Jim stands out among global experts for his deep understanding of both trade secrets and patents from a legal and operational perspective. Present at the birth of Silicon Valley in the early 1970s, Jim has handled hundreds of trade secret and patent disputes, whether as lead counsel trying cases to verdict or as trusted advisor helping his clients avoid or resolve litigation. His keen appreciation for the relationship between these two areas of intellectual property also comes from decades of leadership and public advocacy, as well as his publication of major works in each field. With the strategic balance between patenting and secrecy shifting for most companies, Jim’s unique experience is particularly valuable.

Jim sees business through an international lens, having had responsibility for patents and trade secrets during his term as Deputy Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva. His executive mandate included day-to-day management of the international patent system, overseeing a staff of 400 from 60 countries to ensure the confidential treatment of hundreds of thousands of patent applications. His diplomatic duties ranged from overseeing treaty negotiations to helping many of the world’s largest companies and institutions whose innovation strategies were driven by both patenting and secrecy. Jim's global contribution continues as co-chair of the Trade Secret Task Force of the International Chamber of Commerce.