Overview
James M. Oehler focuses his practice on patent prosecution and litigation. He has handled a wide range of patent applications related to medical devices, selective catalyst reduction systems, fiber optic coupling systems, automotive transmissions and accessories, paper products, heat exchanger systems, and commercial restaurant equipment. James has experience litigating in federal district courts, inter partes review proceedings before the US Patent Trial and Appeal Board of the US Patent and Trademark Office, and the International Trade Commission. He regularly advises clients across diverse technologies, including health care, e-commerce, consumer products, and energy industries.
Prior to becoming an attorney, James worked for a decade as a professional engineer where he was involved in all aspects of power plant design, from conception, through construction, and final testing. He learned first-hand just how critical excellent communication with clients and third-parties is to reaching a successful outcome. James worked for three firms – Kiewit Power Engineers, Sargent & Lundy and Black & Veatch.
James serves as an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he teaches thesis courses.
Results
- Represented Cook Group Inc. v. Boston Scientific, Inc., IPR2017-00131, -00132, 00133, -00134, -00135, -00440, -00435; Boston Scientific, Inc. v. Cook Group Inc., No. 15-CV-00980, D. Delaware (2015). Represented Cook in IPRs and district court litigation related to medical device patents*
- Ameranth, Inc. v. Hyatt Hotels Corp., No. 12-CV-01627, S.D. California (2012). Represented Hyatt Corp. in a reservation management system patent infringement matter*
- EXFO Inc. v. Viavi Solutions, Inc., No. 15-CV-01685, E.D. Texas (2015). Represented EXFO Inc. in a fiber optic testing device patent infringement matter*
- LifePort Sciences LLC v. Cook Inc., No. 13-CV-00128, D. Delaware (2013). Represented Cook Medical in a medical device patent infringement matter*
- Trudell Medical Int’l. v. RPC Formatec GMBH, No. 14-CV-032, E.D. Virginia (2014). Represented Trudell Medical in a medical device patent infringement matter*
- Northgate Technologies, Inc. v. Stryker Corp., et al., No. 12-CV-7032, N.D. Illinois (2012-2014). Represented Northgate Technologies in a medical device patent infringement matter*
- In the Matter of Certain Electronic Devices For Capturing And Transmitting Images and Components Thereof, No. 337-TA-831 (U.S. lnt’l Trade Comm’n 2011-2012). Represented Complainant Eastman Kodak in a section 337 patent infringement investigation based on importation of Respondents Apple Inc. and HTC Corp.’s smartphone and tablet products*
* Matter handled prior to joining McDermott
Recognitions
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, Intellectual Property Law, Chicago, 2024-2025
- Chief Justice Edward D. White Award, Highest cumulative grade point average in graduating class, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 2009
- CALI Excellence for the Future Awards in Patent Law, Property, Constitutional Law and Remedies courses, Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Credentials
Education
Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD magna cum laude, 2009
Professional Engineer License (Kansas), 2004
University of Iowa, BA Mechanical Engineering, 2000
Admissions
Illinois
Courts
US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
US Patent and Trademark Office
