Christopher Smith is a distinguished intellectual property attorney specializing in patent litigation, IP counseling, licensing, and patent and trademark prosecution, with extensive experience representing Fortune 500 companies and startups across diverse industries. Christopher Smith is a highly regarded intellectual property attorney, recognized for his work in IP litigation, especially in patent litigation. His practice encompasses patent and trademark prosecution and the preparation of complex invalidity and infringement opinions. In 2024, Chris was honored with the prestigious Law360 MVP Award, an accolade awarded to only six IP attorneys nationwide, highlighting his exceptional influence and impact within the IP law community. Chris is a registered patent attorney authorized to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He represents clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of industries including automotive (notably infotainment), medical devices, internet technologies (such as content delivery networks), and telecommunications (including fiber optics). Chris’s background in patent prosecution deepens his litigation acumen, enabling him to analyze patent file histories with precision, which is invaluable in shaping claim construction and invalidity arguments. His litigation success is rooted in both his technical expertise and extensive experience with trial teams, previously honed during his time at Kirkland and Ellis in Los Angeles. Chris is an active speaker at a number of major IP conferences, frequently sharing his insights on emerging issues in intellectual property law, offering valuable perspectives on cutting-edge topics and best practices. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from UCLA. His early judicial externship with the Honorable R. Gary Klausner in the Central District of California offered him a unique perspective on federal judiciary processes, which continues to inform his strategic approach in litigation. Outside the courtroom, Chris is dedicated to family and leisure pursuits, enjoying fishing, swimming with his kids, bowling, historical autograph collecting and working on his golf game.

James Proscia is a talented IP attorney with over 20 years of patent prosecution experience and degrees in chemistry, biotechnology, electrical engineering and physics. Jim, serving as the Chair of Brooks Kushman's Applied Physics Practice Group and Co-Chair of the Chemistry Practice Group, brings over 20 years of patent prosecution experience to the table. His degrees in chemical physics, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, and biotechnology, coupled with his diverse expertise across a broad range of industries, make him a reliable and proficient professional. Jim's specialization lies in working with universities, where he represents technology transfer departments to protect and monetize their inventions. His unique background as a former adjunct professor and researcher equips him with deep knowledge of both sides of this relationship. He excels in collaborating closely with professors and scientists to draft and prosecute patent applications, leveraging his diverse educational background to work effectively on a wide range of technologies. Jim has substantial experience in various sub-fields of physics, including solid-state physics, optics, electricity and magnetism, mechanics, and atomic and molecular physics. His expertise extends to optical systems, medical resonance imaging, and image processing, as well as circuit design. He has drafted patent applications in areas related to photonic emission, Brillouin light scattering, the photoacoustic effect, single photon sources for scalable quantum optical circuits, parity-time (PT) symmetric wireless telemetric sensors and systems, and multi-spectral scattering-matrix tomography. His expertise also extends to solid-state physics, electricity and magnetism, mechanics, atomic and molecular physics, and optical communication. In addition to his physics expertise, Jim has a strong technical background in organic chemistry and has collaborated with clients in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries on small-molecule therapeutics, drug formulation and delivery technologies, and chemical process technologies. His patent prosecution and opinion work encompass medical and diagnostic devices and biotechnology. Specific examples include methods for treating diseases, diagnostic assays, biomarkers, pharmaceuticals, diagnostic agents, blood analysis methods, food processing techniques, and biofuel technologies. With nearly 20 years of laboratory experience before transitioning to patent law, Jim conducted extensive research in semiconductor films and modeled the optical properties of multilayer films. ‎Jim applies his considerable technical experience to the procurement of patents, both ‎foreign and domestic, and to assist in client counseling and patent portfolio management. His deep understanding of an inventor’s work language allows him to draw out the essential information required to obtain patents with excellence. In addition to preparing and prosecuting patent applications, Jim consults clients on developing patent portfolio strategies and preparing freedom to operate opinions, particularly in relation to the chemical and electrical arts. Jim has graduate degrees in chemical physics (Harvard), physics (Harvard), biotechnology (Johns Hopkins), and electrical engineering (Ohio University). His completed graduate courses include quantum mechanics, electromagnetic theory, statistical mechanics, and signal processing. Prior to joining Brooks Kushman, Jim worked as a research scientist and technical specialist at a large automotive OEM for ten years. Over his career, he was awarded fourteen patents in thin film technologies and co-authored several scientific articles. Jim has also been an in-house patent attorney at Pfizer and an adjunct professor of chemistry at Wayne State University.

Erica D. Klein is a dedicated trademark and copyright attorney with a wide range of experience including structuring IP transactions, negotiating IP licenses, drafting internet usage and online privacy agreements, and managing trademark and copyright portfolios. Erica D. Klein is a Shareholder at the firm and has more than 20 years of experience practicing intellectual property law. Her practice focuses on trademark and copyright law, and issues relating to e-commerce, internet law, social media, online privacy, domain names, rights of publicity and unfair competition for start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. She regularly counsels clients concerning brand development, licensing, and protection and enforcement of intellectual property, both in the U.S. and as part of a global strategy. Erica represents clients in varied industries, but she focuses her practice on entertainment, broadcasting, hospitality, food and beverage, fashion, and consumer goods. Her work includes licensing, transactional matters, trademark and copyright prosecution, enforcement, litigation, and general counseling on a variety of IP issues. Erica is the former chair of the Intellectual Property Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. Erica received a Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College, cum laude, where she was the Co-Chairman of the Dartmouth Programming Board. She also attended the University of Michigan, where she obtained her law degree, and was the Chairman of the Student Funded Fellowship Program.

Robert Lantzy is a graduate of Central Michigan University and graduated cum laude from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University in 1997. Robert is an experienced trial attorney and concentrates his practice in many areas of civil litigation, including truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, motor vehicle accidents, dog attacks, lead paint exposure and child lead poisoning, mold exposure and cases involving other general environmental contamination. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Michigan Association for Justice, and the Macomb County Bar Association. Robert spent the first years of his legal career as a defense attorney handling cases for insurance companies and their insured. He was named a Partner at a preeminent insurance defense law firm before joining Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Lantzy has developed a successful track record of significant trial verdicts. He is well-received by juries due to his detailed trial preparation and his presentation which provides jurors with great insight into his integrity and his compassion for helping his injured clients. He has been named a “Super Lawyer” for his accomplishments. Clients consistently provide excellent feedback in the form of five-star reviews and thoughtful and compassionate praise of his file handling and resolution of claims on behalf of his clients. Robert has been a featured speaker for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, hospital case managers, city and county health departments and motorcycle advocate organizations.

Christopher Frayer earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwood University in 1991. He later earned his Juris Doctor degree in 2001 from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Chris joined the firm in February 2024, focusing primarily on medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, birth injury, civil rights, and governmental claims. Prior to joining Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C., Chris served as a medical malpractice attorney at a firm in metro Detroit. He previously represented healthcare companies, professionals, and corporate clients litigating medical malpractice cases in state and federal courts.

Nicolas A. Vesprini earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2000 from Oakland University. He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 2003 from the University of Detroit – Mercy School of Law where he served as the Executive Director of Moot Court Board, represented the law school in national moot court competition, and was an active member of the Student Bar Association Board of Governors, and a Book Award recipient. Nicolas is admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan, the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan, and the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. Prior to joining Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C., Nicolas served as a partner at a preeminent insurance defense law firm with a focus on defense litigation in catastrophic first-party automobile claims, third-party auto negligence, personal injury, premises liability and general negligence. He represented various national clients and several major insurance carriers throughout the state of Michigan. He has tried cases in both state and federal court and has argued before the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Randall M. Blau earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Kalamazoo College in 1993 and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit School of Law in 1996. He is admitted to practice law in state and federal courts throughout Michigan and has handled cases in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida. He has obtained numerous settlements that have been listed in the Top Ten Settlements of the Year for the State of Michigan multiple times during the last decade. Randy has obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for his injured clients. He specializes in medical malpractice, birth injuries, nursing home negligence, wrongful death, and automobile negligence cases. He is a member of the Michigan Association for Justice, the Oakland County Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan. Randy has been an invited speaker at a variety of legal seminars, an invited member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been consistently listed in Who’s Who in Law throughout his career.

Sarah Gorski earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2005 from Eastern Michigan University. She earned her Juris Doctor degree in 2017 from Western Michigan University – Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity, and Chair of the Mock Trial Board. Sarah joined the firm in January 2022, and focuses primarily on first-party automobile claims, third-party auto negligence, motorcycle and bicycle accidents. She also handles other personal injury claims, including slip and falls, dog bites, and wrongful death lawsuits. Prior to joining Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C., Sarah served as an associate at a full-service litigation firm in metro Detroit with a focus on insurance defense and corporate disputes. She represented various clients throughout the state of Michigan. Call (888) 797-8787 for a free case review and speak to Sarah L. Gorski about your case today.

Matt Mietzel’s comprehensive experience provides him with an intuitive ability to advise his clients on the management and protection of their intellectual property through even the trickiest of legal situations. Matt has extensive experience in preparing and prosecuting domestic and international patent applications, primarily in the mechanical and electromechanical arts. Beyond patent prosecution, Matt also has experience in the preparation of validity and infringement opinions, trademark prosecution, licensing, IP due diligence, and litigation matters. “In my practice, I find that compared to other patent attorneys, I have more of a genuine understanding of my clients’ problems and struggles, enabling me to advise them authentically and work with them on a deeper level.” – Matt Mietzel Prior to joining Brooks Kushman, Matt was an engineer in the automotive industry for over seven years. Whereas some engineers work solely in manufacturing or design, Matt gained experience in manufacturing, design, and research and development. Matt also has a deep understanding of the business needs of his clients, having earned a master’s degree in business administration. These experiences provide Matt with a strong foundation for advising clients on the management and protection of intellectual property. Matt was also a patent agent at a technology corporation where he learned first-hand about client expectations and how best to service clients. During his three years in that role, he prepared and prosecuted patent applications, led innovation workshops and patent design-around efforts, developed patent portfolio management strategies, and was involved in technology licensing matters. Matt has also served as acting in-house patent counsel for a Fortune 500 company managing a range of intellectual property matters. The combination of these diverse experiences provides Matt with an excellent understanding of the many aspects of intellectual property prosecution and intellectual property management. Outside of the office, Matt enjoys time with his family, hiking, and travelling.

Tiffany's practice involves counseling clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to start-ups on intellectual property matters. Her practice centers on procuring domestic and foreign patents in mechanical and electromechanical matters, and coordinating international patent portfolios. In particular, she has experience representing clients and protecting intellectual property rights in automotive technologies (including engine, drivetrain, powertrain, hybrid vehicle, and vehicle controls), aviation technologies, alternative energy, optics, and consumer products including personal care products, among others. Tiffany additionally has extensive experience in design patent prosecution. Tiffany’s practice also focuses on counseling clients regarding patentability investigations, infringement and freedom to operate analyses, and the negotiation and preparation of various intellectual property agreements, including licensing agreements and joint development agreements. She received her doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan with a focus in the thermal fluid sciences and an interdisciplinary thesis in combustion and materials science. She was a recipient of the prestigious National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship funded by the Department of Defense. After graduating, Tiffany was an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Drexel University for three years where she established a laboratory conducting federally funded research and taught courses in the thermal fluid sciences and engineering design sequences. At Michigan and Drexel, Tiffany's research involvement included: flame synthesis and materials analysis of nanomaterials for bio- and sensor applications, catalytic ignition of oxygenated fuels for microcombustors, in situ diode laser diagnostics in a flame environment, and chemical kinetic modeling of silane combustion. Tiffany has presented at numerous technical conferences, published twelve refereed articles, actively mentored students through both university and federally sponsored programs, and served on federal grant funding panels. She was awarded $850,000 as primary/senior investigator and an additional $1,300,000 as senior personnel on government funded research. Tiffany’s interdisciplinary background, as well as her experiences and successes in the scientific and academic communities, enable her to build relationships and connect with inventors to understand and protect advanced and emerging technologies. Tiffany is a registered patent attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, a member of the Michigan State Bar, and admitted to the Federal District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan. Tiffany is an adjunct professor at the University of Michigan in the College of Engineering where she currently teaches patent law in the Center for Entrepreneurship. Tiffany believes that teaching results in a deeper understanding of the subject matter, and also allows for her continued involvement in STEM education. Tiffany serves on the executive board for the Women in IP Committee for the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) and also chairs their Presence and Branding Sub-Committee. In her personal time, Tiffany enjoys sailboat racing, travel, and photography, and is a licensed sailplane pilot.