Source: https://www.brinksgilson.com/biographies/james-sobieraj
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 18:48:25+00:00

Document:
Jim Sobieraj believes his success for clients derives from being able to capably manage two apparently contradictory traits. “A successful litigator needs to listen and to lead,” he states.
Jim excels at both. To the benefit of his clients he relies on his tenacious competitiveness and his collegiality. "When I'm involved in a patent litigation," he notes, "I'm constantly thinking about how to win—evenings, weekends, while driving—any time. And I don't back down." At the same time, Sobieraj adds, "It's important to develop strong, collegial relationships with clients. In the best relationships, we're fighting hard for them—and winning—but our clients become friends and colleagues."
With more than 35 years of experience in more than 100 IP litigations, Jim has learned how to develop and apply strategies that never lose focus of achieving the client’s business objectives. That means holding himself to a higher standard for service. And his clients agree.
Says one IP counsel at a global product marketing company, "Jim Sobieraj is phenomenal; I feel lucky to work with him. He’s highly sought-after and always busy, but he makes time for us no matter what. He's terrific.” Notes the IP counsel at a Tier 1 automotive supplier that Sobieraj represented in a jury trial: "Jim and the Brinks' team kicked [opposing counsels'] tail…. The [opposition] was on its heels the entire time… . [I]t was an easy shot to knock them over [at settlement]."
Another client adds, “Jim is a great analyst and he's incredible in motion practice … . He projects so much intellectual integrity that after a while the judges all want to hear from him." Another adds, "Jim deserves particular recognition for his leadership, courtroom presence, and … organizational skills…." Still another applauds his "… extraordinary effort … commitment and passion."
Jim also served as president of Brinks Gilson & Lione from 2012 through 2017. During his tenure, the firm opened new offices in Florida and China.
Jim has been lead counsel in litigations involving the infringement, validity and ownership of patent rights, license agreements, misappropriation of trade secrets, trade dress infringement, unfair competition, false advertising, fraud, antitrust, and other commercial litigation. His experience includes bench and jury trials, temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, Markman hearings, appeals, arbitrations and mediations. He has represented companies in a variety of technologies, including in analog and digital electronics, telecommunications, software, medical devices, hydraulics, automotive components, and various consumer goods.
Jim also advises clients on strategies for building, maintaining, enforcing, defending and commercializing patent portfolios. He works with global clients in the U.S, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia, and has developed a large network of highly-regarded IP professionals in many countries around the world. He has received many legal industry accolades and awards.
"Know-How in the United States," Wurzer-Kaiser, ed. (Bundesanzeiger, Verlag: Koeln, 2007) Ch. 5.
Alticor Inc. et al v. UMG Recordings Inc. et al. (M.D.Florida):Represents the plaintiffs in a breach of contract and copyright case against the three largest record companies in U.S.The case is pending.
Quixtar Inc.v. Woodward et al. (Arbitration; E.D. Mich.):Represented Quixtar in an action relating to misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract and tortious interference. After a 16-day trial, the arbitrator awarded Quixtar more than $25 million, which was affirmed in federal court.
Cuno, Inc. v. Pall Corporation (E.D.N.Y.): Represented the plaintiff during a 5-week jury trial involving claims of patent infringement asserted by both parties. The patents were directed to nylon microporous membranes. The parties settled the case when the defendant agreed to pay the plaintiff $12 million and to provide additional consideration.
AMP Incorporated v. AT&T Corporation. (M.D.Pa. ):Represented AMP in a patent infringement suit against AT&T. After a summary jury trial, the parties reached a settlement, with AT&T paying AMP $9 million and granting the company additional consideration.
Phi-Insul Corp. d/b/a IntegraSpec v. Reward Wall Systems, Inc. et al (E.D. Texas and Nebraska): Represented a Canadian company accused of infringing a patent relating to an insulated concrete form. The Eastern District of Texas granted a motion to transfer the case to the District of Nebraska. The Nebraska court granted summary judgment of non-infringement in favor of our client, which was affirmed by the Federal Circuit.
Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. v. Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. (Fed. Cir.): Represented the appellant in appeals of two of the first Covered Business Method Patent Reviews decided by the PTAB.
Tenneco Automotive Inc. v. Visteon Corp., (D.Del.):Defended Visteon, which was accused of infringing two patents on catalytic converters. One patent was dismissed prior to trial. Following a six-day jury trial on the second, the parties settled before the jury delivered a verdict.
Procter & Gamble v. Randy Haugen and Amway Corporation (D. Utah; 10th Cir.):Defended Amway against P&G’s claims based on the Lanham Act, defamation per se, tortious interference with business relations, unfair competition, negligent supervision and vicarious liability. All of P&G’s claims were dismissed at the pleading stage or by summary judgment, and the 10th Circuit affirmed.
Nitro Distributing et al. v. Alticor Inc., et al.(W.D.Mo.; 8th Cir.): Represented the defendants in an antitrust case. On the eve of trial, the Court granted defendants’ motion for summary judgment and dismissed all of the claims. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of all claims. The U.S. Supreme Court denied plaintiffs’ petition for certiorari.
Wolverine World Wide Inc. v. Nike Inc., (W.D. Mich; Fed. Cir.): Defended Nike against a claim that one of its popular shoe lines infringed a patent owned by Wolverine. The Federal Circuit affirmed the lower court’s grant of summary judgment of non-infringement.
Nartron Corp. v. Amway Corp.(Michigan Circuit Court; W.D.Mich. Bankruptcy Court): Represented Amway in a lawsuit involving claims of ownership of patent rights, breach of contract, and misappropriation of trade secrets relating to end-of-life indicators for water filters. Following bench trials on liability and damages, the trial court awarded Amway all of the patent rights and damages for Nartron’s breach of contract and trade secret misappropriation. The Court of Appeals affirmed the award of patent rights, affirmed Nartron’s liability for several hundred thousand dollars of damages and interest, and remanded the case for further proceedings on Amway’s claim for additional damages. Nartron subsequently filed for bankruptcy protection. The parties settled with Nartron paying Amway $3.5 million.
New Medium Technologies LLC et al v. LG Philips LCD et al. (N.D.Ill.): Mr. Sobieraj represented LG Philips LCD, which had been accused of infringing three patents relating to LCD panels. The parties settled.
JSDQ Mesh Technologies, Inc. v. BelAir Networks Corp et al. (D.Del.):Defended Ericsson Inc. and several affiliates, which had been accused of infringing four patents relating to wireless communications networks. The parties settled.
Oxford Gene Technology Limited v. Motorola, Inc.,(N.D.Ill.):Defended Motorola, which had been accused of infringing a patent directed to DNA arrays. The parties settled.
Standard Oil v. Showa Entetsu(E.D. Mich.):Represented Standard Oil in a case asserting that the defendant that breached an exclusive trade secret license for an electroplating process. The court entered a temporary restraining order shortly after the lawsuit was filed, and a issued preliminary injunction after an extensive evidentiary hearing.
AMP Incorporated v. Teradyne, Inc. (M.D.Pa.):Represented AMP, which had sued Teradyne for infringing two AMP patents and for misappropriating trade secrets related to high density/high speed electrical connectors. The case involved a two-day Markman hearing. The parties settled shortly after AMP filed its oppositions to Teradyne’s motions for summary judgment.
Alticor Inc. v. Ultra-Sun Technologies, Inc. (W.D.Mich; Fed. Cir.):Represented Alticor in an action based on claims of false advertising under federal and state law, and infringement of two patents relating to water treatment systems. The false advertising claims were settled before trial. The Federal Circuit ruled in Alticor’s favor on the patent claims, after which the parties settled.
Delta T Corporation v. Sun-North et al. (E.D.Ky., and AAA):Represented several Canadian corporations in an action removed from a Kentucky state court, and then ordered to arbitration. The plaintiff alleges patent infringement, extortion and breach of contract. The court declined to grant a preliminary injunction against our client after a 1 day trial. The parties then settled.
Nano-Proprietary Inc. v. Till Keesmann (N.D.Ill.):Defended a German inventor, Till Keesmann, in an action concerning the termination of an exclusive license agreement for a pioneer patent in the field of carbon nanotubes. The parties settled.
Maui Jim, Inc. v. Bargain Depot (C.D.Ill.):Represented Maui Jim, which sued Bargain Depot for infringing a design patent. The court granted Maui Jim’s motion for summary judgment of infringement and validity, and awarded sanctions and costs against defendant.

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