Brett M. Schuman

Brett M. Schuman is a partner at Goodwin and co-chair of its Intellectual Property Litigation practice, with offices in San Francisco and Silicon Valley. He tries patent and other intellectual property disputes in courts and arbitration proceedings across the United States. His work includes disputes involving semiconductors, software, communications technology, medical devices, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes intellectual property cases.

Brett earned his J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1996 and his B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1993, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He previously clerked for Justice Alan B. Handler of the New Jersey Supreme Court. His education and judicial clerkship provide a foundation for complex trial work, appellate arguments, and the analysis of technology-related legal issues.

Brett has served as lead trial counsel for Rivian in trade secret litigation brought by Tesla and represented Otto Trucking in litigation involving Waymo and Uber. His patent matters have included work for Microchip Technology, CommScope, and Keysight Technologies. He also handles Federal Circuit appeals and Patent Trial and Appeal Board proceedings. Beyond intellectual property litigation, he co-chairs Goodwin’s cannabis practice and advises industry operators and investors on regulatory and commercial legal questions.

Brett M. Schuman has held firm leadership roles, including chair of Goodwin’s San Francisco office and leadership of California litigation operations. He has been recognized by Chambers USA for cannabis and patent litigation and by Best Lawyers for intellectual property litigation. His practice brings together courtroom advocacy, technology knowledge, and regulatory counseling to help clients address disputes, protect business assets, and make decisions in changing markets.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Goodwin Procter LLP
• Member, The State Bar of California

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Harvard Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Michigan
  Bachelor’s degree

Awards & Badges