As a mechanical engineer and a named inventor on more than 90 Ford Motor Company patents worldwide, Diana Brehob brings deep technical and conceptual experience to her patent practice at Brooks Kushman. She uses her extensive and varied engineering background to counsel clients from both a technical and legal perspective, often leading to inventions with broader application than her clients first envisioned.

Diana came to Brooks Kushman with eight years of patent experience. An interest in intellectual property led her to become a patent engineer in 2001 and a registered Patent Agent in 2003. Her academic background includes a degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University and advanced degrees from the University of California at Berkeley, as well as a J.D. from the Wayne State University Law School. As a professor at the University of Minnesota, Diana taught undergraduate courses in thermodynamics and internal combustion engines, as well as laboratory courses in power and propulsion.

Diana’s industry experience includes engine combustion modeling, powertrain optimization, and direct-injection, spark-ignition engine combustion system design and evaluation. She worked with an interdisciplinary team to evaluate the most cost-effective approach to obtain a desired corporate average fuel economy at a range of regulatory scenarios. She has also conducted alternative fuel studies, in particular gasoline blended with oxygenates, such as ethanol.

With an extensive background in general energy systems, thermodynamics, and combustion chemistry, plus nearly a decade of patent experience, Diana’s focus now also includes green technologies, including solar, wind energy, powerplant emission reduction, and carbon sequestration. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Society of Automotive Engineers.