Brooks Kushman Hires Scharf as Senior Attorney; Further Diversifies Trademark Practice

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Brooks Kushman – a leading intellectual property (IP) and commercial law firm – recently hired Stephen L. Scharf as a senior attorney based at the firm's Southfield, Mich. headquarters. The announcement was made by Mark Cantor, president of the firm. In his new role, Scharf will further expand Brooks Kushman's trademark practice with his more than 20 years of IP law experience and specialized focus on domestic and international trademarks matters, including trademark registration, enforcement, protection and dispute resolution.

"Steve's well-rounded background in intellectual property law – especially his trademark experience – makes him an ideal addition to the Brooks Kushman team," Cantor said. "As the IP legal arena continues to evolve, having a diverse and talented trademark practice group will be crucial in serving our diverse client base with the expertise and attention they've come to expect from Brooks Kushman."

With more than 15 years of in-house experience, Scharf has held IP positions with several major companies. As assistant general counsel, IP, at American Greetings Corp., Scharf was responsible for all legal aspects of patents, trademarks, copyrights, IP litigation, IP licensing, as well as management of the global IP portfolios.

A registered patent attorney, Scharf is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, Ohio State Bar Association and International Trademark Association. He is also admitted to the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio, Supreme Court of the State of Michigan, United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and Federal Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. As a member of the Ohio National Guard, Scharf holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Air Force Reserves, and currently serves as an Air Force Judge Advocate for the 180th Fighter Wing in Toledo, Ohio.

Scharf earned a juris doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan College of Engineering.

Founded in 1983 by five intellectual property (IP) attorneys, Brooks Kushman P.C. is a leading IP and commercial law firm based in Southfield, Mich. with an office in Los Angeles. Since its inception, the firm has grown to approximately 70 lawyers and patent agents, gaining a reputation both nationally and internationally as a leader in providing cutting-edge, timely and cost-effective IP counseling.

Brooks Kushman counts six U.S. Fortune 100 companies among its clients and is often recognized by peers and leading trade publications. Brooks Kushman is a Go-To Law Firm® selected by the top 500 companies, according to Corporate Counsel magazine; a "Best at Client Focus" firm, according to large and Fortune 1000 companies surveyed by The BTI Consulting Group; and one of the top IP firms selected by the Fortune 250, according to IP Law & Business. For more information, visit www.brookskushman.com.

SOURCE Brooks Kushman