Electrical and Computer Technology

At Brooks Kushman, we help innovators protect the technologies that power the modern world. From advanced circuit designs to secure cloud infrastructure, we guide clients through the legal side of developing, owning, and leveraging electrical intellectual property. Our attorneys understand the technical details and commercial goals that shape these innovations, and we provide legal support that aligns with both.

Common Intellectual Property Challenges

Companies in these sectors face constant pressure to develop new solutions while protecting their intellectual property. With rapid advancement in devices, platforms, and embedded systems, staying competitive means navigating a maze of existing patents and ever-evolving eligibility rules.

Working with a team that understands how to structure protection around functional systems, algorithms, and integrated platforms is essential—especially when your work involves computer intellectual property that may include hardware and software elements.

How We Can Help

At Brooks Kushman, we bring legal insight and real technical fluency to every engagement. Many of our attorneys have backgrounds in software development, electrical design, or data systems. We can work directly with inventors and engineers, translating ideas into explicit, enforceable legal protections.

Whether you’re refining data compression protocols or developing microprocessor controls, our team can provide the structure needed to support protection. We’ve done it at scale for clients around the country holding portfolios of electrical patents in fast-moving industries.

Why Partner With Brooks Kushman?

Our firm supports businesses of all sizes, from startups building new platforms to multinational corporations expanding existing portfolios. From strategic filing to litigation and post-grant proceedings, we tailor our work to meet the specific needs of your project.

Clients frequently rely on us when they need an electrical engineering patent attorney who can address the unique challenges of protecting designs used in power systems, communications infrastructure, and automation tools. We ensure that the technical details align with legal clarity.

Key IP Considerations for Electrical and Computer Technology

Complex, Multi-Layered Innovation

Electrical and computer technologies often involve the integration of hardware, software, and embedded systems to deliver complex functionality. Inventions in this space may span circuit design, signal processing, system architecture, communications protocols, and algorithm development. We work closely with engineers and developers to identify which elements of a technology are protectable and build IP strategies that capture value across layers of the system.

Software and Hardware Interaction

Many modern devices operate through the interplay of firmware, control logic, and physical components. We help clients craft patent claims that reflect how hardware and software interact to produce specific, technical results. Our attorneys understand how to position inventions for eligibility under current legal standards and how to frame claims that stand up to examination and enforcement.

Patent Eligibility for Software-Based Inventions

U.S. patent law continues to evolve around software and abstract ideas, particularly under Section 101. We guide clients in shaping claims that emphasize technical improvements, system-level functionality, and non-generic hardware implementation. By focusing on practical applications and real-world use, we help clients secure protection for software-driven innovation, including machine learning models, encryption algorithms, and control systems.

Circuit Design and Signal Processing

Innovations involving analog and digital circuitry, power management, RF design, and high-speed signaling require precise technical disclosure and careful claim drafting. Our team includes attorneys with electrical engineering backgrounds who understand the nuances of circuit-level innovation. We support clients with both utility and design patent strategies for boards, chipsets, and electronic components.

Trade Secrets for Algorithms and System Architecture

Some companies choose to protect proprietary algorithms, architectures, or low-level code as trade secrets rather than patents. We help clients evaluate which elements are best kept confidential and implement processes to secure that information internally and across third-party relationships. This includes employee agreements, vendor controls, and trade secret documentation programs.

Freedom to Operate and Standards Considerations

Electrical and computer technologies are often subject to industry standards and interoperability requirements. We help clients conduct freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses and assess potential exposure to standard-essential patents (SEPs). When needed, we assist in licensing negotiations and advise on compliance with fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms.

Global Patent Strategy

With products and systems deployed internationally, global protection is essential. We develop coordinated international filing strategies that reflect market priorities and align with jurisdiction-specific rules for computer-implemented inventions. Our team works with foreign counsel to support smooth prosecution and to manage enforcement risks across key jurisdictions including Europe, China, Japan, and South Korea.

Collaboration and Licensing in Tech Ecosystems

In this space, innovation often occurs within ecosystems involving component suppliers, software partners, cloud service providers, and research institutions. We support clients in structuring licensing agreements, collaboration deals, and joint development arrangements that protect IP ownership, define rights to improvements, and enable scalability.

We Specialize in the Following Types of Cases

• Bioengineering
• Blockchain
• Cellular Technology
• Chip Architecture
• Computer Hardware
• Control Systems
• Electrical Circuits
• Electrical Engineering
• Imaging & Diagnostics
• Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
• Microelectronics
• Open Source Software Compliance
• Optics & Photonics
• Semiconductors
• Sensors
• Signal Processing
• Wireless Networking

Innovation in electronics and computing requires ongoing legal support. Brooks Kushman offers the technical fluency and legal insight to help protect what makes your business unique.

Contact us to learn how we can support your work with customized strategies and focused legal guidance.