John LeRoy is a highly skilled litigation professional. He uses his electrical and mechanical engineering background, and two decades of intellectual property litigation experience, to represent his clients in high-tech legal disputes and complex licensing negotiations. John’s practice focuses on patent, trade secret and copyright litigation involving software, electronics, and mechanical systems. With over 20 years of experience, a Master’s degree in electrical engineering, and a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, he has successfully represented clients in many different industries. He focuses on efficiently resolving litigation disputes outside of the courtroom, leaving the jury trial as a “last resort.” And in the courtroom, John has won, and successfully defended against, multiple “$100+ million dollar” jury trials (and related appeals) involving complex technology and intellectual property claims. Leveraging his extensive software litigation experience, John leads the firm’s FRAND licensing and Open Source Software audit and compliance practice. With respect to FRAND licensing, John works with automotive OEMs and suppliers to address licensing standard essential patents for wireless communication technology. John also advises companies regarding effective use of open source software in their commercial products. He helps companies develop customized corporate policies and strategies for compliance with applicable open source license terms. John’s team manages source code audits and works closely with software developers and business managers to properly navigate the various open source license terms. John’s team has undertaken the audit-and-advice service on complex systems in the automotive, consumer electronics, medical device, and computer industries. John is devoted to his clients’ business interests. He brings a creative approach to his practice to solve the most complex issues his clients face. For example, John worked with several automotive companies to create the SmartDeviceLink Consortium, a thriving new organization of automotive companies managing an open source platform for communication between smart devices and automobiles. John is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District Courts in the Eastern and Western District of Michigan, the Eastern District of Texas, the Western District of Wisconsin, and Colorado. John is also a registered patent attorney, and is authorized to practice before the U.S. Patent Office. John holds a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Buffalo, where he graduated cum laude. John’s background in both electrical and mechanical engineering allows him to handle patent cases involving many different technologies. John is a regular guest lecturer on Patent Fundamentals at the University of Michigan. John has also personally handled six pro bono civil actions, including a pro bono jury trial. Outside the office, John enjoys fishing and boating with his family in northern Michigan, playing ice hockey, and racing at the M1 Concourse. He is also a Pack Master for his local scout pack, which according to John, makes IP litigation look easy. Charities John regularly supports through donation and service include Alternatives for Girls, St. Jude, Gleaners Food Bank, and his local humane society.

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.

Molly Crandall is a detail-oriented and creative trademark attorney with a commitment to providing her clients with clear, succinct, and strategic advice for brand protection. Molly Crandall focuses her practice in the area of trademark law. She counsels clients, ranging from one person start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, in trademark clearance, prosecution, and enforcement matters to help them develop and protect their brands. As part of her brand protection practice, she represents clients in opposition and cancellation proceedings before the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. She negotiates and prepares intellectual property-related agreements, such as license agreements, co-existence and settlement agreements, and confidentiality, non-disclosure, and trade secret agreements. In addition to handling all facets of U.S. trademarks, she works directly with foreign attorneys worldwide in protecting the brands of her clients internationally. She also handles Internet domain disputes in the U.S. and abroad. Molly also has several years of general civil litigation experience as an attorney, which gives her valuable perspectives in counseling her clients. She also worked in the trademark licensing business for a large corporate trademark licensing company where her work included licensing, agreement compliance, trademark enforcement, including U.S. Customs/border goods importation matters, and matters related to brand protection in advertising and marketing. Molly is involved in the International Trademark Association (INTA), and is currently on the Public Information Committee. She has published articles relating to trademark issues and has spoken to groups on trademark law, including to law students pursuing careers in intellectual property. Molly is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Mark Cantor specializes in trademark litigation and has tried various cases involving patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights. Mark is one of the founders of the firm and has been with the firm as a Shareholder since 1983. He has over 35 years of IP litigation experience. He has extensive experience in dealing with complex litigation matters in all technology areas and has tried cases relating to patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyrights in state and federal courts and administrative tribunals throughout the country and in a number of international forums. Mark takes a special interest in his client’s IP goals by understanding how their strategies align with their business interests. He creates tailored strategies by understanding the commercial realities and working on a plan of action that is cost-effective but still provides an enforceable competitive edge for the client. Mark is specifically recognized for his trademark litigation practice. Due to his success in this field, several of Brooks Kushman’s largest clients look to Mark for trademark enforcement matters. He has also been recognized by many of the industry’s leading publications for his in-court victories, including obtaining the largest trademark jury verdict in Michigan history. Mark has handled inter partes administrative proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the International Trade Commission. Mark has been extremely active in a number of cases involving insurance coverage in intellectual property cases, to try and reduce the cost of litigation to the client. In addition to specializing in IP litigation, Mark also has a particular skill for negotiating business focused resolutions. Mark has a knack for developing creative solutions to resolve seemingly intractable disputes by fashioning a settlement based on business realities. Additionally, Mark has an active practice advising clients on the acquisition, management and licensing of intellectual property. He has worked with many clients to develop a management strategy to enable clients to accurately and efficiently manage and monetize their intellectual property portfolios. Mark served as President of the firm from 2007-2018. He has also served as General Counsel of the firm for over two decades and continues in that role today.

Alyssa Orseck Moss earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Affairs from Lafayette College. Thereafter, she earned her Juris Doctorate degree in 1993 from Michigan State University’s College of Law. A third-generation trial attorney, Moss joined Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. in 2017 and brings over 25-plus years of extensive legal experience. Moss is an experienced trial attorney, representing those who have been injured as a result of all types of accidents, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents. She is dedicated and passionate about helping her clients obtain the compensation and benefits to which they are entitled. Call (888) 797-8787 for a free case review and speak to Alyssa Moss about your case today.

R.J. serves as a strategic partner and counselor to his clients and their business needs across multiple industries, including automotive, finance, health care, leasing, property development, real estate development, staffing, technology, and telecom. He prioritizes developing an intimate understanding of his clients’ unique goals and challenges and applies his deep knowledge of the law to ensure proactive and results-based legal counsel. A formidable and accomplished advocate, R.J. also acts as lead trial counsel when legal disputes arise after exhausting preventive measures. Clients describe R.J. as an engaged litigator whose attention to detail, tenacity, and professionalism set him apart from other counsel. He obtains cost-effective results by quickly digging into the facts and leveraging the results in favor of his clients. R.J. previously served as chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s 2,300-member Litigation Section. Michigan Super Lawyers® has consistently recognized him as a Rising Star in Business Litigation, an award granted to only 2.5 percent of Michigan attorneys under 40. R.J.’s peers have elected him to the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation, an honorary society comprising one percent of each jurisdiction’s attorneys, judges, law faculty, and legal scholars whose public and private careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession and welfare of their communities. He is a founding member of his community’s Rotary Club.

Personable but tough, Chris Chesney honed his legal litigation craft through years of special investigations litigation serving corporate clients. Chris prides himself on thinking outside of the box to create novel and winning arguments. Before Chris cut his teeth in the courts, he developed practical skills at the Michigan House of Representatives, advised business owners in South Africa, and conducted grassroots research in Scotland. Not every litigator understands what it’s like working on 70-foot-high scaffolding in a Houston oil refinery. Chris currently serves as an officer and Governing Council member for the State Bar of Michigan’s Litigation Section, serving as Treasurer for the 2,400-member section. He also presents at industry symposiums to continue his rise as a next-generation litigator. At Cronkhite Counsel, Chris serves as trial counsel using years of investigative work and real-world experience to outwork and outmaneuver opponents.

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.

Abdulai Rashid is a skilled attorney with experience in the biomedical and automotive industries. Abdulai Rashid focuses his practice on patent prosecution and litigation in the biomedical and automotive fields. He has experience in contract drafting for trademark applications, as well as aiding clients with turning their ideas into businesses or patentable inventions. Prior to joining Brooks Kushman, Abdulai gained extensive experience in dispute resolution after founding Penn State Law’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Program. During this time, he coordinated 20 students through 8 competitions in negotiation and mediation. He also participated in the Penn State Law Intellectual Property Clinic in which he was responsible for connecting the Pennsylvania community to counsel and resources to drive businesses and link them to various invention development centers and opportunities. Abdulai holds a Juris Doctor from Penn State Law School. He also received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Central Methodist University. Outside of the office, Abdulai enjoys weightlifting, yoga, running, and building figurines.

Yasmeen Moradshahi is a driven patent attorney with a focus on electrical and mechanical engineering, combining hands-on technical experience with a strong foundation in intellectual property law. Yasmeen Moradshahi is a dedicated patent attorney specializing in patent prosecution and litigation with a focus on electrical and mechanical engineering, particularly in the automotive sector. She brings a wealth of hands-on experience from her time working at a major automotive company, where she contributed to the manufacturing controls simulation lab, diesel launch team, and patent profiling in the IP department. Before joining Brooks Kushman as an attorney, Yasmeen spent three years as a Technical Specialist with the firm, building a strong foundation in intellectual property law. She earned her Juris Doctor from Detroit Mercy School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Kettering University. Outside of her legal practice, Yasmeen enjoys reading, baking, traveling, weightlifting, and practicing Pilates.