP Event Featured in IAM Article
Read MoreMedia Coverage
In Law360, Brooks Kushman Shareholder John LeRoy Provides an “In the Trenches” Perspective on Challenges Adopters Typically Face Licensing Standard Essential Patents, and a Potential Solution
Read MoreMedia Coverage
Brooks Kushman Shareholder John LeRoy Discusses New Policies Boosting the Power of Standard Essential Patents in Law360
Read MorePress Releases
Nine Brooks Kushman Attorneys Ranked As 2020 Best Lawyer; Two Attorneys Recognized As 2020 Lawyer Of The Year
Read MoreClient Alerts
Federal Court Criticizes Qualcomm Licensing Methods for SEP Patents, Finds Antitrust Violations
Read MorePresentations
Shareholder John LeRoy to Speak at George Washington University Law School Global Anti-Corruption and Compliance Program
Read MoreMedia Coverage
Brooks Kushman Shareholder Says Auto Makers Likely Won’t Battle One Another Like the “Smartphone Wars”
Read MorePresentations
Brooks Kushman Shareholder to Speak at SDL Developer Conference in Los Angeles
Read MorePress Releases
Twelve Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named To 2018 Super Lawyers List; Eight Attorneys Honored as Rising Stars
Read MorePress Releases
Brooks Kushman Hosts Chinese Delegation in Partnership With Michigan State University
Read MorePress Releases
Nine Brooks Kushman Attorneys Ranked As Best Lawyer; Two Attorneys Recognized as Lawyer of the Year
Read MorePress Releases
Brooks Kushman Recognized as Gold-Standard Firm By IAM Annual Patent 1000; Six Attorneys Recognized as Top Practioners
Read MoreMedia Coverage
John LeRoy Quoted in IAM Article on Recent Speaking Engagement at IP Auto USA Event
Read MorePress Releases
Brooks Kushman Shareholder to Speak at IP Counsel Café Annual Silicon Valley Conference; Four Shareholders to Attend
Read MorePress Releases
Brooks Kushman Ranked In The 2018 Best Law Firms List; Nine Attorneys Ranked As Best Lawyer
Read MorePress Releases
Twelve Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named To 2017 Super Lawyers List; Ten Attorneys Honored As Rising Stars
Read MorePress Releases
Brooks Kushman Ranked in the 2017 Best Law Firms List; Eight Attorneys Ranked as Best Lawyers
Read MorePress Releases
Eight Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named To 2016 Super Lawyers List; Eight Attorneys Honored As Rising Stars
Read MorePress Releases
Brooks Kushman Congratulates 7 Attorneys Named as 2017 Best Lawyers In America
Read MorePress Releases
Brooks Kushman Intellectual Property Litigation Attorney Honored as a 2016 Leader in the Law
Read MoreClient Alerts
Federal Circuit Panel Reaffirms Single Entity Rule One Infringer Must Be Responsible For Performing All Steps Of Methods Claims
Read MorePress Releases
Brooks Kushman Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2014 “Best Law Firm”; Five Shareholders Named as “Best Lawyers”
Read MorePresentations
Brooks Kushman Shareholders to Present at The Big M Manufacturing Convergence
Read MorePresentations
Brooks Kushman Shareholder John LeRoy to Discuss Open Source License Compliance at ARM TechCon
Read MoreMedia Coverage
Four Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named to 2013 Super Lawyers List; Ten Attorneys Honored as Rising Stars
Read MorePresentations
Brooks Kushman Shareholder, John LeRoy to Discuss Open Source License Compliance at the Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo
Read MoreMedia Coverage
Brooks Kushman’s LeRoy Discusses Open Sourcing Compliance in Crain`s Detroit Business
Read MoreMedia Coverage
Six Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named to 2009 Super Lawyers List; Two Up-and-Coming Lawyers Named Rising Stars
Read MorePress Releases
Brooks Kushman’s John LeRoy Named Up & Coming Lawyer by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Read MorePress Releases
Brooks Kushman’s John LeRoy Named “Up & Coming Lawyer” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Read MorePress Releases
Six Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named to 2008 Super Lawyers List; Five Up-and-Coming Attorneys Named Rising Stars
Read MorePress Releases
Commerce Township Entrepreneur Prevails in Case Against Microsoft for Willful Infringement of Anti-Piracy Software Patents
Read MorePress Releases
Four Lawyers from Brooks Kushman Named to Intellectual Property Owners Association Committees
Read More83 results
Client Alerts
Brooks Kushman Secures Federal Circuit Affirmance for Ford Motor Company in Patent Dispute, Upholding PTAB Rulings that the Asserted Automobile Safety Patents are Unpatentable
Blog
AI Integration, Copyright, and Privacy: Navigating the Challenges in Software Terms of Service
Press Releases
Eight Brooks Kushman Attorneys Ranked As 2025 Best Lawyers; Frank Angileri Recognized As 2025 Lawyer of the Year
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Recognized In The Top Tier Of IP Firms In The Country By Managing IP; Eight Shareholders Named “IP Stars”
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Recognized as Gold-Standard Firm By 2024 IAM Annual Patent 1000 For The Eleventh Year In A Row; Ten Attorneys Recognized as Top Practitioners
Client Alerts
Director Vidal Issues Favorable Ruling in Ford IPR
Blog
Taking the Initiative: Proactive Litigation Strategies in Intellectual Property Disputes
Media Coverage
Brooks Kushman Featured in Law360 Article on Michigan’s Biggest Decisions Of 2023
Client Alerts
Court Enters Final Judgement for $3 in Versata Software, Inc. v. Ford Motor Company
Press Releases
Five Brooks Kushman Attorneys Ranked As 2024 Best Lawyers; Frank Angileri Recognized As 2024 Lawyer of the Year
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Recognized In The Top Tier Of IP Firms In The Country By Managing IP; Seven Shareholders Named “IP Stars”
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Recognized as Gold-Standard Firm By 2023 IAM Annual Patent 1000 For The Tenth Year In A Row; Eight Attorneys Recognized as Top Practitioners
Press Releases
Nine Brooks Kushman Attorneys Recognized In Best Lawyers
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Recognized as Gold-Standard Firm By 2022 IAM Annual Patent 1000 For The Ninth year In A Row; Eight Attorneys Recognized as Top Practitioners
Presentations
John LeRoy to Speak on IP Panel at Upcoming Auto IP Event
Press Releases
Co-Chair of Litigation John LeRoy Named One of Michigan’s Go-To Lawyers for Intellectual Property Law
Presentations
Co-Chair of Litigation John LeRoy Panelist in Federal Circuit Bar Association Global Series Panel on Global FRAND Issues
Presentations
Brooks Kushman Shareholder John LeRoy Panelist at IPWatchdog Patent Masters™ Litigation 2021 Event
Press Releases
Eight Brooks Kushman Shareholders Named To 2021 Top Lawyers List
Presentations
Brooks Kushman Shareholder John LeRoy Panelist at IPWatchdog SEP2020 Event
Media Coverage
SEP Panel from Brooks Kushman’s Co-Hosted IAM Auto IP Event Featured in IAM Article
Blog
Ninth Circuit Reverses Antitrust Ruling Against Qualcomm in FTC v. Qualcomm Inc.
Media Coverage
In Law360, Brooks Kushman Shareholder John LeRoy Provides an “In the Trenches” Perspective on Challenges Adopters Typically Face Licensing Standard Essential Patents, and a Potential Solution
Blog
A Musical Solution For Negotiating Wireless FRAND Rates
Media Coverage
Brooks Kushman Shareholder John LeRoy Discusses New Policies Boosting the Power of Standard Essential Patents in Law360
Webinar
Year in Review: 2019 Intellectual Property Litigation
Blog
You May Be Exhausted Over Standard Essential Patents (And Not Even Know It)
Blog
Nokia’s U.S. Standard Essential Patents are Exhausted Against Qualcomm Chipsets
Press Releases
Ten Brooks Kushman Shareholders Named To 2020 Top Lawyers List
Press Releases
Nine Brooks Kushman Attorneys Ranked As 2020 Best Lawyer; Two Attorneys Recognized As 2020 Lawyer Of The Year
Webinar
Navigating License and Joint Development Agreements; Avoiding Litigation
Client Alerts
Federal Court Criticizes Qualcomm Licensing Methods for SEP Patents, Finds Antitrust Violations
Presentations
John LeRoy To Speak On IP Panel At Automotive Legal Summit
Presentations
Shareholder John LeRoy to Speak at George Washington University Law School Global Anti-Corruption and Compliance Program
Media Coverage
Brooks Kushman Shareholder Says Auto Makers Likely Won’t Battle One Another Like the “Smartphone Wars”
Presentations
Brooks Kushman Shareholder to Speak at SDL Developer Conference in Los Angeles
Press Releases
Twelve Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named To 2018 Super Lawyers List; Eight Attorneys Honored as Rising Stars
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Hosts Chinese Delegation in Partnership With Michigan State University
Press Releases
Nine Brooks Kushman Attorneys Ranked As Best Lawyer; Two Attorneys Recognized as Lawyer of the Year
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Recognized as Gold-Standard Firm By IAM Annual Patent 1000; Six Attorneys Recognized as Top Practioners
Media Coverage
John LeRoy Quoted in IAM Article on Recent Speaking Engagement at IP Auto USA Event
Presentations
Brooks Kushman Shareholder to Speak on IP Panel at Automotive Legal Summit
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Shareholder to Speak at IP Counsel Café Annual Silicon Valley Conference; Four Shareholders to Attend
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Shareholder Recognized as Michigan IP Litigator of the Year
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Ranked In The 2018 Best Law Firms List; Nine Attorneys Ranked As Best Lawyer
Press Releases
Twelve Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named To 2017 Super Lawyers List; Ten Attorneys Honored As Rising Stars
Press Releases
Nine Brooks Kushman Attorneys Ranked as 2018 Best Lawyers
Media Coverage
John LeRoy Featured in Crain’s Detroit Business
Webinar
Creating Internal Open Source Compliance Strategies
Press Releases
Gold in IAM Annual Patent 1000
Press Releases
Six Shareholders Named “IP Stars” By Managing IP
Webinar
Open Source Software: What Every In-house Counsel Should Know
Press Releases
Five Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named To 2017 Top Lawyers List
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Ranked in the 2017 Best Law Firms List; Eight Attorneys Ranked as Best Lawyers
Media Coverage
Brooks Kushman Shareholder Quoted in Crain’s Detroit Business
Press Releases
Eight Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named To 2016 Super Lawyers List; Eight Attorneys Honored As Rising Stars
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Congratulates 7 Attorneys Named as 2017 Best Lawyers In America
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Attorneys Named “IP Stars” by Managing IP
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Intellectual Property Litigation Attorney Honored as a 2016 Leader in the Law
Press Releases
Eleven Brooks Kushman Attorneys Named Top Lawyers
Press Releases
Fifteen Brooks Kushman Attorneys Named 2015 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Press Releases
Five Brooks Kushman Attorneys Recognized as 2016 Best Lawyers in America
Client Alerts
Federal Circuit Panel Reaffirms Single Entity Rule One Infringer Must Be Responsible For Performing All Steps Of Methods Claims
Presentations
Brooks Kushman Shareholder to Discuss Software Patentability on USPTO Panel
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2014 “Best Law Firm”; Five Shareholders Named as “Best Lawyers”
Publications
Brooks Kushman Attorneys Discuss Open Source Software Compliance
Press Releases
Sixteen Brooks Kushman Attorneys Named 2014 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Media Coverage
Five Brooks Kushman Attorneys Recognized as 2015 Best Lawyers in America ®
Presentations
Brooks Kushman Shareholders to Present at The Big M Manufacturing Convergence
Presentations
Brooks Kushman Shareholder John LeRoy to Discuss Open Source License Compliance at ARM TechCon
Media Coverage
Four Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named to 2013 Super Lawyers List; Ten Attorneys Honored as Rising Stars
Presentations
Brooks Kushman Shareholder, John LeRoy to Discuss Open Source License Compliance at the Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo
Media Coverage
Brooks Kushman’s LeRoy Discusses Open Sourcing Compliance in Crain`s Detroit Business
Presentations
LeRoy Presents on the Legal Risks of Open Source Software
Media Coverage
LeRoy Offers Insight on Cost Effective E-Discovery for Corporate Counsel
Media Coverage
Six Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named to 2009 Super Lawyers List; Two Up-and-Coming Lawyers Named Rising Stars
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman’s John LeRoy Named Up & Coming Lawyer by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman’s John LeRoy Named “Up & Coming Lawyer” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Press Releases
Six Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named to 2008 Super Lawyers List; Five Up-and-Coming Attorneys Named Rising Stars
Press Releases
NorthPole Companies Secure Summary Judgment Against Bravo Sports, Inc.
Press Releases
Commerce Township Entrepreneur Prevails in Case Against Microsoft for Willful Infringement of Anti-Piracy Software Patents
Press Releases
Brooks Kushman Lawyers Honored for Local Pro Bono Work
Press Releases
Four Lawyers from Brooks Kushman Named to Intellectual Property Owners Association Committees
Practice Areas
Industries
“I take great pride in ensuring all of my client's business interests are considered and protected when litigation happens, and any issue they encounter is solved with forward-thinking and creativity.”
J.D., University of Dayton
M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan, academic excellence
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Buffalo, cum laude
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
Pi Tau Sigma Engineering Honor Society
Federal Bar Association Eastern District of Michigan Chapter
United States Supreme Court
Intellectual Property Owners (IPO) Association – Open Source Committee
State Bar of Michigan
“Legal Lions of the Week”, Law 360, 2023
“IAM Patent 1000 Recommended Individual,” Intellectual Asset Management, 2017 – 2024
“Michigan’s Outstanding IP Litigator of the Year,” Managing Intellectual Property, 2018
“IP Star”, Managing Intellectual Property, 2016-2024
Best Lawyers in America, 2015-2025
“Leader in the Law,” Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2016
“Top Lawyer,” DBusiness Magazine, 2013, 2015-2017, 2019-2021
Michigan Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property, 2014-2018, 2020-2021
“Rising Star,” Michigan Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property, 2008-2010, 2012-2013
“Up & Coming Lawyer,” Michigan Lawyers Weekly, 2008
Eastern District of Michigan Pro Bono Service Recognition, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010 – 2012
Panelist, “The Evolving Licensing Landscape: SEP and FRAND”, Auto IP USA, IAM, May 2022
Panelist, “Global FRAND Issues: Precious Metals, Auto, and IoT,” Global Series Webinar, Federal Circuit Bar Association, October 2021
Panelist, “Billion Dollar Patent Verdicts: How, Why and Will the Federal Circuit Let Them Stand,” Patent Masters™ Litigation 2021, IPWatchdog, June 2021
Panelist, “FRAND and the Automotive Value Chain,” IPWatchdog SEP2020, November 2020
Moderator, “The SEP Landscape,” Auto IP Event, Intellectual Asset Management and Brooks Kushman P.C., September 2020
Co-presenter, “Year In Review: 2019 Intellectual Property Litigation,” BK Webinar, February 2020
Speaker, “You May Be Exhausted Over Standard Essential Patents (And Not Even Know It),” BK Video Presentation, December 2019
Co-Presenter, “Navigating License and Joint Development Agreements; Avoiding Litigation,” BK Webinar, September 2019
Speaker, “Creating Internal Open Source Compliance Strategies: What Every In-House Counsel Should Know,” Association of Corporate Counsel Webinar, July 2017
Speaker, “Open Source Software: What Every In-house Counsel Should Know,” Association of Corporate Counsel Webinar, February 2017
Panel Speaker, “Software Patentability,” United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) program at Lawrence Technical University, May 2015
Speaker, “Open Source Software – The Devil is in the Details,” Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ Big M Manufacturing Convergence, June 2014
Speaker, “Open Source: Its Free – Terms and Conditions Apply,” ARM TechCon, October 2013
Speaker, “Open Source Software in the Electric Vehicle,” Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Show, September 2013
Speaker, “Understanding & Managing Legal Obligations of Open Source Software,” SAE World Congress, April 2013
Speaker, “Legal Risks Associated with Open Source Software,” Licensing Executives Society: Software Committee, December 2011
Speaker, “What CIOs Need to Know About the Legal Risks Associated with Open Source Software,” ExecSense Webinar: Intellectual Property, August 2011
Co-Author, “AI Integration, Copyright, and Privacy: Navigating the Challenges in Software Terms of Service,” Brooks Kushman Trending IP Blog, September 2024
Co-Author, “Director Vidal Issues Favorable Ruling in Ford IPR,” Brooks Kushman Client Alerts, March 2024
Co-Author, “Taking the Initiative: Proactive Litigation Strategies in Intellectual Property Disputes,” Brooks Kushman Trending IP Blog, January 2024
Co-Author, “Court Enters Final Judgement for $3 in Versata Software, Inc. v. Ford Motor Company,” Brooks Kushman Client Alerts, November 2023
Co-Author, “Covered Business Method Patent Review Will End as of September 16, 2020.” Client Alert, August 2020
Co-Author, “Open Source Software (OSS) – What Every Attorney Needs to Know,” Association of Corporate Counsel, October 2014
Safe Driving Technologies, LLC v. Ford Motor Company (Patent Trial and Appeal Board): Served as Ford Motor Company’s litigation and Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) counsel, recently defended Ford in a patent infringement case filed by Safe Driving Technologies, LLC, which alleged Ford infringed four patents related to telematic safety features. Under Brooks Kushman’s direction, Ford filed Inter Partes Reviews (IPRs) against the four asserted patents. The PTAB ultimately held 43 claims unpatentable, with the plaintiff dedicating an additional 10 claims to the public. Brooks Kushman also represented Ford in the appeal, where the judgment was affirmed. Case No. 1:21-cv-00064
Lear Corporation v. NHK Seating of America Inc. (Settlement – E.D. Michigan): Only days into a federal jury trial, Lear Corp., represented by Brooks Kushman, and NHK Seating, informed a Michigan federal judge that the companies had reached a settlement in the patent infringement case involving headrest patents. Lear sued NHK Seating in 2013 saying the company infringed multiple patents for technology they used in their vehicle headrests. The case has been settled in its entirety.
Versata Software v. Ford Motor Company (E.D. Michigan and E.D. Texas): Lead counsel for Ford in lawsuits involving over 30 alleged trade secrets, 16 patents, 5 copyrights and 3 breach of contract claims relating to complex enterprise software for product configuration. Versata originally sought over $1.4 Billion in damages from Ford. After more than 8 years of litigation in federal courts in Michigan and Texas, more than 20 IPRs/CBMRs, over 60 depositions, over 1000 docket entries including multiple rounds of claim construction, summary judgment and Daubert challenges, and a three-week jury trial, John and his team held Versata to just $3 in nominal damages. Case No. 2:15-cv-10628.
Eagle Harbor Holdings/Medius v. Ford Motor Company (Jury Trial – W.D. Washington): Defended Ford in patent infringement trial in which plaintiff was asserting several patents against Ford’s SYNC infotainment system, and Ford’s automatic parking system. Plaintiffs sought damages of $250 million. Jury found patents not infringed, and awarded no damages to plaintiff. Jury also found that plaintiffs had misappropriated Ford trade secrets. Case No. 3:11-cv-05503
Maxchief v. Plastic Development Group (Settlement – E.D. Michigan) – Lead counsel for Defendant, Plastic Development Group (PDG) in a patent infringement matter regarding blow-molded tables. Successfully transferred the case to E.D. Michigan shortly after the Supreme Courts decision in TC Heartland. Also served as counsel to PDG during inter partes review proceedings to challenge the asserted patents validity. The Patent Trial and Appeal Board instituted on all grounds for all challenged claims. The case settled favorably shortly after transferring to PDG’s home forum and institution of the inter partes review. Case No. 2:17-cv-12662
WP Banquet, LLC et al. v. Target Corporation et al. (Settlement – C.D. California) – Lead counsel for furniture manufacturer Plastic Development Group and retailer Target accused of infringing four patents. Successfully moved to sever and stay the case for Plastic Development Group’s customer Target. Managed to secure a favorable settlement on behalf of Plastic Development Group shortly thereafter. Case No. 2:16-cv-02082
Kar Enterprises v. Ford Motor Company (Settlement – D. Massachusetts): Counsel for defendant Ford Motor Company in patent infringement lawsuit involving speed limiting system for a vehicle. The case concluded in a favorable settlement for Ford. Case No. 4:11-cv-11200
Ancora Techs. v. Apple, Inc. (Federal Circuit): Counsel for Ancora Technologies patent infringement action concerning computer software. Obtained a positive claim construction ruling for the patent holder on appeal to the Federal Circuit. Case No. 744 F.3d 732
AgentWare Systems, Inc. v. Ford Motor Company (Jury Trial – E.D. Michigan): Defended Ford in trade secrets case relating to computer software for assembly line visualization. AgentWare sought $400 million from Ford in damages. The court and the jury found for Ford, rejecting AgentWare’s claims. Case No. 02-cv-71959
Ford Motor Company and Greenleaf LLC v. Technology Solutions Company (Jury Trial – Wayne County Circuit Court ): Obtained a $2.3 million dollar verdict and judgment on behalf of Ford and a former Ford subsidiary in a breach of warranty action against a software supplier. Case No. 01:123853
z4 v. Microsoft and Autodesk (Jury Trial – E.D. Texas): Represented z4 in a patent infringement case involving two patents relating to technology for reducing software piracy. Infringing products included Microsoft’s Windows and Office software, and Autodesk’s AutoCAD software. Brooks Kushman secured a $133 million jury verdict, and a $25 million enhanced damages award for z4. The Federal Circuit affirmed the jury verdict. Case No. 507 F.3d 1340
Cheetah Omni LLC v. Verizon Services Corporation, et al. (Jury Trial – E.D. Texas): Represented Cheetah Omni in a patent infringement lawsuit concerning fiber optic switching technology. Secured a $5.4 million jury verdict. Case No. 6:11-cv-00160
Omega Patents, LLC v. General Motors LLC et al. (Settlement – N.D. Georgia): Counsel for defendants General Motors and Onstar in a patent infringement lawsuit involving vehicle remote systems. The case concluded in a favorable settlement for defendants. Case No. 1:12-cv-01192
Omega Patents, LLC v. Lear Corp. (Settlement – M.D. Florida): Counsel for defendant Lear Corporation in patent infringement lawsuit involving vehicle remote start technology. The case concluded in a favorable settlement. Case No. 6:07-CV-1422
ST Sales Tech Holdings, LLC v. Ford Motor Company (Summary Judgment – E.D. Texas): Lead counsel for Ford in successful defense of patent infringement action. Case No. CIV.A. 6:07-CV-346
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