Bio
James R. Franks is an Intellectual Property attorney with extensive experience in chemical practice, including polymer and organic chemistry as well as experience in other practice areas including, biology, metallurgy, mechanical arts and computer science. Jim is a named inventor on 17 issued U.S. patents.
Before joining The Webb Law Firm, Jim served as a patent attorney with the law departments of NOVA Chemicals Inc. and Bayer Corporation, and as a patent agent with the law department of PPG Industries, Inc. Prior to his legal practice, Jim was a research and development chemist with PPG Industries, Inc. for over 12 years. His extensive experience includes providing legal advice with regard to all areas of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, licensing, joint ventures and infringement; managing litigation, including infringement patent and trademark litigation; preparation, filing, prosecution and appeal of patent applications on chemistry, polymers, mechanical devices, and business methods; preparation of patentability and freedom-to-operate opinions; and confidentiality, joint development, licensing, and research agreement preparation.
Certification and Bar Admissions
Registered Patent Attorney, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Pennsylvania, 2005
Education
Duquesne University School of Law, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 2005 J.D.
Honors: cum laude
Activites:
Member, Duquesne Law Review
Published in Duquesne Law Review, 42 Duq. Rev. 177 (2003)
Comment Editor, Duquesne Law Review, Vol -43
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1988 M.S.
Major: Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1983 B.S.
Major: Chemistry
Honors: Cum Laude
Professional Associations and Memberships
Allegheny County Bar Association
Pittsburgh Intellectual Property Law Association
Past Employment Positions
NOVA Chemicals Inc., Patent Attorney, Moon Township, Pennsylvania, 2006-2009
Bayer Corporation, Patent Agent and Attorney, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 2000-2006
PPG Industries, Inc., Patent Agent with the patent department of PPG Industries, Inc. Also, held various positions as a research and development chemist within the Coatings and Resins Group, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1984-2000