James (Jim) Rieke is a partner and trusted patent attorney at Merchant's Minneapolis office. He specializes in patent preparation, prosecution and strategic IP portfolio management, helping clients across industries protect original designs.
IP Strategy With a Competitive Edge
Jim brings a unique perspective to the field of intellectual property law. As a former design engineer, he takes a multidisciplinary approach to his work. Jim draws on his background in mechanical and medical technologies to better serve clients in his design patent practice.
He’s highly skilled in finding progressive ways to secure coverage for the distinguishable aesthetics of a product or invention. His holistic view on product protection focuses on preserving rights to the visual appearances and functional features of inventions and creative works with all IP tools available.
Jim’s expertise encompasses in-depth IP analysis services, such as:
- Patentability
- Freedom to operate (FTO)
- Product clearance
- Due diligence
- Invalidity
- Infringement
Moreover, he has noteworthy experience in very diverse areas of IP, ranging from licensing to patent term adjustment awards.
As a seasoned attorney, Jim deeply understands the complexities of IP law. This includes how design work overlaps with other areas, such as trademark and copyright protection. Using this knowledge, he examines each asset with a careful eye to maximize the coverage available for his clients.
Cultivating Valued Relationships
Along with the mindset of both an engineer and attorney, Jim brings a demonstrated commitment to the people he works with. He takes a keen interest in every case and truly enjoys meeting with clients in person. Jim engages closely with key stakeholders, guiding them through the legal process step by step.
He’s also passionate about his practice. He diligently illustrates how design patents are integral to a comprehensive IP protection strategy and gives his clients the tools they need to shield against infringement. From gauging risk level to determining financial value, his counsel is custom-tailored to include legal, practical and business advice.
As someone who’s fascinated by emerging technologies and innovations, he’s helped secure a broad range of projects. This includes consumer-oriented and automotive products, medical devices, graphical user interfaces and more.
Jim takes the time to fully understand the nuances of his clients’ designs and their potential impact on domestic and international markets. He looks forward to growing his design practice and leveraging his extensive knowledge of IP law to foster successful outcomes for all of his clients.
Pivoting From Engineer to Patent Attorney
Jim earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University. As a mechanical design engineer, he crafted communications and connectivity solutions for a leading telecommunications company.
He graduated cum laude with a JD from the William Mitchell College of Law. He also completed a clerkship at an IP law firm before school and worked as a patent agent while studying, gaining first-hand experience and insight.
Beyond work, Jim loves to travel, golf, ski, and relax on the lake. As a Minnesota native and an avid sports fan, he can also be found cheering on the Vikings, Timberwolves, or Twins alongside his wife and daughters.