Atty. Christopher C. Smith

Atty. Christopher C. Smith

Christopher Smith is a distinguished intellectual property attorney specializing in patent litigation, IP counseling, licensing, and patent and trademark prosecution, with extensive experience representing Fortune 500 companies and startups across diverse industries. Christopher Smith is a highly regarded intellectual property attorney, recognized for his work in IP litigation, especially in patent litigation.

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Profile Summary

About Christopher C. Smith at a glance

Christopher C. Smith is a ip attorney based in Royal Oak, Michigan, practicing at Brooks Kushman PC. Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026). Serves clients in Royal Oak, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Christopher Smith is a distinguished intellectual property attorney specializing in patent litigation, IP counseling, licensing, and patent and trademark prosecution, with extensive experience representing Fortune 500 companies and startups across diverse industries
  • Christopher Smith is a highly regarded intellectual property attorney, recognized for his work in IP litigation, especially in patent litigation
  • His practice encompasses patent and trademark prosecution and the preparation of complex invalidity and infringement opinions
  • In 2024, Chris was honored with the prestigious Law360 MVP Award, an accolade awarded to only six IP attorneys nationwide, highlighting his exceptional influence and impact within the IP law community
  • Chris is a registered patent attorney authorized to practice before the U.S
  • Patent and Trademark Office
  • He represents clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of industries including automotive (notably infotainment), medical devices, internet technologies (such as content delivery networks), and telecommunications (including fiber optics)
  • Chris’s background in patent prosecution deepens his litigation acumen, enabling him to analyze patent file histories with precision, which is invaluable in shaping claim construction and invalidity arguments
  • His litigation success is rooted in both his technical expertise and extensive experience with trial teams, previously honed during his time at Kirkland and Ellis in Los Angeles
  • Chris is an active speaker at a number of major IP conferences, frequently sharing his insights on emerging issues in intellectual property law, offering valuable perspectives on cutting-edge topics and best practices
  • Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from UCLA
  • His early judicial externship with the Honorable R. Gary Klausner in the Central District of California offered him a unique perspective on federal judiciary processes, which continues to inform his strategic approach in litigation
  • Outside the courtroom, Chris is dedicated to family and leisure pursuits, enjoying fishing, swimming with his kids, bowling, historical autograph collecting and working on his golf game

Practice Areas Explained

Christopher C. Smith's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Christopher C. Smith handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Intellectual Property

IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.

Christopher C. Smith is one of 94,505 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in Michigan →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Michigan

Practicing law in Michigan. Legal matters in Michigan are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Royal Oak are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Michigan state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Michigan brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Michigan courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Royal Oak or all attorneys in Michigan.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Christopher C. Smith

Where is Christopher C. Smith's law office located?
Christopher C. Smith's law practice is located in Royal Oak, Michigan. The firm is Brooks Kushman PC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Christopher C. Smith handle?
Christopher C. Smith focuses on ip. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Michigan.
How can I contact Christopher C. Smith for a consultation?
You can contact Christopher C. Smith directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Christopher C. Smith received?
Christopher C. Smith's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property.

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property
- 2026

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