James T. Hultquist

Partner

Chicago

Co-chair of Reed Smith’s Global Commercial Disputes Group, helping clients navigate IP and commercial litigation to protect innovation and drive successful outcomes

Jim’s practice focuses on intellectual property and commercial litigation, where he passionately advocates on behalf of his clients. He handles a diverse range of intellectual property litigation matters encompassing patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and trade dress.

Experience

Representative matters

Insight Direct USA, Inc. v. Gorilla, Inc., American Arbitration Association – 01-18-0004-2330 – Represented plaintiff in action against defendants for breach of software license agreement and unlawful business practices and won a seven-figure damage award.
Philips Medical Systems, et al. v. Transtate, et al., W.D.N.C., Court No. 20-cv -00021 - Obtained jury verdict for Philips following a four-week trial involving claims for trade secret misappropriation, violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and defending counterclaims for antitrust and unlawful business practice claims.
Dana Nessel ex. rel the People of the State of Michigan v. AmeriGas Propane et al - Represented AmeriGas Propane in a class action brought by the Michigan Attorney General alleging unfair trade practices under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Matter settled favorably for client.

Recognitions

  • Named to Thomson Reuters Stand-Out Lawyers list, 2025
  • Named an IP Star by Managing Intellectual Property, 2025
  • Selected as an Acritas Stars stand-out lawyer, 2019

Credentials

Education

  • Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 1990, J.D.
  • Illinois Wesleyan University, 1986, B.S.

Court admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals - Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals - Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court - Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court - Central District of Illinois
  • State Supreme Court - Illinois
  • U.S. District Court - Northern District of Indiana

Professional affiliations

  • American Bar Association Section on Intellectual Property
  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Licensing Executives Society
  • Computer Law Association
  • Defense Research Institute

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