Bryan Hart combines his technical expertise and litigation experience to provide clients with strategic, forward-thinking patent counsel that anticipates both opportunities and challenges across a wide range of industries and technologies. Bryan Hart practices all areas of patent law, specializing in preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the mechanical, electrical, and software arts. He excels at mastering complex technical information while maintaining the big picture and communicating key concepts in a comprehensible, concise, and persuasive manner. His applications have covered artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, machine vision, object tracking for collision avoidance, seatbelt assemblies, airbag assemblies and deployment, vehicle crash testing, additive manufacturing, and automobile frames, among other areas. Bryan has extensive experience in patent litigation. He has participated in cases in federal district court, investigations before the International Trade Commission, and inter partes review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. He has experience with a wide variety of technologies, including LTE (long-term evolution) standards, in-dash GPS units, textiles, enterprise storage systems, mobile-phone operating systems, lottery-ticket printing, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) equipment, lithium-ion battery packs, 2D-to-3D conversion software, cloud computing, content distribution networks, piston solid lubricants, and prosthetic knee replacements. His litigation experience helps him keep a patent’s ultimate potential outcome-enforcement-in mind throughout the prosecution process. Bryan is a graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, where he was an Articles Editor for the University of Chicago Review. He is also a graduate of the University of Michigan College of Engineering where he earned his B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering, highest honors. He also serves as the secretary for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO) and as a member of the Diversity in IP Law Committee of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA). In his free time, Bryan enjoys reading X-Men comics and taking his daughter to the local children’s science museum.

Bernie is a registered patent attorney with over ten years of experience drafting patents, freedom-to-operate opinions, responses and appeals in variety of technologies. Bernie has drafted hundreds of patents, and he has extensive experience with software patent applications related to video game software, interactive automotive software systems, digital circuits, database systems, advertisement delivery software and systems, web based applications, smart-phone applications, storage device hardware, and digital content delivery systems. Bernie works with several multi-national corporations on the management of large patent portfolios. Understanding the competitive advantage that can be obtained through application of modern computing technology to portfolio management, Bernie has developed expertise with software providing analytical portfolio analysis. These advanced tools leverage big data analysis to help clients: craft effective enforceable claims through competitive landscape analysis better identify enforcement targets better identify candidate patents for enforcement focus filing efforts on desirable technology efficiently manage and prune large portfolios cheaply and quickly identify previously cost-prohibitive targeted litigation evidence from the USPTO file wrapper records

Chloe Conway is an insightful trademark attorney who helps her clients strengthen their brand identities by safeguarding their intellectual property. Her practice focuses on trademark and copyright clearance, prosecution, and enforcement. She works with clients in a variety of industries, including technology, entertainment, consumer products, sports, and hospitality.She regularly performs trademark clearance searches and prepares trademark applications, drafting identifications of goods and services and responding to office actions. She also prepares cease and desist letters and files opposition proceedings for enforcement of existing trademark rights. Chloe is also a team member of the firm’s due diligence practice and focuses on preparing trademark-related agreements, such as licensing agreements, confidentiality, non-disclosure, and settlement agreements. Chloe has experience serving as an extern at Michigan State’s Center for Ani-Counterfeiting and Product Protection (A-CAPP Center), a judicial intern for Judge Darlene O’Brien at Washtenaw County Trial Court, and a clerk for a boutique intellectual property firm. Chloe holds a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University, magna cum laude, where she was a Managing Editor for the Michigan State Law Review. Chloe has also attended Miami University to earn her Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing and a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. When she is not working, Chloe likes to spend time outdoors hiking, running, boating, skiing, and playing in rec sports leagues. If stuck inside, she can usually be found shopping or planning her next travel destination. Her favorite pastime is hanging out with friends and family at the lake.

Abha Fadipe is an experienced patent attorney that is passionate about working with clients on new and innovative technologies. Abha Fadipe focuses her practice on domestic and foreign patent preparation and patent prosecution in electrical and computer technologies, and on cybersecurity and data privacy. She is experienced in a variety of technology areas including thermal systems, 5G-antenna systems, electric drive systems, electric power systems, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Abha brings a client-focused approach to her practice and works closely with her clients to create patent strategies to fit their business needs. She conducts ideation sessions with clients’ technical specialists, actively monitors the patent landscape in key technological areas, and assists clients in developing patent portfolio strategies. Abha also held positions as an in-house counsel where she gained invaluable insight into patent portfolio management, especially with respect to foreign holdings. She has in-depth experience in consulting with international counsel, especially in Japan, China, Germany and across Europe, on how to respond to actions by foreign patent offices to provide a comprehensive international portfolio. Prior to entering the legal profession, Abha was a product engineer for over three years at a tier-1 automotive supplier. Abha holds a Juris Doctorate, as well as Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering, all from Wayne State University (WSU). During law school, Abha served as president of the intellectual property student organization, served on the WSU law school student council, and co-chaired the yearly WSU Law School silent auction fundraiser. On her personal time, she enjoys cooking as she aims to perfect Indian dishes she grew up on and enjoys being silly with her kids including making up new songs and negotiating everything from what’s for breakfast and bedtime.

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.

Matt Jakubowski is a multi-faceted patent attorney with extensive experience in IP portfolio management, patent preparation and prosecution, IP agreement drafting and negotiation, and patent litigation. Matt is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and serves as the firm’s treasurer and CFO. He counsels clients in a wide range of intellectual property matters, including, IP portfolio management, freedom-to-operate opinions, cybersecurity, litigation, agreement drafting and negotiations, and due diligence projects. Matt has broad experience in patent preparation and prosecution in various technologies, including alternative fuel systems, polymer composites, medical products, consumer products, and alarm monitoring software. Matt has extensive experience with IP-related disputes and litigation, including patent litigation. His representative patent litigation cases have involved technologies from a variety of fields, including automotive telematics, display systems, data processing systems, computer software, monitoring systems, textile chemical treatments, automotive glass, encryption technology, online and mobile financial service apps and computer systems, and health and wellness consumer products. Matt has experience assessing a client’s current cybersecurity and data privacy protocols and developing a comprehensive incident response plan to ensure compliance with applicable laws. In addition to his deep experience with IP enforcement, litigation and portfolio management matters, he has an active practice counseling clients on patent freedom-to-operate projects and the negotiation and preparation of different types of agreements, including license agreements, joint venture agreements, and development and supply agreements. Matt received a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. He graduated with honors from the University of Michigan with a degree in chemical engineering. He also holds an MBA from Wayne State University. In his spare time, Matt has coached his three children in Destination Imagination and Grosse Pointe Park Little League Baseball for several years. He describes coaching as a very rewarding and fun experience. Matt also enjoys boating on Lake St. Clair during the summer months with his wife and children. They have even boated to Cedar Pointe on several occasions!

Isaac’s practice focuses on the preparation and prosecuting of patent applications, primarily in the computer science and electrical arts. Isaac provides counseling to clients of all sizes, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small start-ups. Isaac has a deep understanding of various technologies in computer science and electrical systems. He has worked with clients in a broad range of industries including computer software, consumer electronics, telecommunications, automotive, and medical devices. In addition to counseling clients on patent prosecution, Isaac advises clients on complying with open source license terms and obligations. He has an in-depth understanding of various license agreements and works alongside clients to create compliance strategies. Prior to becoming a patent attorney, Isaac was a software developer at a leading computer technology corporation, where he worked closely with customers and sales to analyze customer requirements and design and implement software product features. Isaac also worked as an engineering assistant for a non-profit traffic safety organization operating in combination with local government, where he collected and studied traffic data to provide solutions to traffic problems. At Wayne State University Law School, Isaac was a Dean’s Scholar, and received scholarships including the Ira J. Spoon Endowed Scholarship and a bronze key award. Isaac was on the Wayne Law Review for two years, the second year of which he served as a senior articles editor.

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.

Fanqi Meng is a skilled patent prosecution professional with a focus in computer systems and the electrical arts. Fanqi focuses his practice on patent prosecution and litigation in the mechanical and electrical arts, and computer systems. His practice also includes free and open-source software compliance and review. Fanqi has extensive experience in preparing and prosecuting patent applications on a variety of technologies including electronics, computers, and automotive-related arts. He has also been involved in a number of patent dispute negotiations and settlement. Fanqi spent three years working as a patent practitioner in Beijing, China, conducting various patent practices including drafting responses to office actions and interviewing with examiners. He has extensive experience in handling both Chinese domestic and international clients from the US, EU, and Japan. His international experience makes him an invaluable asset to Brooks Kushman’s patent prosecution team. Fanqi received his Juris Doctor from the University of New Hampshire School of Law (formerly Franklin Pierce Law Center). Prior to becoming a patent practitioner, Fanqi majored in Microelectronics and has extensive experience in integrated circuit designs. Particularly, he has experience in VLSI (very large scale integration) designs.

Fatima is dedicated to providing her clients with exceptional trademark and copyright protection. Her practice focuses on trademark and copyright clearance, prosecution, and enforcement. She works with clients in a variety of industries, including technology, entertainment, consumer products, sports, and hospitality. She regularly performs trademark clearance searches, prepares trademark applications, drafts identifications of goods and services, and responds to office actions. She also prepares cease and desist letters and files opposition proceedings for enforcement of existing trademark rights. Fatima first joined Brooks Kushman as a Summer Associate through the Wolverine Bar Association, while also serving as a judicial intern for the Honorable Avern Cohn in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Fatima holds a dual Juris Doctor and MBA from Michigan State University, cum laude, where she was the Senior Productions Editor for the Michigan State Law Review and a member of the Saul Lefkowitz Trademark Moot Court Competition. Fatima also attended the University of Michigan Dearborn to earn her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and minor in Political Science. Outside of work, Fatima enjoys exploring new middle eastern recipes, gardening, and travelling.