James E. Gauger

Jim has extensive experience in all aspects of intellectual property (IP) law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, unfair competition, and trade secrets. His practice focuses on patent preparation and prosecution, patent litigation, IP transactions, strategic counseling, due diligence investigations, post-grant proceedings, and licensing. Jim has represented clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Jim helps clients obtain U.S. and foreign patents in a wide range of technologies, including wireless communications (e.g., 5G and 802.xx), artificial intelligence (e.g., machine learning and neural networks), semiconductor devices and fabrication processes, aerial and autonomous vehicles, computer hardware, storage, software, control systems, robotics, medical devices, and electro-mechanical technologies. Jim also has experience representing clients in all stages of complex intellectual property and patent litigation at the trial court and appellate court levels. He has represented clients in post-grant proceedings in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, including Inter Partes Reviews (IPRs), reexaminations, and reissues. Additionally, he has rendered opinions for his clients regarding freedom to operate, patentability, non-infringement and invalidity.

Previous Work and Industry Experience

Most recently, Jim served as a registered patent attorney at two Chicago area law firms. Prior to his law firm experience, Jim served as in-house senior IP counsel for several Motorola, Inc. divisions for more than 15 years. He also worked as an electrical engineer for Motorola, Inc. in the Automotive and Industrial Electronics Group.

Life Beyond Law

Jim enjoys ice hockey, water skiing and pickleball. 

Professional Affiliations

• American Bar Association
• American Intellectual Property Law Association
• Association of Corporate Counsel
• Chicago Bar Association
• Wisconsin Bar Association