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Dustin is an experienced IP practitioner with a vast array of technical experience.

Dustin Zak is a registered patent attorney who focuses his practice on patent litigation and prosecution. Dustin possesses a vast range of technical experience ranging from chemical and material arts to software applications and artificial intelligence. Dustin has technical knowledge related to cyber security and computer technologies. During his studies, he has immersed himself in many technical topics including C++, Java, and visual basic programming, networking, open source networking, end-user computing, ethical hacking and offensive security, cyber intelligence, Linux security administration, information security, risk-vulnerability analysis, and digital forensics.

Prior to joining Brooks Kushman, Dustin spent more than 5 years gaining technical experience as a Research and Development Chemist at an automotive OEM supplier and in the automotive after-market refinish industry. In these roles he formulated, developed, and launched various products globally. He also participated in the creation and development of technology for measuring visual emissions for compliance with EPA method 9, and validated and generated performance criteria for raw materials including solvents, polymers, resins, pigments, additives, and final products.

Dustin holds a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University graduating at the top of his class where he received the Governor’s Scholarship. He was also the Senior Articles Editor for the Wayne Law Review and a Mock Trial member. Dustin also participated in the patent procurement clinic preparing patent applications for Detroit entrepreneurs and inventors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Polymers and Coatings Technology from Eastern Michigan University, where he received the Recognition of Excellence Scholarship, the College of technology Coating Scholarship, and the Charles Parker Scholarship.

Representative District Court/ITC Matters

Smartrend Manufacturing Group, Inc. v. Opti-Luxx Inc. (Jury Trial – W.D. Michigan): On November 29, a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan found that Opti-Luxx, Inc., willfully infringed two of our U.S. Patents on LED bus signs. The conclusion of this 2-year-long case against Opti-Luxx came with the jury’s unanimous verdict confirming that both of our client’s patents had been infringed, that Opti-Luxx willfully infringed those patents and that lost profits damages were owed to the client for infringement of the patents.

Education

J.D., Wayne State University, summa cum laude

B.S., Polymers and Coatings Technology, Eastern Michigan University, cum laude

Organizations & Affiliations

American Bar Association

Michigan Intellectual Property Inn of Court – Linn Inn Alliance Liaison, Executive Board 2024-2025

Michigan Intellectual Property Association (MIPLA), Event Chair

Order of the Coif – Wayne State University Law School Chapter

State Bar of Michigan

Detroit Bar Association

Federal Bar Association Eastern District of Michigan Chapter

Recognitions

“Rising Star,” Super Lawyers, 2026

“Ones to Watch,” Best Lawyers, 2026-2027

“Up-and-Coming Lawyer,” Michigan Lawyers Weekly, 2026

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