Christopher Smith’s practice focuses on intellectual property litigation, with a primary emphasis on patent litigation. While that is his focus, Christopher is also involved with the prosecution of patent and trademark applications, and the preparation of invalidity and infringement opinions. Christopher earned a Bachelor of Science Engineering degree in materials science from the University of Michigan and a law degree from UCLA. Additionally, Christopher worked as a judicial extern for the Honorable R. Gary Klausner of the Central District of California, where he gained valuable insight into the inner workings of the federal judiciary. Prior to joining Brooks Kushman, Christopher was a patent litigator at Kirkland and Ellis in Los Angeles, where he was involved in a number of cases involving cutting-edge technologies. While doing so, he was a member of several trial teams which were able to win favorable outcomes for their clients. Christopher believes the single most important thing he has as a litigator is his credibility. As a result, while litigating a case, Christopher strives to foster his credibility with the court at every opportunity. For example, Christopher understands that cases are not won by making the most arguments, but instead by presenting the strongest and most credible positions. Accordingly, when trying a case, Christopher strives to narrow the issues and eliminate weak positions. By doing so, by the time the case gets to the trial or summary judgment stage, he presents only the most meritorious – and winning – positions. Christopher finds this approach not only builds credibility with the judge, but in the case of a jury trial allows the trial team to present a focused, logical, and easily understood case to the jury. Publications Author, "Patent Law: A Career Alternative or an Engineering Tool," ASM News, March 2011. Speaking Engagements Speaker, "Patent 101: What Every Inventor Should Know," ASM International Emerging Professionals Committee Webinar, June 7, 2011.