John S. LeRoy

John S. LeRoy is a patent litigator and shareholder at Brooks Kushman P.C., where he has practiced for over two decades and co-chairs the patent litigation department. His practice concentrates on the defense of operating companies in complex, high-tech disputes involving software, electronics, and mechanical systems. The provided case list shows him exclusively representing defendant Ford Motor Company, consistent with his firm biography, which highlights his work for automotive OEMs and suppliers. This focus includes matters related to wireless communication technology and standards-essential patents (SEPs).

LeRoy has significant experience defending clients in high-stakes litigation. A notable outcome was his lead counsel role for Ford in an eight-year dispute brought by Versata Software involving patents, trade secrets, and copyrights. After a three-week jury trial and more than 20 related inter partes review (IPR) and covered business method (CBM) proceedings, Versata, which had sought over $1.4 billion, was awarded just $3 in nominal damages. The provided case list includes his role as lead counsel defending Ford in Disintermedation Services Inc. v. Ford Motor Company and as of counsel in Autonavigare LLC v. Ford Motor Company, a case concerning in-vehicle control systems for mobile applications.

He is an active practitioner before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), leveraging IPRs as part of his defense strategy. For instance, in Safe Driving Technologies, LLC v. Ford Motor Company, his team's use of IPRs resulted in the PTAB finding 43 patent claims unpatentable, a judgment later affirmed on appeal. His work in this area has been noted by the legal publication Managing IP, which recognized him for his experience in patent litigation and PTAB proceedings.

LeRoy is a registered patent attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He earned a J.D. from the University of Dayton, a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Buffalo.