Headshot image of Brett Smith

Brett J. Smith

Patent Attorney

Michigan

(248) 226 2927

  • Overview
  • Representative Matters
  • Background
  • Insights
“I enjoy practicing patent law because I believe in rewarding ingenuity and innovation.”

Industries

  • Computer Software + Hardware
  • Consumer Products + Packaging
  • Electronics
  • Food + Agricultural Sciences
  • Internet + E-Commerce
  • Material Science
  • Mechanical Engineering + Manufacturing
  • Medical Devices + Diagnostics
  • Transportation
Brett J. Smith has a decade of experience securing domestic and foreign patents for clients ranging from small startups to large U.S. and global corporations. In addition to patent preparation and prosecution, he regularly conducts patentability investigations and infringement and freedom-to-operate analyses. He also negotiates and prepares intellectual property agreements, including licenses, joint development agreements, confidentiality agreements, and other types of commercial agreements involving IP. Brett counsels clients on privacy matters, advising on GDPR requirements and various state consumer privacy laws. His diverse practice includes IP litigation and patent post-issuance proceedings, providing clients with a full range of patent portfolio management tools. He has assisted in representing clients through all phases of litigation, from discovery to trial. Brett works with clients across a variety of technical fields, including automotive technologies, commercial vehicles, aviation technologies, robotics manufacturing, medical devices, garage door systems, irrigation products, packaging, consumer products, electronic products, acoustic devices, industrial systems, information technology, and agricultural machinery. Brett is committed to understanding each client’s business, allowing him to tailor his approach to their specific needs and help them achieve their business goals.

Representative District Court/ITC Matters

TK Holdings Inc. v. CTS Corporation and CTS Automotive Products (E.D. Mich. 2008-14). Defended claims of infringement under patents relating to automotive seat weight sensors. Obtained summary judgment rulings that client’s sensors do not infringe and that the asserted patents are invalid for multiple reasons.

Deere & Company v. Bush Hog, LLC and Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. (S.D. Iowa 2009). Represented plaintiff in a patent infringement action involving the design of pull-behind rotary cutters.

McDavid Knee Guard, Inc. et al. v. Nike USA, Inc. (N.D. Ill. 2008). Represented plaintiff in a patent infringement suit involving protective athletic apparel. Resolved on a confidential basis.

Bridgetree, Inc. v. Red F Marketing LLC, et al. (W.D.N.C. 2010). Represented plaintiff in a software trade secrets case. Successful jury verdict obtained.

Education

J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law, 2009
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, 2006

Organizations & Affiliations

Chicago Youth Sports Alliance – Member, Board of Directors, 2011–16

Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association

Industries

  • Computer Software + Hardware
  • Consumer Products + Packaging
  • Electronics
  • Food + Agricultural Sciences
  • Internet + E-Commerce
  • Material Science
  • Mechanical Engineering + Manufacturing
  • Medical Devices + Diagnostics
  • Transportation

Insights

Press Releases

Brooks Kushman Welcomes Attorney Brett Smith

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Brooks Kushman
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