Widely recognized in the area of trademark infringement issues and a frequent instructor for the International Trademark Association, Jim is a lead trial counsel with wide experience in patent, trademark and copyright litigation. He has secured several jury verdicts for clients and argued a number of appeals in the U.S. Courts of Appeals, for the Seventh Circuit and Federal Circuit.
In private practice, Jim has extensive experience on behalf of a maker of plush toys, serving as lead counsel in more than 200 copyright and trademark cases in which the client has received favorable decisions and settlements. He also developed and spearheaded a successful worldwide intellectual property enforcement program for the client, assembling a team of lawyers dedicated to registration of the company's trademarks and copyrights, anti-counterfeiting efforts, licensing programs and a vigorous policing policy which essentially stopped infringers in all countries where the company does business.
Prior to entering private practice, Jim was an Assistant U.S. Attorney representing federal agencies and officers in affirmative and defensive litigation.
Awards & Recognitions
· Illinois Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property, 2005-2006, 2009-2012
Professional Associations & Memberships
· American Bar Association
· Chicago Bar Association
· Federal Bar Association
· Intellectual Property Owners Association, Vice Chair of the Copyright Piracy and International Laws Committee
Experience
· Lead trial counsel in defense of a plush toy company in a 2006 action brought by a toy manufacturer for copyright and trademark infringement and damages of more than $20 million. After a two-week jury trial, a jury returned its verdict on all counts in favor of the client.
· Lead trial counsel for above client in a trademark infringement lawsuit against Softbelly's Inc., a California plush toy maker. In February 2008, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the jury's verdict in favor of the client on its trademark infringement claim and a damage award of more than $1 million.
· Lead trial counsel for a generic drug manufacturer in an ongoing patent infringement dispute with a competitor
· Lead trial counsel in a jury trial involving a patent infringement dispute between rival label printer manufacturing companies
· Trial counsel in a patent infringement case involving two pharmaceutical suppliers
· Trial counsel in a patent infringement dispute between two major electric companies. Jim successfully negotiated this issue to an agreeable settlement for his client.
· Lead trial counsel for an audio equipment manufacturer in an investigation before the International Trade Commission
· Lead trial counsel in a multi-district litigation patent infringement lawsuit. Jim is representing a family held company in prosecuting infringement claims against multiple digital camera manufacturers.
News & Publications
News
1.3.12, Eight Husch Blackwell Attorneys Named to Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars 2012
3.15.11, Law360: Judge Clips Copyright Claims in Ty Doll Suit
1.26.11, Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars 2011 Names Six Husch Blackwell Attorneys
Publications
1.1.07, Making Pirates Walk the Plank: Turning the Tables on Counterfeiters, World Intellectual Property Review
8.1.06, Beanie Babies Trademark Dispute, IP Law & Business
Events
5.1.06, What U.S. Lawyers Must Know about Anti-Counterfeiting, Customs and Crossing the Border, International Trademark Association Annual Meeting
Speaking Engagement