Gary A Smith
Senior Attorney
Michigan OfficeP 248-226-2757gsmith@brookskushman.com
Gary begins each project by gaining an understanding of his client’s business needs as they relate to intellectual property. As an in-house attorney for one of the “Detroit Three” automakers for over eight years, Gary focused on patent portfolio development and strategy matters. He gained experience in a wide range of IP matters during that time, acting as patent manager for several different technologies including Safety, Chassis, Body Electric, Software, and Business Methods.
Whether drafting a patent application, preparing a freedom-to-operate opinion, or counselling a client on how to deal with an infringement threat, Gary applies a sharp attention to detail and excellent communication skills from start to finish.
Gary wrote his first patent application at age 18 when he clerked for a Detroit area law firm the summer before he started university. His patent clerkship continued the following two summers, but his full-time law career began only after working as an engineer for four years followed by eight years of service in the U.S. Air Force.
Gary currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Michigan National Air Guard (reserves), and he has TS-SCI Clearance.
Organizations and Affiliations
State Bar of Michigan
American Bar Association
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association
Michigan Air National Guard
Project Salute