Christopher Smith's practice focuses on intellectual property litigation, with a primary emphasis on patent litigation. Additionally, Chris is involved with the prosecution of patent and trademark applications, and the preparation of invalidity and infringement opinions.
Chris is a registered patent attorney authorized to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He has represented clients from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and individual inventors in a variety of industries. Chris is experienced in a wide range of technologies including: (1) automotive, including infotainment; (2) medical devices; (3) internet, including content deliver networks; and (4) telecommunications, including fiber optics.
Chris is also experienced in prosecuting patent applications. His experience in patent prosecution has helped him better understand the process of obtaining a patent, including analyzing file histories, which has been invaluable to him during litigation, especially in formulating claim construction and invalidity positions.
Prior to joining Brooks Kushman, Chris was a patent litigation attorney at Kirkland and Ellis in Los Angeles, where he was involved in a number of cases involving cutting-edge technologies. While doing so, he was a member of several trial teams which were able to win favorable outcomes for their clients.
Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan and a law degree from UCLA. Additionally, Chris worked as a judicial extern for the Honorable R. Gary Klausner of the Central District of California, where he gained valuable insight into the inner workings of the federal judiciary.
Education/Alumni:
- J.D., UCLA School of Law
- B.S.E., Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Alpha Sigma Mu Honors Society
Network Memberships:
- Michigan Inn of Courts – Master, State Bar of California
- State Bar of Michigan
- Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association – President 2021-222
- Intellectual Property Owners (IPO) Association – Vice Chair of Licensing and Related Issues
- Patent Licensing Committee
- United States Patent and Trademark Office
- Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- Licensing Executive Society
- Federal Bar Association Eastern District of Michigan Chapter
