Michigan OfficeP (248) 226-2754jleroy@brookskushman.com
John’s practice focuses on patent, trade secret and copyright litigation in the software and electrical arts. With over 15 years of patent litigation experience, he has represented clients in virtually every industry. John has successfully tried patent cases in federal courts nationwide, and has successfully...
John’s practice focuses on patent, trade secret and copyright litigation in the software and electrical arts. With over 15 years of patent litigation experience, he has represented clients in virtually every industry. John has successfully tried patent cases in federal courts nationwide, and has successfully handled appeals before the Federal Circuit.
Leveraging his extensive software litigation experience, John leads the firm’s FRAND licensing and Open Source Software compliance practice. With respect to FRAND licensing, John works with automotive OEMs and suppliers to address licensing standard essential patents for wireless communication technology. John also advises companies regarding effective use of open source software in their commercial products. He helps companies develop customized corporate policies and strategies for compliance with applicable open source license terms. John’s team manages source code audits and works closely with software developers and business managers to properly navigate the various open source license terms. John’s team has undertaken the audit-and-advice service on complex systems in the automotive, consumer electronics, medical device, and computer industries.
John is devoted to his clients’ business interests. He brings a creative approach to his practice to solve the most complex issues his clients face. For example, John worked with several automotive companies to create the SmartDeviceLink Consortium, a thriving new organization of automotive companies managing an open source platform for communication between smart devices and automobiles.
John is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District Courts in the Eastern and Western District of Michigan, the Eastern District of Texas, the Western District of Wisconsin, and Colorado. John is also a registered patent attorney, and is authorized to practice before the U.S. Patent Office.
John holds a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Buffalo, where he graduated cum laude. John’s background in both electrical and mechanical engineering allows him to handle patent cases involving many different technologies.
John is a regular guest lecturer on Patent Fundamentals at the University of Michigan. John has also personally handled six pro bono civil actions, including a pro bono jury trial.
Outside the office, John enjoys time with his family in Northern Michigan. He also enjoys Michigan Football, playing ice hockey, and racing at the M1 Concourse.
Practice Areas & Industries
- Automotive
- Autonomous Vehicles
- Consumer Products
- Life Science & Medical Device
- Financial Solutions & IT Services
- Post-Grant Review
- Electrical & Computer Technology
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Entrepreneurs & Start-Ups
- Open Source Compliance
- Covered Business Methods
- Licensing
- Ex Parte Reexamination
- IP Due Diligence
- Compliance & E-Discovery
- Legal IT Consulting
- Inter Partes Review
- Patent Litigation
- Commercial Litigation
- FRAND and Other Licensing Disputes
- Trademarks
Education
J.D., University of Dayton
M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan, academic excellence
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Buffalo, cum laude
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
Pi Tau Sigma Engineering Honor Society
Eagle Harbor Holdings/Medius v. Ford Motor Company – Jury Trial
Defended Ford in patent infringement trial in which plaintiff was asserting several patents against Ford’s SYNC infotainment system, and Ford’s automatic parking system. Plaintiffs sought damages of $250 million. Jury found patents not infringed, and awarded no damages to plaintiff. Jury also found that plaintiffs had misappropriated Ford trade secrets.
Ancora v. Apple – Appeal to Federal Circuit & Petition for Certiorari
Handled & argued appeal on behalf of Ancora reversing district court’s claim construction of term “program,” and affirming district’s court’s finding of no indefiniteness. Successfully briefed opposition to Apple’s petition for certiorari to U.S. Supreme Court.
AgentWare v. Ford Motor Company – Jury Trial
Defended Ford in trade secrets case relating to computer software for assembly line visualization. AgentWare sought millions from Ford in damages. The court and the jury found for Ford, rejecting AgentWare’s claims.
GreenLeaf/Ford Motor Company v. Technology Solutions Company – Jury Trial
The lawsuit resulted from a failed development of a custom computer system for GreenLeaf (a Ford subsidiary) capable of tracking its national inventory and processing sales transactions. GreenLeaf, represented by Brooks Kushman, demanded a refund of the fees it paid TSC over the course of the unsuccessful development project. After a week-long trial, the jury awarded GreenLeaf $2.3 million.
z4 v. Microsoft and Autodesk – Jury Trial & Appeal to Federal Circuit
Represented z4 in a patent infringement case involving two patents relating to technology for reducing software piracy. Infringing products included Microsoft’s Windows and Office software, and Autodesk’s AutoCAD software. Brooks Kushman secured a $133 million jury verdict, and a $25 million enhanced damages award for z4. (U.S. Patent Nos. 6,785,825 and 6,044,471) The Federal Circuit affirmed the jury verdict.
Cheetah Omni LLC v. Verizon Services Corporation, et al. – Jury Trial
Represented Cheetah Omni in a patent infringement lawsuit concerning fiber optic switching technology. Secured a $5.4 million jury verdict.
United States Supreme Court
Intellectual Property Owners (IPO) Association – Open Source Committee
State Bar of Michigan
“Michigan’s Outstanding IP Litigator of the Year,” Managing Intellectual Property, 2018
“IP Star”, Managing Intellectual Property, 2016 – 2018
Best Lawyers in America, 2015 – 2019
“Leader in the Law,” Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2016
“Top Lawyer,” DBusiness Magazine, 2013, 2015 – 2017, 2019
Michigan Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property, 2014-2019
“Rising Star,” Michigan Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property, 2008 – 2010, 2012 – 2013
“Up & Coming Lawyer,” Michigan Lawyers Weekly, 2008
Eastern District of Michigan Pro Bono Service Recognition, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010 – 2012
Six Brooks Kushman Shareholders Named To 2019 Top Lawyers List
Southfield, Mich.– Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that six shareholders have been recognized by DBusiness magazine as “2019 Top Lawyers.” The annual list honors the top attorneys in the metro Detroit area in various areas of practice. Brooks Kushman attorneys recognized as 2019 Top Lawyers includes, Mark A. Cantor Frank A. Angileri ...
Federal Circuit Rules in Favor of Brooks Kushman Client Ancora Technologies, Inc.
Southfield, Mich. – On November 16, 2018, the U.S. Court Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that a software security patent owned by Ancora Technologies, Inc. is eligible for patent protection. The decision reverses a prior district court ruling. Brooks Kushman shareholders Marc Lorelli, Mark Cantor, John LeRoy and John...
Brooks Kushman Ranked In The 2019 Best Law Firms List; Nine Attorneys Ranked As Best Lawyer
Southfield, Mich.,- Brooks Kushman is proud to announce the firm has been ranked in the 2019 edition of U.S. News and World Report list of Best Law Firms and Best Lawyers. In Detroit, Brooks Kushman holds a tier one ranking in intellectual property litigation (IP), patent litigation, and patent law. The firm was also recognized...
Twelve Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named To 2018 Super Lawyers List; Eight Attorneys Honored as Rising Stars
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. –Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that twenty of the firm’s attorneys have been named to the 2018 Michigan Super Lawyers and 2018 Michigan Rising Stars list for their accomplishments in intellectual property law by Super Lawyers Magazine. The annual listing honors outstanding exceptional lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who...
Brooks Kushman Hosts Chinese Delegation in Partnership With Michigan State University
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Brooks Kushman, in partnership with Michigan State University (MSU), hosted a Chinese Delegation for a roundtable discussion on Friday, September 7, 2018 in Southfield, Michigan. The roundtable focused on recent developments with U.S. patent challenges and trade secrets. It was moderated by Brooks Kushman shareholder Kristin L....
Nine Brooks Kushman Attorneys Ranked As Best Lawyer; Two Attorneys Recognized as Lawyer of the Year
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Brooks Kushman is proud to announce that the firm has been ranked in the 2019 edition of U.S. News and World Report Best Lawyers list of Best Lawyers. Brooks Kushman President Mark A. Cantor, and shareholders Frank A. Angileri, David Randall, Elizabeth F. Janda, John S. LeRoy, Thomas A....
Brooks Kushman Recognized as Gold-Standard Firm By IAM Annual Patent 1000; Six Attorneys Recognized as Top Practioners
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Brooks Kushman, a leading intellectual property (IP) and technology law firm, is proud to announce the firms inclusion in Intellectual Asset Management`s (IAM) annual Patent 1000, a guide that recognizes the world`s top patent law firms and practitioners in key jurisdictions. Michigan firms were first included in the IAM Patent 1000...
Brooks Kushman Recognized in the Top Tier of Each IP Rankings Category by Managing IP; Six Shareholders Named “IP Stars”
Southfield, Mich. - Brooks Kushman is proud to announce six of the firm’s shareholders have been named “IP Stars” by Managing Intellectual Property (IP) Magazine. Brooks Kushman is also the only firm to be recognized in the top tier as “Highly Recommended” for each ranking: Patent Contentious, Patent Prosecution, and Trademarks. The comprehensive guide...
Brooks Kushman Shareholder to Speak at IP Counsel Café Annual Silicon Valley Conference; Four Shareholders to Attend
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Brooks Kushman shareholder John LeRoy will be speaking on a panel at IP Counsel Café is hosting their Annual Silicon Valley Conference in Palo Alto. LeRoy’s panel will focus on recent developments, security concerns, and best practices for ensuring compliance with Open Source Software. IP Counsel Café...
Brooks Kushman Shareholder Recognized as Michigan IP Litigator of the Year
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that Managing Intellectual Property has recognized Shareholder John LeRoy as Michigan’s Outstanding IP Litigator of the Year. This award is based on rigorous and impartial research, as well as nominations from both within an attorney’s firm and from outside competitive firms. With over 15 years...
Brooks Kushman Ranked In The 2018 Best Law Firms List; Nine Attorneys Ranked As Best Lawyer
Southfield, Mich.,- Brooks Kushman is proud to announce the firm has been ranked in the 2018 edition of U.S. News and World Report-Best Lawyers list of Best Law Firms and Best Lawyers. In Michigan, Brooks Kushman holds a tier one ranking in IP litigation, patent litigation, patent law and trademark law...
Twelve Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named To 2017 Super Lawyers List; Ten Attorneys Honored As Rising Stars
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that twenty-two of the firm’s attorneys have been named to the 2017 Michigan Super Lawyers and 2017 Michigan Rising Stars list for their accomplishments in intellectual property law by Super Lawyers Magazine. The annual listing honors outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who...
Nine Brooks Kushman Attorneys Ranked as 2018 Best Lawyers
SOUTHFIELD, Mich.,- We are proud to announce that nine Brooks Kushman attorneys were recognized by there peers as 2018 Best Lawyers in America ®. Those included are: Mark Cantor(President) – IP Litigation, Patent Litigation, Patent Law, and Trademark law Frank Angileri(Shareholder; Co-Chair Post-Grant Proceedings) – IP Litigation, Patent Litigation, Patent Law, and...
Gold in IAM Annual Patent 1000
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Brooks Kushman, a leading intellectual property (IP) and technology law firm with offices across the nation, is proud to announce the firms inclusion in Intellectual Asset Management`s (IAM) annual Patent 1000, a guide that recognizes the world`s top patent law firms and practitioners in key jurisdictions. The 2014...
Six Shareholders Named “IP Stars” By Managing IP
Southfield, Mich. - Brooks Kushman is happy to announce six of the firm’s shareholders have been named “IP Stars” by Managing Intellectual Property (IP) Magazine. This comprehensive guide lists leading IP firms and lawyers, and covers more than 80 countries. Brooks Kushman attorneys recognized as IP Stars by the publication are President Mark Cantor and Shareholders Frank...
Brooks Kushman Ranked in the 2017 Best Law Firms List; Eight Attorneys Ranked as Best Lawyers
Southfield, Mich.,- Brooks Kushman is proud to announce the firm has been ranked in the 2017 edition of U.S. News and World Report-Best Lawyers list of Best Law Firms and Best Lawyers. Brooks Kushman holds a tier one ranking in IP litigation, patent litigation, patent law and trademark law in Detroit, as well...
Five Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named To 2017 Top Lawyers List
Southfield, Mich.–Brooks Kushman P.C. is pleased to announce that five attorneys have been recognized as “2017 Top Lawyers” by DBusiness magazine. The annual list honors the top attorneys in the metro Detroit area in various areas of practice. The complete list of Brooks Kushman attorneys honored as “2017 Top Lawyers” follows: Mark...
Eight Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named To 2016 Super Lawyers List; Eight Attorneys Honored As Rising Stars
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that several of the firm’s attorneys have been named to the 2016 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list for their work in intellectual property law. The annual listing honors outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer...
Brooks Kushman Congratulates 7 Attorneys Named as 2017 Best Lawyers In America
Southfield, Mich. -Brooks Kushman President Mark Cantor, and Shareholders Frank Angileri, Marc Lorelli, John LeRoy, Elizabeth Janda, Thomas Lewry and John Nemazi have been selected for inclusion in the 23rd edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Brooks Kushman attorneys were recognized as 2017 Best Lawyers across a variety of intellectual property (IP) practice areas, including: Mark Cantor – IP Litigation,...
Brooks Kushman Attorneys Named “IP Stars” by Managing IP
Southfield, Mich. - Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce six of the firm’s shareholders have been named “IP Stars” by Managing Intellectual Property (IP) Magazine. This comprehensive guide to leading IP firms and lawyers covers more than 80 countries. Brooks Kushman attorneys recognized as IP Stars by the publication are President...
Brooks Kushman Intellectual Property Litigation Attorney Honored as a 2016 Leader in the Law
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Brooks Kushman shareholder, John S. LeRoy, has been named a 2016 “Leader in the Law” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. LeRoy will be recognized along with 30 other honorees including prominent counsel and judges at the 2016 Leaders in the Law award ceremony hosted by Michigan Lawyers Weekly...
Brooks Kushman Recognized as 2016 Best Law Firm
Southfield, Mich. - Brooks Kushman is proud to announce the firm has been ranked in the 2016 edition of “U.S. News and World Report – Best Lawyers” list of Best Law Firms. Brooks Kushman holds a tier one ranking in IP litigation, patent litigation, patent law and trademark law in Detroit,...
Fifteen Brooks Kushman Attorneys Named 2015 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that several of the firm’s attorneys have been named to the 2015 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list for their work in intellectual property law. The annual listing honors outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a...
Five Brooks Kushman Attorneys Recognized as 2016 Best Lawyers in America
Southfield, Mich. -Brooks Kushman President Mark Cantor, and Shareholders Frank Angileri, Marc Lorelli, John LeRoy and Elizabeth Janda have been selected for inclusion in the 22nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Brooks Kushman attorneys were recognized as 2016 Best Lawyers across a variety of intellectual property (IP) practice areas,...
Brooks Kushman Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2014 Best Law Firm; Five Shareholders Named as Best Lawyers
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Intellectual property (IP) and technology law firm, Brooks Kushman, is proud to announce their inclusion in the 2015 edition of “U.S. News and World Report – Best Lawyers`” list of Best Law Firms. Brooks Kushman holds a national tier one ranking in patent and IP litigation, patent law...
Sixteen Brooks Kushman Attorneys Named 2014 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Brooks Kushman is proud to announce that several of the firm`s attorneys have been named to the 2014 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list for their work in intellectual property law. The annual listing honors outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a...
Brooks Kushman Shareholder John LeRoy to Discuss Open Source License Compliance at ARM TechCon
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Addressing the growing use of open source software (OSS) in consumer products, Brooks Kushman P.C. shareholder John LeRoy will speak at the 2013 ARM TechCon, a three-day conference for hardware and software engineers involved in ARM architecture used in most consumer electronics in Santa Clara, Calif. on...
Twelve Brooks Kushman Attorneys Selected as DBusiness Top Lawyers for 2013
Southfield, Mich., October 16, 2012 – Intellectual property law firm Brooks Kushman P.C. is proud to announce that 12 of the firm`s attorneys have been recognized as “2013 Top Lawyers” by DBusiness magazine. The annual list honors the top attorneys in the metro Detroit area in various areas of practice....
LeRoy Presents on the Legal Risks of Open Source Software
Brooks Kushman patent litigator and shareholder, John LeRoy leads an ExecSense webinar titled, "What CIOs Need to Know About the Legal Risks Associated with Open Source Software," on Friday, August 12, 2011 at 2:30 PM (EDT). John will discuss the following:Open source software is "free" of charge, but...If used improperly,...
Brooks Kushman Prevails in Patent Infringement Case for $5.4 Million Against Verizon Communications
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 28, 2011 – On March 18, a jury awarded Cheetah Omni LLC $5.4 million in damages against three subsidiaries of Verizon Communications, Inc. The jury found that Verizon infringed Cheetah`s “fiber to the home technology” Patent No. 7,522,836. Cheetah Omni is a research and development company that has...
LeRoy Offers Insight on Cost Effective E-Discovery for Corporate Counsel
“How to Keep ESI at Bay in E-Discovery”Corporate CounselNovember 29, 2010 – John S. LeRoy, litigation shareholder at Brooks Kushman provides Corporate Counsel with his perspective on E-Discovery. He discusses the inefficiencies associated with taking native files and converting them to TIFF files. There's a significant cost to the producing...
The Fab Five: Five Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named to 2010 Super Lawyers List; Two Attorneys Honored as Rising Stars
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Sept. 22, 2010 – Five Brooks Kushman lawyers have been named to the 2010 Michigan Super Lawyers list, tying another local law firm for the most lawyers represented in the two intellectual property (IP) categories. The annual Super Lawyers listing honors outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice...
Brooks Kushman's John LeRoy Named Up & Coming Lawyer by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
John S. LeRoy, a shareholder with Brooks Kushman P.C., was recently named an “Up & Coming Lawyer” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. This year`s class included 10 lawyers who have practiced for 10 years or less and have distinguished themselves in the practice of law. “It has been wonderful to see John...
Six Brooks Kushman Lawyers Named to 2008 Super Lawyers List; Five Up-and-Coming Attorneys Named Rising Stars
Six lawyers from the intellectual property (IP) law firm Brooks Kushman P.C. were named to the Super Lawyers list for 2008. Southfield, Mich.-based Brooks Kushman has more lawyers included in the IP categories of the 2008 Super Lawyers list than any other law firm in Michigan. The Super Lawyers list...
NorthPole Companies Secure Summary Judgment Against Bravo Sports, Inc.
On July 21, 2008, the United States District Court, Central District of California, entered an order dismissing with prejudice the claims of patent infringement that Bravo Sports, Inc. had made against NorthPole Limited, NorthPole (US) LLC, and NorthPole (China) Limited. The NorthPole companies make and sell a wide variety of...
Brooks Kushman Lawyers Honored for Local Pro Bono Work
Brooks Kushman P.C.`s John S. LeRoy and Brian S. Tobin were recently honored for their voluntary pro bono work during the past year at the Annual State of the Court and Pro Bono Recognition Luncheon hosted by the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter of the Federal...
In Win for Brooks Kushman Client Ancora Technologies, Federal Circuit Rules that Software Security Invention Is Patent-Eligible
Ancora Technologies, Inc. v. HTC America, Inc., No. 2018-1404 (Fed. Cir. Nov. 16, 2018). On November 16, 2018, the U.S. Court Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that a software security patent owned by Ancora Technologies, Inc. claims eligible subject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101. The decision reversed a district...
Federal Circuit Panel Reaffirms Single Entity Rule One Infringer Must Be Responsible For Performing All Steps Of Methods Claims
On May 13, 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit again considered the circumstances in which a defendant may be liable for direct infringement under 35 U.S.C. § 271(a) when multiple actors carry out the required steps of a patented process. In a sharply divided panel decision,...
Creating Internal Open Source Compliance Strategies
Open Source Software (OSS) elements are ubiquitous in software today, but few companies have a robust policy for managing OSS in their supply chain. If you sell products that include embedded or application software, attention to legal obligations associated with OSS should be given to the purchasing, development, and sales...
Open Source Software: What Every In-house Counsel Should Know
Open source software (OSS) is ubiquitous in software development today, enabling technical innovation, productivity gains, and touching everything from big data and cloud to mobile and embedded. Control modules on the market today commonly include OSS components such as real-time operating systems, libraries, data interfaces, firmware, and display software. The use...
Featured, “Automakers need to be ready when licensors come knocking ,” Crain’s Detroit Business, July 2017
Featured, “2016 Eureka Index: Breaking with Traditional Technologies,” Crain’s Detroit Business, November 2016
Featured, “Cure for common codes: Devil is in details for open-source auto technology,” Crain’s Detroit Business, June 2013
Featured, “How to Keep ESI at Bay in E-Discovery,” Corporate Counsel, November 2012
Featured, “Career Center Survey Results: Top Partners to Work For – Smaller Legal Markets,” Above the Law, December 2010
Featured, “How to Keep ESI at Bay in E-Discovery,” Corporate Counsel, November 2010
Co-Author, “Open Source Software (OSS) – What Every Attorney Needs to Know,” Association of Corporate Counsel, October 2014
Speaker, “Creating Internal Open Source Compliance Strategies: What Every In-House Counsel Should Know,” Association of Corporate Counsel Webinar, July, 2017
Speaker, “Open Source Software: What Every In-house Counsel Should Know,” Association of Corporate Counsel Webinar, February, 2017
Panel Speaker, “Software Patentability,” United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) program at Lawrence Technical University, May 2015
Speaker, “Open Source Software – The Devil is in the Details,” Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ Big M Manufacturing Convergence, June 2014
Speaker, “Open Source: Its Free – Terms and Conditions Apply,” ARM TechCon, October 2013
Speaker, “Open Source Software in the Electric Vehicle,” Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Show, September 2013
Speaker, “Understanding & Managing Legal Obligations of Open Source Software,” SAE World Congress, April 2013
Speaker, “Legal Risks Associated with Open Source Software,” Licensing Executives Society: Software Committee, December 2011
Speaker, “What CIOs Need to Know About the Legal Risks Associated with Open Source Software,” ExecSense Webinar: Intellectual Property, August 2011