Glenn E. Forbis

Principal / Detroit Metro Office

Glenn is a dynamic litigator and trial attorney. He is valued for understanding each client’s specific goals and technology, as well as for the early development of a focused strategy. A tenacious advocate, Glenn consistently delivers concise and influential presentations in court and to juries, centered on understandable and persuasive themes.

Glenn has appeared as lead or co-lead trial attorney in more than 150 patent, trademark, and copyright cases in Federal Courts across the country, and has handled 15 Federal Circuit appeals. In an age when actual trial experience is rare, Glenn has tried six cases to verdict. Most recently, Glenn and his team secured a jury verdict that found his client’s patent was valid and willfully infringed. The verdict also awarded lost profit damages. The Court followed up the jury’s verdict with an injunction and trebling of the jury’s damage award. 

Glenn’s clients have included emerging and middle market companies, as well as large, international corporations such as Ford Motor Company, Emerson Electric, FCA USA, LLC, Delphi Corporation, Dassault Systemes, S.E., Sika Corporation, and Stahls’ Inc. Glenn has successfully defended multiple patent infringement claims in excess of $75 million and, on the Plaintiff’s side, has twice achieved recoveries for his clients in excess of $30 million. On the trademark side, Glenn obtained several injunctions against infringers of the “Citizens Bank” mark and successfully defended former Temptations lead singer, Dennis Edwards, against claims that he infringed the “Temptations” mark, among other matters.

REPRESENTATIVE PATENT MATTERS

  • Western Plastics Inc. v. DuBose Strapping Inc. (E.D. NC)
    Technology: Reinforced wrapping material for steel coils
    Result: Jury Verdict in favor of client finding patent valid, willfully infringed, and awarding lost profits. Court awarded treble damages and issued an injunction. Federal Circuit affirmed all aspects of the judgement on appeal.
  • Stahls’ Inc. v. Schwendimann (PTAB)
    Technology: Thermal image transfer sheets
    Result: Invalidated all asserted claims from four patents in underlying federal court litigation
  • Zak v. Facebook, Inc. (PTAB)
    Technology: software
    Result: successfully defended against four IPR Petitions, resulting in PTAB denying institution of trial on all claims
  • InterMetro Industries Corp. v. Rubbermaid Inc., Ergotron, Inc., Howard Industries Corp., Capsa Solutions LLC (M.D. PA)
    Technology: medical mobile computer workstations
    Result: five separate multi-million dollar license agreements
  • Lectec Corporation v. Chattem Inc et al. (E.D. TX.)
    Technology: medicated transdermal pain relief patch
    Result: $30 million settlements (aggregate) on eve of trial
  • Fleming v. Ford Motor Company (D. DC)
    Technology: automotive vehicle safety systems
    Result: summary judgment of non-infringement favorable to client
  • Nagle Industries, Inc. v. Ford Motor Company (E.D. MI)
    Technology: automotive brake control
    Result: summary judgment of non-infringement, affirmed on appeal
  • Automotive Technologies Int’l, Inc. v.Delphi Corporation (E.D. MI)
    Technology: automotive safety systems
    Result: summary judgment of non-infringement and invalidity of patent in favor of client
  • Lautzenhiser Technologies, LLC v. Sunrise Medical HHG, Inc., Delphi Medical Systems (S.D. IN)
    Technology: electronic control system
    Result: favorable settlement after key discovery and summary judgment motion
  • Shertech Inc. v. L&W Engineering, Inc. (E.D. MI)
    Technology: heat shields for automotive industry
    Result: jury verdict of non-infringement in favor of client; affirmed on appeal by Federal Circuit Court of Appeals
  • MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc v. Mitsubishi Materials Silicon Corporation et al. (N.D. CA)
    Technology: integrated silicon chip manufacturing
    Result: summary judgment of invalidity and non-infringement; affirmed by Federal Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Thomas Medical Products, Inc. v. Guidant Corporation (E.D. PA)
    Technology: medical device – hemostatic valve device
    Result: favorable settlement after Markman hearing
  • Baxter Healthcare Corp. v. Spectranetics Corporation (D. DE)
    Technology: medical device – laser angioplasty delivery device
    Result: favorable settlement on eve of trial
  • Rugged Liner, Inc. v. CYC Engineering, Inc. (E.D. MI)
    Technology: pick-up truck bed covers
    Result: Favorable license agreement
  • Island Intellectual Property et al. v. Promontory Interfinancial Network, et al. (S.D. NY)
    Technology: financial services methods
    Result: favorable settlement on eve of trial
  • Sumitomo Mitsubishi Silicon Corporation et al v. MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. (N.D. CA)
    Technology: integrated chip manufacturing)
    Result: favorable settlement following dispositive motions
  • Boler Company v. Neway Anchorlok International, Inc. (N.D. OH)
    Technology: heavy duty automotive suspension systems
    Result: summary judgment of non-infringement; affirmed by Federal Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Circle R, Inc. et al. v. Trail King Industries, Inc. (D. NE)
    Technology: commercial dump truck technology
    Result: summary judgment of non-infringement; affirmed by Federal Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Arrow Comm’n Labs, Inc. v. John Mezzalingua Associates (N.D. NY)
    Technology: electronic filters for cable television systems
    Result: favorable settlement after positive Markman ruling and summary judgment motions
  • Rentrop v. Spectranetics Corporation (D. CO)
    Technology: medical device – laser angioplasty catheter
    Result: jury verdict of infringement; affirmed by Federal Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Chrimar Systems Inc. v. Cisco Systems Inc. (E.D. MI)
    Technology: voice-over-internet
    Result: favorable settlement and license agreement after positive Markman ruling
  • Niro A/S and Babcock & Wilcox v. American Ref-Fuel Co. (D. NJ)
    Technology: incinerator flue gas cleaning process
    Result: favorable settlement and injunction
  • Niro A/S et al. v. Montenay International et al (E.D. PA)
    Technology: incinerator flue gas cleaning process
    Result: favorable settlement after discovery
  • Builder’s Best, Inc. v. Nemco, Inc. (W.D. MI)
    Technology: residential construction products
    Results: favorable settlements after positive pre-trial rulings and just prior to trial
  • Builder’s Best, Inc v. Atcoflex, Inc, et al. (W.D. MI)
    Technology: residential construction products
    Result: favorable settlement after positive pre-trial rulings
  • Stahls’ Inc. et al v. Geo Knight & Co, Inc. (W.D. PA)
    Technology: printing technology
    Result: favorable settlement after discovery
  • Pequignot v. Arrow Fastener Company, Inc.(E.D. TX)
    Nature of Case: false patent marking
    Result: favorable settlement following client’s motion to transfer
  • Henkel Corporation v. Sika Corporation (E.D. MI)
    Technology: automotive structural reinforcing technology
    Result: favorable settlement after discovery
  • Arrow Fastener Company Inc et al v. K R Tools Inc. (C.D. CA)
    Technology: hand tools
    Result: favorable settlement before discovery
  • Adams Mfg Corp v. ZP Enterprises Inc, et al. (W.D. PA)
    Technology: suction cups for bathroom accessories
    Result: favorable settlement during mediation
  • Linear Transfer Systems, Inc. v. Wayne Trail Tech Inc. (E.D. MI)
    Technology: automated manufacturing system
    Result: favorable settlement during discovery
  • Alsons Corporation v. DM Industries, Ltd (W.D. MI)
    Technology: residential spa technology
    Result: favorable settlement during discovery
  • Sika Corporation v. OSC Industries Inc. (E.D. MI)
    Technology: automotive structural reinforcing technology
    Result: favorable settlement during discovery
  • Henkel Corp v. Sika Corporation (E.D. MI)
    Technology: automotive structural reinforcers
    Result: favorable settlement during discovery
  • Harmonic Design Inc v. Techniku Holding B V, et al. (C.D. CA)
    Technology: wireless electronic controls for window coverings
    Result: favorable settlement after positive rulings
  • Comfortex Corp. v. Jet Plastics, Inc. (C.D. CA)
    Technology: window coverings
    Result: favorable settlement after discovery and positive rulings
  • Keeler Brass Company v. Continental Brass Co. (W.D. MI)
    Technology: residential hardware for cabinets
    Result: favorable settlement during discovery

REPRESENTATIVE TRADEMARK MATTERS

  • Citizens Banking Corp. v. Citizens First Bancorp, Inc. et al. (E.D. MI)
    Result: court granted preliminary injunction in favor of client; affirmed by Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Citizens Banking Corp., et al v. CNB Bancshares Inc.
    Result: court granted motion for preliminary injunction in favor of client; favorable settlement, including permanent injunction
  • Citizens Banking Corp., et al v. Citizens Rapid Cash, et al. (E.D. MI)
    Result: favorable settlement, including permanent injunction
  • Citizens Banking Corp. v. Client First Mortgage Co. (W.D. MI)
    Result: favorable settlement after positive court rulings
  • Citizens Banking Corp.v. Citizens Financial Group (E.D. MI)
    Result: verdict of non-infringement, resting on finding that extensive third-party use of “Citizens” had diluted trademark owner’s rights
  • Sports Authority, Inc. v. Justballs Inc, et al. (E.D. MI)
    Result: favorable settlement after precedential decision by court confirming jurisdiction based on interactive website
  • Iwanna, Inc v. Iwanta Classifieds, et al. (W.D. NC)
    Result: jury verdict of trademark infringement and permanent injunction
  • Lancers Inc v. Douglas Reuther Prod, et al. (E.D. MI)
    Result: summary judgment of non-infringement in favor of client
  • Genesee Brewing Co v. Stroh Brewery Co. (W.D. MI)
    Result: summary judgment that “Honey Brown” mark was generic; affirmed by Second Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Otis Williams, et al v. Dennis Edwards, et al. (C.D. CA)
    Result: favorable settlement permitting use of “Temptations” formative mark by Dennis Edwards, former lead singer of the “Temptations”
  • B&B Protector Plans, Inc. v. US Legal Services, Inc. (M.D. FL)
    Result: favorable settlement during discovery
  • Alliance Technology, Inc. v. Alliance Walnut Int’l Corp. (E.D. MI)
    Result: favorable settlement following preliminary injunction motion
  • Xcel Energy, Inc. v. Delta Faucet Company (D. MN.)
    Result: favorable settlement during discovery
  • Michigan Auto Title Service, Inc. v. Auto Title LLC (E.D. MI)
    Result: favorable settlement, including permanent injunction
  • Vortech Pharm. v. Delmarva Lab Inc. (E.D. MI)
    Result: favorable settlement during discovery
  • World of Floors USA Inc v. Carpet World and Floors, et al. (E.D. MI)
    Result: favorable settlement following preliminary injunction motion
  • Harley Davidson, Inc. et al v. Harley’s Pub Inc, et al. (E.D. MI)
    Result: favorable settlement, including permanent injunction
  • Officemax, Inc, et al v. Copymax, Inc. (S.D. FL)
    Result: favorable settlement during discovery

REPRESENTATIVE COPYRIGHT MATTERS

  • Dassault Systemes, SA v. Childress (E.D. MI)
    Nature of Case: copyright infringement (software) and defense of anti-trust claims.
    Result: favorable jury verdict of copyright infringement; substantial damage award; dismissal of 11 counterclaims on summary judgment. (Judgment vacated and case remanded by 6th Circuit on procedural bases)

In the News

Events

  • 2015 Patent Consultation Group, “PTAB Proceedings, Litigation and More,” Speaker, Webinar Discussion

Glenn has an established track record of litigation success in over two decades of practice. Glenn has appeared in 150+ patent and/or trademark infringement cases in federal courts across the country, more than half of those as lead or co-lead counsel. In an age when actual trial experience is rare in intellectual property cases, Glenn has litigated five cases through full trials to verdicts, and has taken many others to the courthouse steps. He has also briefed and argued 15 Federal Circuit appeals and four other appeals.

A registered Patent Attorney, Glenn represents clients before the USPTO in Post Grant Review and Inter Partes Review proceedings. He regularly provides opinions concerning infringement, validity, right-to-use, patent landscape, design-around issues and due diligence in corporate transactions.

Glenn consults with and provides strategic direction to high-technology start-up and emerging companies focused on developing high-value intellectual property portfolios intended for future monetization and/or competitive and M&A activities. He is also involved in the negotiation and preparation of IP licenses and related agreements.

Glenn has litigated a wide array of technologies, including automotive systems, medical devices, computer and semiconductor technologies and lasers. His capabilities span a variety of electrical and mechanical technologies, including semi-conductors, electronics, control systems, lasers, electronic displays, engine components, several automotive technologies, telecommunications, networking, vehicle reinforcement components and medical devices.

Glenn enjoys water and snow skiing, hockey, SCUBA diving, kayaking and biking.

Awards & Distinctions

  • Best Lawyers, Copyright Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Troy, 2021
  • Best Lawyers, Litigation – Patent “Lawyer of the Year” in Troy, 2018, 2020
  • Best Lawyers, Litigation – Intellectual Property “Lawyer of the Year” in Troy, 2019
  • Best Lawyers, Litigation – Intellectual Property, 2013-2022
  • Best Lawyers, Trademark Law, 2014-2022
  • Best Lawyers, Patent Law and Litigation – Patent, 2016-2022
  • Best Lawyers, Copyright Law, 2022
  • Michigan Lawyers Weekly, “Go To Lawyers” for Intellectual Property, 2022
  • Managing Intellectual Property, “IP Stars,” 2013-2021
  • Managing Intellectual Property, Short List of “Top IP Litigators” in Michigan, 2015-2018, 2021
  • Intellectual Asset Management (IAM), “IAM Patent 1000,” 2021
  • Leading Lawyers, named a “Leading Lawyer” for Copyright & Trademark, Intellectual Property, and Patents, 2014-2021
  • Michigan Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property, 2006-2021
  • DBusiness Magazine, “Top Lawyer,” Litigation – Intellectual Property, 2014-2022; Trade Secrets, 2022; Litigation – Patents, 2021; Patent Law, 2021; Intellectual Property and Patent Law, 2016-2017; Trademark Law, 2015
  • Montclair “Who’s Who” Among Law Professionals, 2010-2014
  • Crain’s Detroit Business, “40 Under 40,” 2007

Memberships

  • Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association
  • American Intellectual Property Law Association
  • Licensing Executive Society International
  • American Bar Association
  • The Michigan Intellectual Property American Inn of Court “Master”

Education

J.D., cum laude, University of Michigan, 1994

M.B.A., with honors, University of Michigan, 1994

B.S.E.E., summa cum laude, University of Michigan, 1990

Bar & Court Admissions

Michigan

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

U.S. Federal Court of Appeals:

  • Federal Circuit
  • Sixth Circuit
  • Second Circuit
  • Ninth Circuit

U.S. Federal District Courts:

  • E.D. Michigan
  • W.D. Michigan
  • E.D. Texas
  • E.D. Virginia
  • D. Delaware
  • N.D. California
  • C.D. California
  • M.D. Florida
  • S.D. Florida
  • S.D. New York
  • N.D. New York
  • W.D. New York
  • E.D. Pennsylvania
  • M.D. Pennsylvania
  • W.D. Pennsylvania
  • D. District of Columbia
  • S.D. Indiana
  • N.D. Ohio
  • D. Minnesota
  • W.D. North Carolina