James J. Cronin
Overview
James Cronin advises companies on how to protect and commercialize their intellectual property (IP) rights and avoid infringing the rights of others. He manages international patent portfolios for companies in fields including consumer products, manufacturing, and transportation, as well as trademark portfolios for major brand owners across a range of sectors, including consumer products, hardscape products, financial services, health care, and metal processing and fabrication.
In addition to portfolio management, James’ IP counsel includes patent and trademark prosecution and clearance and negotiation of IP and technology agreements, including joint development, software development, and license agreements. He works closely with seasoned litigators to aggressively enforce and defend his client’s IP rights, which encompass a diverse array of technologies, including electrical enclosures, railcar equipment, agricultural machinery, bulk material transport and loading systems, surgical instruments, sporting goods, art supplies, toys, and paper products.
James also manages IP aspects of complex mergers and acquisitions and advises startup companies on IP protection and commercialization strategies. When broader legal needs arise, James effectively collaborates with colleagues across sectors to provide exceptional, comprehensive counsel to his clients.
Credentials
Education
- Saint Louis University School of Law, 2006 (J.D.), magna cum laude
- University of Kansas, 2003 (B.S.M.E.), with honors and distinction
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri
- Defending client in patent infringement case relating to bulk material loading systems.
- Defended client in patent infringement litigation relating to LED lighting products.
- Enforced structural foundation-related patents in litigation, resulting in favorable settlement for client.
- Defended railroad industry client in patent infringement case, obtaining summary judgment of invalidity for all asserted patent claims.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Patent Pro Bono Program
- Kansas City Volunteer Lawyers & Accountants for the Arts
- ArtsTech, Board Member, 2012-2024; President, 2016-2020
- Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
- The Missouri Bar
- The Kansas Bar
- International Trademark Association (INTA)
- American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
- “Protecting, Acquiring and Promoting Intellectual Assets in Starting and Growing Entrepreneur Enterprises, Including Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks,” Innovation, Law & Entrepreneurship Symposium, KCMBA, June 2015
- “Intellectual Property Law Updates,” University of Kansas Law School, May 2015