William Abbatt
Brooks Kushman P.C.
Bill Abbatt's intellectual property practice includes patent, trademark and copyright prosecution, plus enforcement, transactional work, and licensing. His background in materials sciences allows him to work in fields that include manufacturing processes, metallurgy, physical and inorganic chemistry, and mechanical engineering. Having worked in industry before and while attending law school, he has a working facility in the business aspects of the IP practice.
Bill counsels clients on ways in which they can enhance the value of their IP portfolio. He has a particular affinity for working with small and mid-sized, emerging corporations whose value can be greatly enhanced through effective management of their intellectual property.
His clients appreciate the fact that his broad-ranging experience allows him to act as a "one-stop" point of legal advice and service.. As an adjunct professor of law, Bill appreciates the need to stay abreast of current reported decisions and regulatory and rule changes.
Bill believes in "cross-training". Through his active involvement in litigating patent disputes in Michigan, Ohio, Florida and California, he sees the ways in which the validity of patents can be challenged-insights that are useful in drafting strong patent applications with commercially significant claim coverage. Similarly, by maintaining an active prosecution practice, he can spot the strengths and weaknesses in a patent when a dispute arises.
A service-oriented practitioner, Bill frequently meets with clients face to face in their own facilities. This approach yields insights into their problems and gives him a keener appreciation of the products, compositions and processes for which the client seeks protection and their role in the marketplace.
Bill is a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation and a Master of the Bench (American Inns of Court - University of Detroit Chapter).
Born in England, Bill speaks French and Spanish, and has an airline transport pilot licence.
Bill was listed in "Super Lawyers" magazine (2006-2007)
Recent Publications and Presentations
"Protecting the Crown Jewels: Intangible Company Assets - Patent", SBA of Mich., May 2007
"Evolution of the Invention from Conception through Patent Prosecution and patent Grant - - Changes Wrought by the AIPA", 3rd Annual Automotive Composites Conference, Sept. 2003.
