Scott E. Brient focuses his practice on intellectual property law. As a former partner at one of the nation’s leading law firms, Alston & Bird, where he practiced law for almost 10 years, Mr. Brient has extensive experience in evaluating complex patent portfolios and in providing clients with strategic advice regarding potentially relevant patents within their industry. He also has experience in trademark prosecution and licensing intellectual property.
As a registered patent attorney, Mr. Brient has over 22 years of experience in drafting and prosecuting patents that protect mechanical devices, computer systems and software, and business methods. He has particular experience in drafting, prosecuting, and analyzing patents covering medical devices, cloud computing systems, social networking systems, logistics technologies, complex industrial machines, software applications for handheld devices, computerized payment systems, RFID technology, wireless technologies, unique insurance products, and manufacturing systems. In addition, he is experienced in helping clients protect their intellectual property through design patents, trademarks, trade dress, and copyrights.
Mr. Brient is also fluent in German, and works frequently with German companies on patent-related matters.
Mr. Brient received his J.D., with honors, in 1999 from the University of Florida and dual degrees in Mechanical Engineering and German in 1993 from the University of Florida, where he was a member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society. During law school, Mr. Brient also took courses in Patent Claim Drafting, Patent Law, and Patent License Agreement Drafting at Franklin Pierce Law School, one of the top patent law schools in the country.
Prior to attending law school, Mr. Brient worked as a Systems and Business Analyst for Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and as a Mechanical Engineer and Software Developer for the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Florida. At EDS, he worked on a team to develop a client/server computer system that processed all insurance claims for Vermont’s Medicaid program.
Mr. Brient is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section, and Atlanta’s IP Inn of the Court, and is a regular speaker at local bar events. He is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and is admitted to practice law in both Georgia and Florida.
Representative Experience
Served as lead outside patent counsel for a worldwide transportation and logistics company with a particular focus on obtaining patent protection for complex logistics systems and packaging handling systems. The representation also involved providing strategic and legal advice regarding third party patents.
Served as lead outside patent counsel to a $4 billion late stage startup cloud computing company, with an emphasis on identifying and protecting the company’s key cloud computing and social media technologies.
Served as patent counsel for a major international insurance company with a focus on obtaining patent protection for unique insurance products, call processing systems, and insurance claim processing techniques. The representation also involved providing patent-related legal advice in the context of various business transactions.
Served as lead outside patent counsel for an international rigid plastic packaging company with an emphasis on obtaining utility and design patent protection for unique plastic container designs and structures and related manufacturing techniques.
Negotiated multiple licenses of key fiber optic technology that is widely used in modern bow hunting sights.
Worked closely with a leading manufacturer of complex dispensing systems to develop a comprehensive portfolio of patents covering their products.
Served as patent counsel for a leading public university with a focus on obtaining patent protection for complex mechanical devices, such as medical devices.
Upcoming and Recent Speaking Engagements
“Patent Law Update”, Atlanta Bar Association IP Section, SpringPosium Event; April, 2017
“Roundtable Discussion of Patent Prosecution Issues”, Atlanta Bar Association IP Section, SpringPosium Event; April, 2016
“Patent Law Update”, Atlanta Bar Association IP Section, SpringPosium Event; April, 2015
“Patent Law Update”, Atlanta Bar Association IP Section, SpringPosium Event; April, 2013.
“The Patentability of Computer Systems, Software, and Business Methods”, Atlanta Bar Association IP Section, SpringPosium Event; April, 2012.
“Intellectual Property Ethics”, State Bar of Georgia Midyear Meeting; January, 2009.
Publications
“Insurance Company Mergers and Acquisitions”, Aspatore Books, March 2009, author of chapter entitled “Intellectual Property Considerations in Insurance-Related Mergers and Acquisitions”.
“A Simple Plan for Protecting New Ideas In the Financial Services Industry”; Financial Engineering News; November/December 2006; Issue No. 52.