William Abbatt is a skilled patent attorney with experience in foreign and domestic patent prosecution matters. He has a background in varying disciplines including manufacturing, chemistry, and medical devices. With 35+ years of experience as a patent attorney, Bill’s practice involves all aspects of domestic and foreign patent preparation, prosecution, and assertion, including dispute resolution. He regularly advises clients on the development and management of patent portfolios. Bill’s practice includes counseling on how to protect various aspects of inventions and monetize them by sale and licensing. Bill has managed intellectual property matters in many technical disciplines including manufacturing, metallurgy, chemistry, medical devices, and aeronautics. His background in industry plus his diverse experience in writing and prosecuting hundreds of patents enable Bill to spot the strengths and weaknesses in a patent when a dispute or enforcement issue arises. He has an affinity for working with emerging entities whose value can be enhanced by effective intellectual property portfolio creation and management to help his clients’ businesses succeed. In one case, he introduced two separate clients – a physician and an entrepreneur – and brought them together to develop and protect medical devices to treat patients and enhance the quality of their lives. Bill is a member of the Federal Bar Association – Eastern District of Michigan Chapter and currently serves as a co-chair of the Intellectual Property Law Section. He is a former council member of the Aviation Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Bill is a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation and a Master of the Bench (American Inns of Court). He was an adjunct professor of patent law at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Bill received Super Lawyers designation for 2006 - 2012, 2024. He was selected for this honor subsequent to undergoing an evaluation of many different factors including peer recognition and professional achievement. Bill also served on the steering committee that formed the Michigan Intellectual Property American Inns of Court Chapter and was its President (2017-18). The Michigan Intellectual Property Inn of Court is a philanthropic organization of judges, lawyers and legal educators that seeks to promote fair and ethical practice amongst junior lawyers and law students. Bill helped to found the Inn and was enthusiastic about moving into a leadership role. Bill was able to take the organization forward, while staying true to its initial goal of promoting excellence in advocacy amongst those it mentors. Bill holds a Juris Doctor from Detroit College of Law. Before that, Bill graduated with an M.S. in Operations Research & Production Engineering and a B.S. in Metallurgy & Material Sciences at the University of London, England. He has been appointed an Expert Adviser and Facilitative Mediator in the Federal District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. Outside the office, Bill enjoys flying his Beechcraft Debonair airplane, skiing, playing golf and tennis, working out, and traveling to England, his birthplace. He and his wife Candyce count Vail Colorado and Ft Lauderdale as favorite haunts. Bill holds an Airline Transport Pilot rating, a Commercial pilot’s license, and is a Certified Flight Instructor.

Rebecca Cantor is a registered patent attorney with an extensive background in patent litigation as well as trademark protection and enforcement. Rebecca serves as the Chair of Brooks Kushman's life science practice group. She concentrates her practice on intellectual property litigation, with a focus on patent litigation involving a wide range of technologies including pharmaceuticals and other life sciences technologies. Rebecca also has experience in trademark disputes, both in Federal Court and in the USPTO. In addition, Rebecca counsels clients in developing strategies to protect their intellectual property. As a registered patent attorney, Rebecca is authorized to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Prior to joining Brooks Kushman, Rebecca was a patent litigator at Vinson & Elkins LLP in New York. While there, Rebecca participated in several patent litigations, including a Hatch-Waxman litigation where she was part of a trial team that received a favorable outcome for its client. Rebecca also worked on a number of due diligence projects, many of which involved technologies related to life sciences.

Dustin is an experienced IP practitioner with a vast array of technical experience. Dustin Zak is a registered patent attorney who focuses his practice on patent litigation and prosecution. Dustin possesses a vast range of technical experience ranging from chemical and material arts to software applications and artificial intelligence. Dustin has technical knowledge related to cyber security and computer technologies. During his studies, he has immersed himself in many technical topics including C++, Java, and visual basic programming, networking, open source networking, end-user computing, ethical hacking and offensive security, cyber intelligence, Linux security administration, information security, risk-vulnerability analysis, and digital forensics. Prior to joining Brooks Kushman, Dustin spent more than 5 years gaining technical experience as a Research and Development Chemist at an automotive OEM supplier and in the automotive after-market refinish industry. In these roles he formulated, developed, and launched various products globally. He also participated in the creation and development of technology for measuring visual emissions for compliance with EPA method 9, and validated and generated performance criteria for raw materials including solvents, polymers, resins, pigments, additives, and final products. Dustin holds a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University graduating at the top of his class where he received the Governor’s Scholarship. He was also the Senior Articles Editor for the Wayne Law Review and a Mock Trial member. Dustin also participated in the patent procurement clinic preparing patent applications for Detroit entrepreneurs and inventors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Polymers and Coatings Technology from Eastern Michigan University, where he received the Recognition of Excellence Scholarship, the College of technology Coating Scholarship, and the Charles Parker Scholarship.

Patrick Leonard focuses on patent applications for vehicle systems and has over 30 years of experience in designing sensors and systems for medical imaging, including CT, digital radiography, ultrasound, and endoscopic surgery. Patrick Leonard is a registered patent agent focusing on the preparation and prosecution of patent applications relating to vehicle systems. Previously, Patrick worked for a Metro-Detroit law firm as a patent agent, where he prosecuted patents for internet software, vehicle systems and lasers. Patrick has over 30 years of experience in design and development of sensors and systems for medical imaging applications, including computed tomography, digital radiology, ultrasound, and endoscopic surgery. He also has experience with military systems, including sensors and processors for autonomous vehicle navigation and mutations terminal guidance. In addition, he has worked on industrial applications, such as machine vision systems for semiconductor manufacturing, robot guidance and laser micromachining. After he was given the responsibility of managing his former company’s intellectual property demands, he became a registered patent agent.

John Halan is an IP litigator who has extensive knowledge in patent, trade secret, and related commercial litigation. John M. Halan has been practicing with the intellectual property law firm of Brooks Kushman P.C. since 1990, where he has been a shareholder for many years and is the head of the firm`s trade secrets group. As a litigator, he specializes in high-stakes intellectual property litigation, including patent, trade secret, and related commercial litigation. He has tried many cases as lead or team trial counsel and has also successfully argued cases before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. He also has considerable experience handling various matters before the PTAB, including inter partes reviews and appeals. In addition to litigation, John has negotiated and prepared numerous intellectual property and commercial agreements, including patent and technology license agreements. He has also prepared many infringement and validity patent opinions and has been called upon to act as a patent dispute mediator. As a licensed professional engineer, prior to attending law school and joining Brooks Kushman, John managed a number of industrial construction projects from initial design through to completion.

David Syrowik is an experienced patent attorney who takes a client-centered approach to his practice. David Syrowik never forgets the importance of the client in the attorney-client relationship. David welcomes any opportunity to bring inventors directly into the patent prosecution and opinion process, based on his belief that lawyers can learn a great deal from their clients. David takes on the role of student when working with clients, absorbing everything that they can teach him about their work and industry so he can better describe their inventions in patent applications and obtain the broadest possible protection. He also relishes the enthusiasm clients bring to their work, saying it is what makes his work so enjoyable. David takes a similar approach to working with patent examiners. He sees patent prosecutions as a win-win negotiation, not as an all-out battle with the US Patent and Trademark Office. He is willing to work for as long as it takes with patent examiners to gain the broadest possible protection for his clients. David has authored numerous scholarly articles in the emerging field of computer law. He also teaches on the subject as an adjunct professor at University of Detroit-Mercy Law School through the Intellectual Property Law Institute. David believes that these endeavors make him a better lawyer because they ensure that he stays at the cutting edge in intellectual property. David is committed to the idea that lawyers should give back to their communities and is active in numerous professional and civic organizations.

Dave Bir is a skilled patent attorney with experience in patent preparation and prosecution as well as opinion and post-grant work. Dave's practice focuses primarily on U.S. and international patent preparation, prosecution, opinion work, and patent litigation in the computer software, electrical, and mechanical arts. Dave has prepared and prosecuted patents that have been successfully enforced resulting in both settlements and multi-million dollar damages awarded by a jury and affirmed on appeal. Having written patents scrutinized by opposing counsel, trial and appeals courts, and a jury, in addition to testifying during trial and associated depositions provides Dave with unique experience and perspective that is applied in drafting every patent application. Prior to joining Brooks Kushman, Dave acquired significant engineering experience in Manufacturing and Product Engineering with General Motors Powertrain Division including networking and troubleshooting of industrial machine controls, prototype machining of automatic transmission components, and design and calibration of automatic transmission software and hardware. Dave's undergraduate thesis was directed to a communication network for a manufacturing facility using manufacturing automation protocol (MAP). After receiving his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering (Minor in Applied Optics), Dave was awarded a General Motors Fellowship to pursue a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering majoring in Electro-optics with a Minor in Artificial Intelligence where he gained experience with various cognitive architectures, programming languages and production systems. Dave's legal education and technical interests led to a published Law Review article addressing the patentability of software during his tenure as a Note and Comment editor for the Wayne Law Review. In his spare time, David enjoys exploring and traveling, from beaches, canyons and mountains, to the variety of culinary and cultural destinations, particularly theater and concerts. He also enjoys attempting to play the piano, especially new age and jazz/improv pieces.

Francesca Cusumano-Gibson is a skilled IP litigator who is passionate about helping her clients protect their assets. Francesca Cusumano-Gibson focuses her practice on intellectual property litigation, patent preparation, and patent prosecution. Francesca works in a variety of technology areas including industrial chemicals, materials sciences, and automotive systems. Francesca works hard to develop and implement IP enforcement strategies to fit their business needs. She brings a client-focused approach to her practice, working alongside her clients to understand and support their goals. Francesca holds a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School. While there, Francesca participated in the patent procurement clinic preparing patent applications for local Michigan entrepreneurs and inventors. She represented the law school as a member of the Mock Trial National Team, competing at the American Association of Justice’s Student Advocacy Competition. Francesca also was active as the President of Wayne State’s Intellectual Property Student Association and participated in Wayne State’s Student Board of Governors as Governor-at-Large. Prior to that, Francesca graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, the most rigorous degree in pure chemistry offered by the University, and a minor in Moral and Political Philosophy. Francesca received University Honors throughout her time at the University. During her time there, she volunteered in a Physical Chemistry Lab as a student researcher. On her personal time, Francesca enjoys cheering on University of Michigan sports teams, cooking her way through cookbooks, visiting unconventional museums, and travelling to visit friends.

Bob Tuttle is Of Counsel at the firm and is known for his razor-sharp legal mind, his close relationships with clients and the business community, and his near-photographic memory. These traits make him one of the firm's key litigators. In conducting litigation, Bob makes it his priority to carefully understand the dispute and his client's business objectives, and to determine how to achieve those objectives in the most efficient manner. His familiarity and facility with the applicable case law, statutes, rules, and regulations allow him to devise highly creative strategies to meet clients' goals. Bob also believes in the importance of close client involvement in litigation. He is in very frequent contact with clients, to keep them apprised of the progress of their matters and invite them to participate in strategy and decision-making. Before joining Brooks Kushman in 1984, Bob was patent and trademark counsel for the former American Motors Corporation. Having worked as in-house counsel gives Bob an inside track on how corporate clients operate, what corporations need, and how best to satisfy them. Bob has also built up and maintained a wide variety of working relationships with people in the Detroit automotive industry. These relationships can often be brought into play to benefit firm clients when a dispute arises within this sector. Outside of work, Robert is a sports enthusiast and enjoys bicycling for exercise.

Cameron Anstess is committed to helping clients protect and enforce their intellectual property. Cameron Anstess is a skilled attorney specializing in patent prosecution and litigation, with expertise in battery chemistry patents. His background in chemical engineering enables him to navigate complex technical matters with precision, making him a valuable asset to his clients. Cameron has worked on a variety of patent matters, leveraging his strong understanding of both the legal and technical aspects of intellectual property. Before joining Brooks Kushman, Cameron gained valuable experience in the healthcare industry as a Quality Manager for a Healthcare Software Development company. In this role, he developed a keen attention to detail and a deep understanding of regulatory processes, which now informs his approach to intellectual property law. Cameron earned his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School, where he honed his legal skills, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University, which laid the foundation for his expertise in patent law related to chemical and material sciences. Outside of the office, Cameron can be found staying active by going to the gym, biking, or running a weekly community 5K.