Partner
Brent P.
Johnson
Legal Assistant
Brent P. Johnson is a patent attorney with 28 years of experience in a wide range of intellectual property matters. Brent currently manages a diverse range of patent and trademark portfolios for clients in the US and worldwide. Brent’s general experience includes the preparation and prosecution of hundreds of patent and trademark applications in the US and abroad. Brent has also represented clients in numerous intellectual property litigation matters. Brent’s broad range of experience enables him to manage intellectual property portfolios for clients in many different technical disciplines; also enabling Brent to be a sole source legal provider for client needs in all aspects of intellectual property.
Brent received his JD from the University of Denver in 1994. Prior to becoming a registered patent attorney the same year, Brent was a registered patent agent in the US Patent and Trademark office in 1992. Brent received his B.S. degree from the United States Military Academy in 1984. Brent served five years active duty in the United States Army Corps of Engineers and subsequent years in the US Army Reserve. Brent was also employed as an engineer for Merk Pharmaceuticals for three years after his active Army service.
Brent enjoys spending his free time with his family and the outdoors.
Experience
Patent & Trademark Filings
Brent regularly advises clients on patent and trademark filing strategies, transfer of domestic and international patent and trademark rights, licensing, freedom to operate, non-infringement and invalidity opinions. Brent also advises clients on many forms of dispute resolution including both litigation and alternative forms such as arbitration and mediation.
Technical Background
Brent has specific technological experience in the mechanical, electrical, and computer-related fields. Prior to his legal career Brent was an engineer that provides him industry experience in addition to his legal background. Brent has advised many startup companies, providing valuable legal services to ensure the successful development and maintenance of intellectual property rights.
Litigation
Brent’s specific experience in litigation includes the enforcement and defense of all intellectual property rights including patent, trademark and trade secrets. Brent has represented clients in many cases in the US District Court of Colorado and other jurisdictions.
EDUCATION & ADMISSIONS
JURIS DOCTOR
UNIVERSITY OF DENVER COLLEGE OF LAW, 1994
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY, 1984
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
1992
U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
U.S. District Court, Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals
Colorado
1994
Professional Associations
Colorado Bar Association
Denver Bar Association
American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
Presentations
Numerous Continuing Legal Education programs including a most recent “Pitfalls in Claim.”
7th Annual Rocky Mountain Intellectual Property & Technology Institute; May 2009
Representation
The Kong Company, LLC v. Worldwise, Inc. and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (D. Colo.) — Counsel for plaintiff in action for infringement of trade dress and trademark KONG and unfair competition for animal toys.
Metropolitan Homes, Inc. v. Metropolitan Homes Real Estate, Inc. (D. Colo.) — Counsel for plaintiff in action for infringement of trademark METROPOLITAN HOMES.
Stampoultzis v. KVP International, Inc. (S.D.N.Y.) — Counsel for defendant in action for infringement of patent directed to protective animal collar.
Judith G. Lippincott v. Bounce, Inc. (S.D. Cal.) — Counsel for defendant in action for infringement of patent directed to animal protective device.
The Kong Company, LLC v. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. (D. Colo.) — Counsel for plaintiff in action for infringement of product configuration trademark and and unfair competition for animal toys.
The Kong Company, LLC v. Hallmark K9. (D. Colo.) — Counsel for plaintiff in action for infringement of product configuration trademark and and unfair competition for animal toys.
The Kong Company, LLC v. Triple Crown Dog Academy, Inc. (D. Colo.) — Counsel for plaintiff in action for infringement of patent covering animal toys.
Brent’s Blog
Client Alert: Summary of New Coronavirus Relief Bill
Authors: Kathleen Alt and Aisha I. May In March 2020, the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law in order to provide both individuals and businesses with relief. On December 21, 2020, Congress approved the second...
Client Alert: Energize Colorado Gap Fund
As of August 31, 2020, Colorado small businesses and non-profit with fewer than 25 full time employees can apply for grants and low interest loans from the state. The Colorado General Assembly designated certain funds the state received from the CARES Act to go...
Do’s and Don’ts: Operating Agreements
Limited liability companies have many appealing qualities. Not least among them is flexibility regarding how governance, economic returns, allocations of profits and losses, and distributions can be structured. Subject to certain well-established rules,...
In the News
Firm Director of Marketing Honored in the 2022 Boulder Valley 40 Under Forty
BizWest announced the 2022 Boulder Valley 40 Under Forty on May 4, 2022. Honored among the "40", is firm director of marketing, Ashley Cawthorn. She recounts her initial days with the firm and why being a part of Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti was the perfect fit. "I...
Rudy Verner Moderates A Panel On Climate-Action at BizWest’s Net Zero Cities
Partner Rudy Verner joined four panelists in kicking off BizWest's Net Zero Cities event held at The Ranch Event Complex in Loveland, CO this morning, May 4, 2022. The session titled 'Climate-Action Bootcamp' was geared toward the private sector and went beyond the...
BHGR and Boulder Ballet
For nearly five years, Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti has supported Boulder Ballet. We were honored to continue this tradition and support for the arts this year and look forward to the years to come. Images by Amanda Tipton Photography | FB- Amanda Tipton-Photographer...
Firm Happenings
CA CLIENT ALERT: The Supreme Court Holds That Individual Claims Brought Under California’s Private Attorneys General Act Can Be Compelled to Arbitration
California employers scored a victory with the Supreme Court’s June 15, 2022 decision in Viking River Cruises, Inc. v. Moriana, Case No. 20-1573, which finds that individual claims brought under California’s Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”) can be compelled...
Kathleen Alt Talks Remote Work and the Challenges Companies Might Already Be Experiencing
In an article published in the Daily Camera today, Monday, April 25, partner Kathleen Alt offers some updates on the complexities of remote work, particularly, out-of-state remote workers. Check out the article here*. Writer: Paula Aven Gladych Contributors: Kathleen...
Client Alert: Colorado – New Criminal Penalties for Employer’s Use of Illegal Non-Compete Agreements
Buried within recent legislation passed by the Colorado General Assembly lies a provision that will likely materially alter the relationship between employers and their employees. Colorado has long disfavored the restrictive covenants utilized by employers to curtail...