Jim Kushman is the senior founding member of Brooks Kushman. His practice focuses on protection of inventions in the mechanical and electro-mechanical arts. With 50 years of intellectual property law experience, Jim has an in-depth understanding of various technologies, particularly in the automotive, glass processing, plastic blow molding, manufacturing, and consumer products industries. Jim continues to share his knowledge with the firm based on his experience with clients of all sizes, ranging from Fortune 500 Corporations to small and mid-sized companies. He takes a proactive approach to understand his clients’ business interests and align IP strategies with those interests in mind. He helps his clients identify “white-space” in the market for new product development and IP investment. Jim has a long-standing practice working with clients to manage global patent portfolios. He continues to counsel select clients on both domestic and international filings with respect to utility and design patents. Throughout his career, he has worked with companies around the world to manage patent portfolios.

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.

Bill Conger is a patent prosecutor who is passionate about working with his clients and making extensive efforts to understand their inventions and technologies. As a patent lawyer and Co-Chair of Brooks Kushman's chemical practice, Bill instills trust and confidence in his clients. His clients know that they can rely on him to make important decisions that keep their best interests at heart at all times. When there are several alternative paths that can be taken, Bill is skilled at recognizing the one that makes the most business sense for his client. Bill makes extensive efforts to understand his client`s technology and their business goals, making frequent client visits, and even occasionally working on-site for extended periods. Bill works directly with inventors so that he can fully understand their inventions and maximize the scope of all related patents. As a result of his effectiveness and creativity, he has twice been named as a co-inventor on patents. Based on his experience as a former Director of Patents for BASF, Bill developed an extensive international practice, assisting foreign clients in filing applications for inventions first filed in other countries. Bill`s experience allows him to finesse the originally-filed foreign application to obtain the broadest possible protection in the United States, to reduce costs to the client, and to shorten prosecution as well. Bill also takes great pleasure in drafting original patent applications. He likens the process to writing the great American novel because it allows him to weave together a compelling persuasive argument that leaves the audience with enough information to understand the story being told, without encouraging them to start a new one. When not involved with technology or IP issues, Bill enjoys tennis, boating, and hunting for precious gemstones in various areas of the country, particularly the West and Northwest."

Erin Bowles is an experienced patent attorney with a well-rounded background in counseling domestic and international clients. She applies her industry experience and expansive understanding of mechanical, material and electrical technologies to her practice. Erin's practice involves counseling domestic and international clients from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies on their intellectual property portfolios, with a focus on obtaining domestic and foreign patents and handling patent prosecution procedures. Her practice also includes patentability investigations, infringement and right-to-use analysis, and intellectual property transactions and licensing agreements, trademark, trade dress, and copyright issues. Erin has an expansive understanding of various mechanical and electromechanical technologies. In particular, she has experience representing clients and protecting intellectual property rights in the alternative energy, medical device, automotive technology, optics and lighting, aviation technology, and personal care product industries, among others. Erin brings nearly a decade of engineering experience to her law practice. During this time, Erin gained technical experience in a broad range of positions including product design, manufacturing, program management and technical sales. These experiences provide Erin with an expansive understanding of broad range of technologies such as solar power, plastic injection molding, and complex automotive sensors and control systems. While working for major international companies, Erin's involvement extended beyond daily engineering activities and crossed international boundaries. For example, Erin managed the development of advanced components from a network of global facilities and coordinated with foreign subsidiaries to design and manufacture products for international programs. Prior to joining Brooks Kushman, Erin worked at an intellectual property firm, as well as in the legal department of an automotive original equipment manufacturer. She also studied international patent law at the Max Plank Institute in Munich. While in Munich, Erin learned about the patent process at the European Patent Office and met with the intellectual property departments of several international companies. This combination of diverse experiences provides Erin with an excellent understanding of the many aspects of intellectual property. Moreover, Erin's experience gives her insight into the intellectual property management challenges for both domestic and international companies in today`s global marketplace. When she is not at the office, you are most likely to find Erin on the water paddle boarding, waterskiing, wake surfing, kiteboarding, or pretty much any water sport. She also enjoys travelling, and her goal is to visit a new country every year.

Robyn Lederman is a trademark attorney who works extensively with her clients on cost-effective strategies to solve issues related to trademark clearance, prosecution, and a wide array of enforcement strategies. With more than 25 years of experience practicing in the area of trademark law, Robyn Lederman specializes in global branding strategy, trademark and domain name counseling, clearance, protection and enforcement for start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Robyn works extensively with company legal, marketing and business development groups to devise cost-effective strategies to achieve marketing goals. She works with her clients on issues involving anti-counterfeiting, copyright, domain name recovery, IP due diligence, licensing, trade dress and unfair competition. She represents clients in varied industries including agricultural, automotive, bio-tech, consumer products, cosmetics, entertainment, financial services, high-tech and homeland security. Along with managing U.S. trademark portfolios for her clients, Robyn has significant experience in obtaining trademark protection for her clients worldwide. Prior to Brooks Kushman, Robyn worked for more than seven years at a law firm in Israel as a trademark attorney and maintains her professional relationships in what has become known as “the start-up nation” by visiting clients and colleagues each year to keep them apprised of IP developments in the U.S. Robyn Lederman is brilliant at identifying optimal strategies for global brand protection and enforcement - and executing them. - World Trademark Review 1000 Robyn takes a special interest in connecting and creating partnerships between Israeli clients with Michigan universities, investors, and economic development organizations. She enjoys working with companies based in Israel that are expanding into the United States. Robyn is also on the Board of the Michigan Israel Business Bridge, a non-profit, member organization whose mission is to promote business and investment opportunities between Michigan and Israel Outside of Brooks Kushman, Robyn is very active in the community, educating young companies and start-ups on the practical impact of trademark law. She served for years as a mentor for Bizdom, a Detroit based business accelerator, where she often presented on how to effectively select names and build brand identity. Robyn is a Hamilton junkie who loves to brag about Detroit’s revival. She is in awe of Sheryl Sandberg, and continues to provide strong support for her alma mater, with all three children attending Michigan State University at the same time – Go Green!

Reza Roghani Esfahani is an IP litigation professional with a background in mechanical and chemical technologies. Reza's practice concentrates on intellectual property litigation, with a focus on patent litigation involving a wide range of technologies including mechanical, chemical, and pharmaceuticals. Reza also has experience in the preparation and prosecution of U.S. and foreign patent applications as well as intellectual property due diligence. Reza earned his Bachelor’s and Master's of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan. While pursuing his engineering degrees, Reza worked on projects directed at breast cancer therapy, live cell delivery, and the development of small molecule inhibitors of a human protein implicated in thrombosis. Additionally, Reza helped fabricate and functionalize microfluidic devices for isolating circulating tumor cells. Reza also has experience working on petroleum projects. In particular, his projects were directed toward the investigation of the aggregation kinetics of crude oil components. Reza holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan. For two years, Reza taught a senior-level Chemical Engineering course at the University of Michigan as a graduate student instructor. During his time at the University of Michigan, Reza was an active member of student organizations such as the Honor Society of Chemical Engineers and the Intellectual Property Student Association.

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.

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!